A second small home on your block can solve a lot of problems at once. Room for ageing parents close by but If you are building a new home in Shepparton or anywhere across regional Victoria, you have probably heard Building your first home feels like a huge leap, especially when you are trying to make sense of grants, deposits and where to even start. The encouraging part is that as a first home buyer in Shepparton, building new can actually unlock support that buying an established home does not, and regional build costs give your money more room to move.
Here is a clear, current rundown of what is on offer in 2026 and the steps to get from saving to standing in your finished home. Always confirm the latest details with the State Revenue Office, because grant rules and thresholds do change.
The grants and concessions to know
A few different schemes can stack together for first home buyers building new in Victoria.
First Home Owner Grant (FHOG). A one-off payment of $10,000 for eligible first home buyers who buy or build a brand-new home valued at $750,000 or less. This is the big one for new builds, and it is only available for new homes, not established ones. Worth noting: an older, higher regional grant for the Goulburn Valley applied to contracts signed before 1 July 2021, but the grant is now $10,000 statewide.
Stamp duty exemption and concession. First home buyers pay no stamp duty on a home valued up to $600,000, with a concession on a sliding scale between $600,001 and $750,000. On a typical Shepparton first home, this can be one of your biggest savings.
Home Guarantee Scheme. A federal scheme that lets eligible first home buyers purchase with as little as a 5 percent deposit without paying lenders mortgage insurance, because the government guarantees part of the loan. From October 2025, income caps were removed and places became unlimited, which widened access considerably.
These programs can often be used together. The exact combination depends on your price, your circumstances and the current rules, so it is worth talking to a mortgage broker who knows the Victorian schemes.
Why building can suit first home buyers here
Building new has some real advantages for first timers in the Goulburn Valley:
- The FHOG is only for new homes, so building keeps that $10,000 on the table
- A new home meets the current 7-star energy standard, so running costs are lower from day one
- Regional build costs run below metro Melbourne, so your budget stretches further
- You get a home with no immediate maintenance and a fresh warranty
The trade-off is that building takes longer than buying an existing home and asks more of you during the process. For many first home buyers, the savings and the brand-new home are well worth it.
The steps from saving to keys
1. Sort your finance first. Talk to a broker or lender to understand your borrowing power and which grants and schemes you qualify for. Knowing your real budget shapes every decision that follows.
2. Choose your block or house-and-land option. Look at location, block size, orientation and whether the site sits in any flood or other overlay. A builder can help you read a block before you commit.
3. Pick a design that fits your budget. Your first home does not have to be your forever home. A sensible, well-built design you can afford comfortably beats a stretch that leaves you stressed.
4. Choose a builder you trust. This is the decision that makes or breaks the experience. Look for a registered local builder with homes you can see, a transparent quote, and a contract you understand.
5. Build, then move in. Once contracts and permits are sorted, construction begins. Your builder guides you through each stage to handover, when you get the keys to your first home.
A word on doing it right
The excitement of a first home can make it tempting to chase the cheapest quote or rush the paperwork. Slow down on those two things. A clear contract and a builder who communicates well will save you far more stress than a slightly lower price ever saves you money.
Roweanne Builders works with first home buyers across Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley, keeping the process clear and the budget honest from the first conversation. We will help you choose a design you can afford and build it without surprises.
FAQs
1. How much is the First Home Owner Grant in Victoria in 2026?
It is a one-off $10,000 payment for eligible first home buyers building or buying a new home valued at $750,000 or less. It is only available for new homes. Always confirm current eligibility with the State Revenue Office.
2. Can I use the First Home Owner Grant to build a house?
Yes. The FHOG applies to building a new home, not just buying one, as long as you and the property meet the eligibility rules. This is a key reason building can suit first home buyers.
3. Do first home buyers pay stamp duty in Victoria?
First home buyers pay no stamp duty on a home valued up to $600,000, with a concession on a sliding scale up to $750,000. This applies to eligible first home buyers and can be a major saving.