Buying your first home is one of life's biggest milestones, but navigating grants, concessions and eligibility rules can sometimes feel overwhelming. New laws recently passed by the Queensland Parliament are designed to make the process simpler and ensure first home buyers do not miss out on assistance because of technicalities.
The Home Ownership and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 introduces a range of changes aimed at making it easier for eligible Queenslanders to access first home buyer concessions and government assistance programs.
A shed on the block? You may still qualify
One of the most significant changes relates to vacant land concessions.
Previously, buyers could face uncertainty if a block of land contained an existing structure, such as a shed. The new laws clarify that certain non-residential structures will not necessarily prevent land from being treated as vacant land for concession purposes.
For first home buyers, this means that purchasing a block with an existing shed may no longer affect eligibility for a concession that would otherwise apply.
More certainty when buying a newly built home
The reforms also clarify how first home buyer concessions apply to some newly built homes.
In some building arrangements, a person may contract to have a new home built, but legal ownership of the completed home is first transferred to the builder before being transferred to the homeowner. Although concessions have generally been administered on the basis that eligible buyers should still qualify in these circumstances, amendments made in 2025 created uncertainty about how the law operated.
The new legislation restores certainty by clarifying the original intent of the concession rules and placing that long-standing administrative practice into legislation. It confirms that eligible first home buyers should not miss out on concessions simply because a newly built home was transferred to a builder before being transferred to them.
While this may sound like a legal technicality, it can make a significant difference for first home buyers relying on concessions to reduce upfront costs.
Changes for shared-equity schemes
The legislation also updates the rules for people purchasing a home through government-backed shared-equity programs.
Shared-equity schemes are designed to help eligible buyers enter the property market sooner by reducing the amount they need to borrow. These include Queensland's Boost to Buy scheme and the Australian Government's Help to Buy program. The changes are intended to ensure participants are not unfairly affected when transfer duty and other revenue laws are applied to these arrangements.
What does this mean for prospective buyers?
For many Queenslanders, the changes may never be noticed. For others, they could mean the difference between qualifying for valuable assistance and missing out.
The reforms are intended to ensure buyers are assessed based on the purpose of the concession rather than being excluded because of an unexpected technical issue. Whether it is a shed on a vacant block, the way a newly built property has been sold, or participation in a shared-equity scheme, the focus is on making the rules easier to apply and understand.
Before you sign
If you are planning to buy your first home, it is important to get legal advice before signing a contract. Eligibility for concessions and grants depends on individual circumstances, and an experienced solicitor can help ensure you understand your rights and any assistance that may be available.
A solicitor can also identify potential issues early, helping you avoid costly surprises and giving you confidence as you take the next step towards home ownership.
To find the right solicitor for your circumstances, visit You & The Law’s Find a Solicitor tool.
This article is general information only and is not legal advice. You should obtain independent legal advice about your particular circumstances.
