First home buyers who build or buy a new home in the NT will be able to apply for grants of up to $50,000, while those purchasing an established home may receive $10,000.

Australians who have previously owned property and choose to buy or build a new home in the territory will be eligible for $30,000 under the new FreshStart New Home Grant.

The grants were a key promise by the territory's Country Liberal Party (CLP) ahead of its August election win.

"HomeGrown Territory will help attract and retain our key workers and families by breaking down financial barriers to entering the housing market," NT chief minister Lia Finocchiaro said.

"This is about encouraging Territorians to put down roots and build a life in the Territory.

"It also signals to the rest of Australia that if you want to build your dream home, come to the Northern Territory."

Applications for the grants will open on Tuesday, 1 October and must be lodged by 31 December 2025.

The territory government has committed $20 million to the year-long program, aiming to support housing construction and population growth.

Further funding may be available if required.

The grants hinge on amendments to territory legislation, expected to be introduced when parliament resumes on 15 October and be approved by November.

Are you eligible for the NT's $50k home builder grants?

Those turning to the grants won't be restricted by purchase price.

To be eligible, applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents and have to live in the property being built or purchased for at least 12 months.

However, finding land on which to build a home in the NT could prove challenging.

Just over 80 new lots are expected to be made available in Darwin this year, PRD chief economist Diaswati Mardiasmo told Your Mortgage in August.

"Unlocking land, as well as building approvals, lie in the powers of the local councils and state [and territory] government," she said.

"You need both hands to clap to be able to solve or address the housing shortage issue in any significant manner."

How the NT compares on first home buyer grants

When it comes to first home buyer grants, the NT now far outstrips all other states and territories.

Behind it is Queensland, which promises grants of up to $30,000 to first-time buyers spending less than $750,000 to purchase or build a new home.

South Australia takes the bronze position with its $15,000 first home buyer grant offered to those buying or building a new property, no matter the cost of doing so.

See how others compare: State-By-State Guide to First Home Owner Grants

Image by Shaun Crawford via Wikimedia Commons

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