Eligibility for the FHSS scheme
The FHSS scheme can be used to purchase or build residential property in Australia for you to live in as your first home.
Eligibility is assessed on an individual basis. This means that couples, siblings or friends can each access their own eligible FHSS contributions to purchase the same property. If any of you have previously owned a home, it will not stop anyone else who is eligible from applying.
To use this scheme, you must satisfy all the following conditions:
- You're 18 years old or older when requesting a FHSS determination. Your FHSS determination can include eligible contributions that were made before you turned 18.
- You're a first home buyer who has never owned property in Australia. This includes an investment property, vacant land, commercial property, a lease of land, or a company title interest in land. However, if you've previously owned property, you may still qualify if we determine that you've suffered FHSS financial hardship.
- Your name must be on the title of the property you buy. Note: If you have inherited a share of a property and your name was listed on the title, you are still considered to be an owner of the property. Being listed on utility bills but not listed on the title is not considered ownership for the purpose of eligibility for FHSS.
- You don't have a completed release request in relation to a FHSS determination made in relation to you.
Example: eligibility to request a first home super saver determination
Sushant, who was born in 1987, has never:
- used the FHSS scheme before
- owned property in Australia.
On 20 February 2025, Sushant enters a contract to purchase a house in Broome. Sushant registers his interest in the property with the Western Australian Land Title Office on 17 April 2025.
Sushant is eligible to request an FHSS determination as long as he does so before 17 April 2025. He is not eligible to request one after that time because he will then own property in Australia.
End of example
Example: eligibility to request a first home super saver determination
Guo, who is aged over 18, has never used the FHSS scheme before. He currently owns a residential property in Melbourne. He decides to sell his property and buy another home with his partner, Caleb.
Caleb is also aged over 18 and has never used the FHSS scheme before. He has never held any interest in real property in Australia.
Guo is not eligible for the FHSS scheme as he has already held a relevant interest in real property in Australia. He can't make a valid request for an FHSS determination.
However, eligibility for the FHSS scheme is determined on an individual basis, so Guo having owned property will not stop Caleb from being eligible to request an FHSS determination.
Caleb is eligible to request an FHSS determination, as he is over 18 and has not previously requested the release of an amount under the FHSS scheme. Caleb must also have eligible contributions to be able to release an amount from his super under the FHSS scheme.
End of exampleFor more examples about using the FHSS scheme, see Guidance Note GN 2024/1 First home super saver scheme.
Before you plan to use the FHSS scheme
Before you start making contributions under the FHSS scheme you should take the following steps:
- Read and understand all the requirements of the FHSS scheme to ensure it is right for you, including considering whether you need independent financial advice.
- Check that your contributions are eligible for use under the FHSS scheme.
- Check that your nominated super fund(s) will release FHSS amounts.
- Ask your fund about any fees, charges and insurance implications that may apply.
- Check that your super fund has your current contact details. Make sure your name and address in the super fund's records exactly match the details we have for you in our records.
While you should have contacted your super fund about points 3, 4 and 5 above, you do not need to notify them if you choose to start making FHSS contributions. You also do not need to notify your employer or the ATO of this.