Which Government Schemes Can Help Me Buy My First Home In South Australia?

These days, breaking out of the rent cycle can often feel impossible.

But did you know that there are two national programs that can help you get there sooner?

The First Home Super Saver (FHSS) and the First Home Guarantee (FHGS) are schemes specifically designed to help shorten the gap between saving and owning, and get you into your own place sooner.

Of course, you may be wondering if these schemes are worth it - can they really help move the needle when it comes to purchasing your first property (a little scepticism is normal!)

But the good news is yes, they really can!

Together, they can be used to form a smoother pathway to owning your first home.

Here, we break down each scheme in simple terms, explain what each does, who they suit, how they can work together and, most importantly, offer a few easy steps to get started on your journey towards home ownership.

What is the First Home Super Saver (FHSS) and how does it work?

Essentially, The First Home Super Saver scheme lets you put extra savings into your super and later draw an eligible amount toward your first home.

The appeal is simple: it can make disciplined saving easier and, for many, save a deposit faster.

So it suits buyers who can put money aside before they are looking to buy.

However, timing is important with this scheme.

It works best when aligned with your purchase timeline, and any fund release request should only be made when you’re realistically within the buying window.

Why? Because you generally only have 12 months to sign a contract, whether that’s for an established, new or off-the-plan property.

Your best bet to make it work? Establish your expected signing and settlement dates first, then organise your FHSS release to match, preventing any hiccups.

What is the First Home Guarantee (FHGS) and how does it work?

Unlike the FHSS which helps you build the deposit, the First Home Guarantee scheme helps you buy with a smaller one - often as little as 5% - without paying lenders mortgage insurance.

It’s important to note, however, that it doesn’t replace normal credit checks – each participating lender still has its own lending rules. Rather, it sits alongside them.

The scheme often works well for established homes because settlement is sooner and the property is move-in ready.

It also works just as well for new builds and off-the-plan purchases; the only difference is making sure your finance approval and contract dates are covered, and asking how your lender handles longer build times and staged construction.

Can I use the First Home Super Saver and First Home Guarantee schemes together?

Yes! You can combine the First Home Super Saver and the First Home Guarantee if you meet all eligibility criteria.

In fact, many first-home buyers are able to save faster using FHSS, then apply for a home loan through a participating lender for the FHGS.

That’s because each scheme helps with different parts of the buying process - building the deposit, and reducing how much deposit you actually need.

When combined, they can create a more realistic path from saving to first home settlement for both new and established homes.

But did you know that – as a South Australian – there’s even more support on offer for those specifically looking to buy new or off-the-plan properties?

In 2025, the South Australian government introduced the Stamp Duty Relief program for eligible first home buyers, available exclusively for those looking to purchase off-the-plan properties, new homes or vacant land.

If you’re looking to buy in these categories, it means you may not have to pay the stamp duty that would typically apply, saving you a bucketload upfront.

In addition, first homeowners may also be eligible for a one-off First Home Owner Grant payment of up to $15,000, again for those looking to build or buy a brand new home, including off-the-plan.

While you’ll need to apply for each individually, when you’re hoping to take your first step onto the property ladder, they’re each absolutely worth looking into.

Should you buy off-the-plan property or an established home in South Australia?

While both have their pros and cons, the question of whether you should buy off-the-plan or established property usually comes down to timing.

If you need to move quickly and your FHSS release and loan approval are already lined up, an established home can be the most direct path to home ownership.

But off-the-plan is where a longer timeline can really work for you.

Because settlement is further out, you’ve got extra time to keep growing your savings through the FHSS, and get your FHGS application in.

Plus, because it sits within the ‘new home’ category you may be eligible for extra support from the South Australian government in the form of stamp duty relief and the first homeowners grant.

Should you buy off-the-plan property or an established home in South Australia?

With all this in mind, if you’re ready to jump in headfirst and get a foot on the property ladder, here are five steps you can take, starting today:

1. Decide on property type - established, new or off-the-plan

Set a rough timeline so you can narrow down what support schemes may be beneficial.

2. Check what you’re eligible for

Do your research. Jump onto the ATO’s website to check out the FHSS, find participating lenders for the FHGS and - if you’re buying new or off-the-plan - information about the SA stamp duty relief and the FHOG can be found on the RevenueSA website.

It’s also important to keep an eye out for any new or upcoming schemes that may be announced, such as the upcoming federal government’s Help to Buy shared-equity scheme which is due to be opened up soon.

3. Set your timeline

Work out some rough dates - how long you’ll keep saving, when you plan to buy, your settlement window and when you’ll need funds released through the FHSS.

4. Get your finance pre-approvals in place

Speak to a mortgage broker or participating lenders about the FHGS. Ask how they handle established vs new or off-the-plan properties, and how long their approvals stay valid.

5. Do a final check

Reconfirm your eligibility for any support and finance and make sure all your applications and approvals are still valid before you sign any contract.

What mistakes should you avoid when considering government housing support schemes?

Of course, like anything, there are a few pitfalls you’ll want to sidestep on your path towards first home ownership – especially when it comes to any support you’ll need to make it a reality.

And often, the biggest stumbles are the simplest ones.

Here are three common mistakes to keep in mind as you move forward:

1. Assuming every government scheme works together automatically

Each program has its own eligibility rules and timing. Always confirm how the First Home Super Saver and First Home Guarantee, as well as SA’s stamp duty relief and the First Home Owner Grant (if applicable) interact with your exact property and situation before you commit to any purchase contract.

2. Letting important dates and approvals lapse

Pre-approvals, FHSS release windows and contract milestones all have expiry dates. So note them down in a calendar to keep track, and check in with your lender or conveyancer if anything changes.

3. Choosing a property that doesn’t meet criteria

If you’re counting on any of these schemes to help you buy a first home, make sure the property you choose actually qualifies before falling in love with it.

Government housing support schemes exist to make the leap from renting to home ownership simpler and far more achievable for first home buyers.

When used wisely, each scheme can help get you one step closer to purchasing your first home.

Of course, not every option will suit your timing, budget or the kind of home you’re chasing - and that’s fine.

But checking what you’re eligible for before you begin your search is a savvy move that could see you holding the keys to your own home sooner than you thought.

And if you’d like to find out more, particularly around new or off-the-plan properties? Visit the Glenside website for off-the-plan apartments or Fletcher's Slip for townhomes.

All of Cedar Wood’s latest land estates & residential community projects in South Australia include these options, so we’re happy to answer any questions you may have!

Cedar Woods Properties is a leading, national developer of residential communities and commercial developments.

We strive to create quality homes, workplaces and communities that people are proud of.

With award-winning projects in Western Australian, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia, we continue to place great importance on understanding our customers and their lifestyle, producing design solutions to enrich their lives.

For more than 30 years we have worked hard to think ahead, evolving our designs to always respond to the changing world in which we live and creating meaningful places that inspire connection and help us grow.

We work with our customers every step of the way to create a solid foundation for their future.

Because at Cedar Woods we know we are developing tomorrow, today.