First home buyers have been encouraged to take up an $11,000 offer from the State Government to buy new-build homes outside South East Queensland.

Since the Regional First Home Owner Grant was introduced on 1 June 2010, 433 applications worth $4.752 million have been approved.

"There is no doubt the grant is encouraging people to choose to own their first home in regional Queensland with uptake more than doubling since November," Acting Treasurer Rachel Nolan said.

"With a city the size of Mackay moving to the South East each year we needed to look at new ways to take the pressure off SEQ. It's not a silver bullet solution but it is a strong incentive to choose our regional communities for people looking to buy their first home.

"Queensland's regional centres offer some of the most attractive lifestyles on earth and I encourage more people to get on board to continue to promote their growth.

"In financially tough times you cannot underestimate how much an $11,000 head start towards a new-build can assist.

"An important added bonus is that this scheme provides a boost to the construction industry in regional Queensland by increasing demand for new-build homes."

First home buyers looking to take the next step and cash-in on the State Government's $11,000 incentive should visit www.osr.qld.gov.au