Requalify for benefits or access relief for requirements.
If you are a victim-survivor of family violence, you can requalify for first home buyer benefits even if you have:
- previously received a First Home Owner Grant and/or first home buyer duty exemption or concession
- owned a home previously.
There is also support if you are unable to meet the 12-month residency requirement for the benefits.
Eligibility for first home buyer benefits
You may be eligible to access first home buyer benefits for another purchase if you:
- left the home for which you received first home buyer benefits, or left the home that is a prior relevant interest, due to family violence
- will be the sole or joint owner of the new home
- live in the new home as your principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least 12 months, starting within 12 months of the date of settlement or completion of construction
- have not, and will not, receive a financial benefit from the previous property
- your current partner meets the eligibility requirements.
A financial benefit includes:
- rent received from the previous home
- profits from selling the home or money received in a financial settlement where the home was included as an asset.
Documents required to support your application for first home buyer benefits could include:
- details of your previous address, purchase price and ownership details, including whether you have been known by any other name
- details of any financial settlement with your previous partner after the relationship ended
- a declaration, such as an affidavit or statutory declaration, confirming relevant details
- any other supporting information such as medical, court or police documents.
12-month residency requirement for benefits
If family violence prevents you from meeting the residency requirements, you may still be eligible for support.
- If you are unable to meet the whole 12-month residency requirement, you may be eligible for a variation.
- If you are unable to move into the home at all, you may be eligible for a waiver so you don’t have to pay back first home benefits received.
To qualify for this relief, you will need to show you have not, or will not, receive a financial benefit from the home. See above for what ‘financial benefit’ means.
Documents to support your claim could include:
- details of any financial settlement with your previous partner after the relationship ended
- a declaration, such as an affidavit or statutory declaration, confirming relevant details
- any other supporting information such as medical documents, court documents and police statements/reports.
Apply for relief
To apply for first home buyer benefits, a variation or waiver of the residency requirement, or to discuss your situation, contact us online (select ‘Family and domestic violence’) or contact us by phone.
Legislation amendment and support
On 24 June 2025, the State Taxation Acts Amendment Act 2025 received Royal Assent. This legislation amends the Duties Act 2000 (Vic) and First Home Owner Grant and Home Buyer Schemes Act 2000 allowing relief for victim-survivors of family violence.
Family violence is defined under the Family Violence Protection Act 2008. Learn more about the signs of family violence on The Orange Door website.
If you or someone you know needs help, there are a wide range of family violence support services available.
