Treasurer
Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure
Minister for Housing Construction
Media Release Helping Territorians achieve their dream of home ownership in 2026
3 September 2025
More Territorians will own their first home in 2026 thanks to the Finocchiaro CLP Government's extension of the HomeGrown Territory Grants.
Today in parliament, the First Home Owners Grant Amendment (extension of scheme) Bill 2025 will be introduced, ensuring more eligible first home buyers can access the $50,000 incentive for building or buying a new home until 30 September 2026.
Launched last year, the HomeGrown Territory grants - the most generous home builder scheme in Australia - have been a standout success, with nearly 1,000 approved applications delivering over $13 million in grants.
The scheme, open to all Territorians, is boosting housing supply, driving confidence in the building sector, and underpinning population growth.
This includes more than 200 new builds currently in the pipeline.
First home buyers now join eligible existing home buyers able to access FreshStart New Home Grants, offering $30,000 to buy or build a new home until the same date.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, first home buyers are leading the charge, with the NT recording an increase of 258 finance dwelling commitments over the year to June 2025 - the strongest growth in the nation at 23.4%.
Treasurer Bill Yan, Minister for Housing and Construction, said this outcome is the result of the CLP Government's discipline and focus on turning the Territory around and getting it moving forward again.
"After nearly a decade of decline under Labor, we've turned the Territory around. The latest CommSec State of the States report shows the NT leading the nation in population growth and recording the fastest economic growth at 10.2%."
The latest NAB Australian Wellbeing Survey (Q2 2025) revealed Territorians were the most optimistic in the country about being better off over the next 12 months.
NT Government figures confirm Millennials and Gen Z are driving applications, taking up more than 80% of the grants. The majority are health professionals, educators, and those working in administrative roles.
Construction activity is also surging.
Non-residential private sector work grew 28.4% year-to-date to $71 million, with cranes on the skyline signalling new projects.
The value of building work yet to be done in the Territory has also risen by 21.1% to $1.3 billion over the year to March quarter 2025 - almost double the national average of 11.2%.
"Extending the grants was important to the Government," Minister Yan said.
"We know there are many more Territorians who want to build or buy their dream home but aren't quite in a position there yet - and we don't want them to miss out.
"This extension gives families the chance to take that step, while also delivering confidence for developers, builders, and contractors to invest in their operations."
Master Builders NT Chief Executive Sallyann Innes said extending the grant was a win for the Territory.
"Master Builders NT is encouraging Territorians to take advantage of the HomeGrown Territory Grant and make the dream of building their own home a reality. Every new home built keeps the construction industry strong at a critical time for the Northern Territory," she said.
"It means more work for our local builders, tradies, apprentices, and suppliers - and more business for Territory-owned companies. The result? A stronger community and a healthier economy, with benefits that flow right across the NT."
"And with a strong expected uptake of grants, we encourage the Government to ensure the titling and supply of land keeps up with demand."
