How to apply

Engaging a financial provider early in the home ownership journey is essential to understanding borrowing capacity, clarify financial requirements and ensure applicants are prepared for each step of the process. A lender or broker can help assess eligibility, outline available loan products and identify any financial gaps that may need attention. They are also required to provide confirmation of pre-approval which is essential when applying for the First Peoples Home Ownership Program. 

Researching and engaging a conveyancer prior to submitting your application is vital to avoid delays and ensure all legal requirements are understood from the outset. A conveyancer can help applicants identify potential issues, explain contract terms and guide applicants through each stage of the process. They are also required to complete key documents related to the First Peoples Home Ownership Program. This includes ensuring required documentation is lodged correctly and on time. 

It is recommended that potential applicants review the eligibility criteria and commence preparation of required documentation prior to starting the application form. 

For assistance and guidance on what you need to do please contact the First Peoples Home Ownership program team, firstpeopleshomeownership@homes.vic.gov.au

Applications are submitted using the online portal. 

Applicants will need to complete the digital application form and attach the required documentation. You do not need to complete the application forms in one session. Applications can be saved and revisited.  

What we will do when we receive your application:

• Confirm receipt of application. You will receive a confirmation email from the First Peoples Home Ownership Program Team (FPHO Program Team).
• Review application to ensure that it is complete, including (but not limited to) whether:
  • Mandatory fields on the application have been completed
  • All required documentation is attached
• If the application is incomplete, we will contact you via your preferred method to verify information or request required documentation to be provided. You will need to respond to these requests for your application to progress.
• Application assessment: once all documentation is provided, the FPHO Program Team will assess your application and contact you to advise you of the outcome.
• If the application is approved, you will be issued with Grant Execution documents via email. These documents will need to be completed by a conveyancer. It is necessary that you have engaged a conveyancer at this point. You can find copies of these documents on the Homes Victoria website.
• Once all required documents have been completed by the conveyancer and returned to the FPHO Program Team, the payment of grant funds will be distributed to your nominated conveyancer. The funds will be held in the conveyancer’s trust account until the settlement date.
• Once settlement has occurred, the conveyancer must complete and return the acquittal letter, confirming receipt and appropriate use of funds.