The First Home Super Saver (FHSS) scheme allows first-home buyers to withdraw up to $50,000 of voluntary super contributions (along with associated earnings) for a home deposit. Contributions released under the FHSS scheme can be used to buy a new or existing home in Australia.
You can contribute up to $30,000 to your super each year at a concessional tax rate of 15%, instead of the marginal income tax rate. Under the FHSS scheme, you can apply to have a maximum of $15,000 of your personal super contributions from any one financial year released, and $50,000 in total.
Before signing a contract for your first home, you generally need to apply for and receive a FHSS determination from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). After signing the contract, you then apply for release with your super fund.
You can only request a release under the FHSS scheme once. Buying property with super is also available to some investors and retirees.