Median house prices in Townsville soared by a whopping 11% between 2024 and 2025 with that trend expected to continue into 2026. Increased demand and limited supply, as well as property investment in the North Queensland region have all played a key role in Townsville’s property price growth exceeding the national growth average by more than 3%.

For those looking to purchase a new home in Townsville, QLD in 2026, we’ve compiled a list of the government grants and incentives. Different grants and incentives apply to different types of builds and individuals, so it’s important to review eligibility for each grant below.

First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)

The first home owner grant or FHOG is a Queensland Government initiative aimed at getting the next generation of first home buyers into the property market and stimulating new builds in Queensland.

The first home owner grant is only available to brand-new homes, off-the-plan purchases, or "substantially renovated" homes.

Under the FHOG, eligible applicants may access a $30,000 grant on properties where the foundations are laid between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2026 (both dates inclusive), and $15,000 on properties where the foundations were laid before 20 November 2023.

The first home owner grant is paid on a “per home” basis which means that multiple first home buyers cannot apply for the grant on the same property in instances where the ownership will be split.

Eligibility criteria

• The total value of the property must not exceed $750,000
• The first home owner grant is only available to new homes or new home builds
• Applicants must be at least 18-years of age and purchasing in their personal name
• Applicants must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Applicants must be purchasing their first home
• Applicants must not have previously received the same or an equivalent grant in any other state or territory of Australia.
• Must move into the home within 1 year of completion and live there continuously for at least 6 months after the purchase.

What you need to apply

Proof of Identity: Applicants must provide a combination of documents such as a Birth Certificate, Passport, Driver’s Licence, or Medicare Card.

Proof of Citizenship/Residency: Applicants must prove their citizenship or residency status with an Australian Passport, Citizenship Certificate, or Visa documentation.

Build or property contract: Applicants must supply a copy of a signed and dated Contract of Sale for new homes or a Building Contract for new home builds

Transaction Evidence: For buyers of new home builds, a registration confirmation statement that proves ownership. For new home builds, a final inspection certificate that is issued at the end of the build.

Financials: If you are an owner-builder, you’ll need a summary of costs and receipts. 

Transfer Duty (Formerly Stamp Duty) Exemption

The transfer duty exemption – formerly known as the stamp duty exemption – came into effect on the 1^st May 2025. Unlike the first home buyer grant, applicants for the transfer duty exemption do not have to be Australian citizens in order to access the program.

Under the transfer duty exemption, the amount of relief that is offered will be contingent on the type of property that is purchased.

New & Substantially Renovated Homes

New and substantially renovated homes are offered the highest “savings” under the transfer duty exemption in Queensland. All new and substantially renovated properties – regardless of their purchase price – are eligible for a 100% transfer duty exemption.

Eligibility 

• Contracts must be signed and exchanged after 1 May 2025
• The property must never have been previously occupied or sold as a residence 

Established & Existing Homes

A 100% Transfer duty exemption for established and existing homes is available on properties up to the value of $700,000. A sliding scale of partial exemption applies on properties valued between $700,001 and $800,000. For properties valued at $800,000 or more, no transfer duty exemption is available. 

Eligibility

• 100% exemption on homes below $700,000
• Sliding scale exemption on properties between $700,001 and $800,000
• No transfer duty exemption on properties over $800,000 

Vacant Land

Vacant land purchases made after 1 May 2025 are eligible for a 100% transfer duty exemption in Queensland. There is no limit to the purchase price of the land. Prior to 1 May 2025, exemptions were only available on vacant land purchases up to the value of $350,000 which is a significant change.

Eligibility

• All vacant land purchases (irrespective of price) are eligible for a 100% transfer duty exemption in Queensland. 

Boost to Buy – QLD Shared Equity Scheme

The Boost to Buy, also known as the Shared Equity Scheme, is a Queensland government initiative designed to help first home buyers purchase homes with a reduced deposit amount. The scheme is available for those that need the most help in cracking into the property market with strict restrictions on eligibility.

Who is eligible for the Boost to Buy/QLD Shared Equity Scheme?

• Properties must not exceed the $1-million threshold
• The grant is only available to first home buyers – applicants must not have previously owned or purchased a property in any state or territory of Australia.
• Applicants must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia
• Applicants must not exceed income limits of $150k for singles and $225k for couples and dependants
• Applicants must offer a minimum 2% deposit from personal savings.