Preparing financially
First Home Super Saver Scheme
Save part of your deposit inside superannuation's lower-tax environment — contribution limits, the withdrawal process, and what it doesn't guarantee.
- Voluntary super contributions of up to $15,000 per year and $50,000 in total can be released toward a first-home deposit.
- Minimum age to apply is 18; the ATO determines your maximum releasable amount.
- Couples, friends or siblings can each access their own FHSSS savings for the same property.
- Released funds are taxed at your marginal rate less a 30% offset, not returned tax-free.
How the FHSSS works
The First Home Super Saver Scheme, administered by the ATO, lets eligible people make voluntary super contributions — before tax (salary sacrifice) or after tax (personal contributions) — and later apply to release those contributions plus associated earnings to help fund a first-home deposit. Super is generally taxed more favourably than take-home income, which is the scheme's core appeal.
Contribution and withdrawal limits
You can make up to $15,000 of voluntary contributions per financial year, up to $50,000 in total, and apply to withdraw those contributions plus associated earnings (Housing Australia / Australian Government, verified 29 Jul 2026). The ATO determines your maximum releasable amount and issues a formal determination before any property ownership transfers. The minimum age to apply is 18. Couples, friends or siblings buying together can each access their own FHSSS savings toward the same property.
Practical checklist
Before relying on the FHSSS in your deposit plan
- Check your eligibility and current contribution room with the ATO
- Request an FHSSS determination before signing an unconditional contract
- Confirm the tax treatment of your specific release amount
- Factor in processing time — releases are not instant
Relevant Delora tool
Questions for a professional
- Based on my super contributions, what could I realistically release under the FHSSS?
- How long does the determination and release process typically take?
- How is my released amount taxed, and how does that affect my net deposit?
Official resources
Sources and methodology
- First Home Super Saver Scheme — Housing Australia / Australian Government (retrieved 29 Jul 2026)
Figures on this page are drawn from Delora's local knowledge graph, refreshed from these primary sources and checked for changes on a regular schedule. If a figure here looks out of date, the official source above is always the authority — please let us know.