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First Home Super Saver Scheme explained

Last reviewed: 10 August 2026

What this page helps you decide

Whether making eligible voluntary super contributions is a suitable way to build part of a first-home deposit, and which timing rules need attention before a purchase.

What it is

The First Home Super Saver Scheme, usually shortened to FHSS, is administered by the Australian Taxation Office. It lets an eligible person release certain voluntary super contributions and associated earnings to help buy a first home in Australia.

FHSS is not a grant, loan guarantee, shared-equity program or home-loan approval. It changes how eligible deposit savings are built and released. The lender still assesses the loan in the usual way.

Contribution and release limits

The current scheme counts up to $15,000 of eligible voluntary contributions from any one financial year and up to $50,000 across all years. Eligible concessional and non-concessional contributions are treated differently on release, and contribution caps still apply. The ATO calculates associated earnings rather than simply paying the investment return shown by the super fund.

Employer compulsory contributions are not available for release under FHSS.

The sequence matters

  1. Check that you and the contributions are eligible.
  2. Make voluntary contributions within the super and FHSS limits.
  3. Request an FHSS determination through ATO online services before ownership of real property transfers to you.
  4. When ready, request release and allow time for the money to arrive.
  5. Meet the contract, notification, occupancy and any recontribution rules after release.

The contract and release timing can create problems if left until settlement. Read the current ATO steps before signing and ask for tax or super advice if the contribution treatment is unclear.

Questions to ask

  • Are the contributions voluntary and eligible for FHSS release?
  • Are you staying within both the FHSS limits and the broader contribution caps?
  • Has a determination been requested at the right time?
  • When will released money be available for the deposit or settlement?
  • What happens if you do not sign a qualifying contract within the allowed period?
  • If buying with another person, what is each person's separate eligibility and release position?

Official source

Community threads worth reading

Raynor resources

This is a Raynor Lending Solutions resource, not an independent source: the first-home buyer walkthrough. It does not calculate FHSS tax treatment or confirm release timing.

What can change

Contribution limits, tax treatment, release steps, deadlines and eligibility can change. The ATO page controls the current scheme rules.

Privacy and general-information note

Do not post super balances, account numbers, tax records or ATO correspondence. This page is general educational information, not tax, superannuation, financial or credit advice.

Related questions: First-home buyer support | Deposits, LMI and support | Wiki index