First Home Buyer Stamp Duty — All States 2026
| State | Full Exemption Under | Concession Up To | Max Saving | Property Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | $800,000 | $1,000,000 | $31,335 | New & established |
| VIC | $600,000 | $750,000 | $31,000 | New & established |
| QLD | $550,000 | $700,000 (land only) | $15,925 | Home & land |
| WA | $450,000 | $600,000 | $17,765 | New & established |
| SA | No general exemption | Off-the-plan concessions | Varies | Off-the-plan only |
| TAS | 50% concession on all | All values | 50% of duty | New & established |
| ACT | Full exemption (means tested) | Income < $160k (couple) | Up to $34,790 | New & established |
| Always confirm current thresholds with your state revenue office | Thresholds change annually | |||
NSW First Home Buyer Stamp Duty Exemption 2026
In NSW, first home buyers pay no stamp duty on properties valued at $800,000 or less. A reduced concession applies for properties between $800,001 and $1,000,000. Additionally, NSW offers first home buyers the choice of paying an annual property tax instead of upfront stamp duty — useful if you plan to sell within 5-7 years. The Revenue NSW First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme has helped over 180,000 buyers since 2017.
VIC First Home Buyer Stamp Duty Exemption 2026
Victorian first home buyers pay zero stamp duty on properties valued at $600,000 or less. A reducing concession applies between $600,001 and $750,000. VIC also offers an additional First Home Owner Grant of $10,000 for newly built homes valued up to $750,000. For off-the-plan purchases, the dutiable value is based on the land value plus construction completed at time of contract — potentially reducing duty significantly on apartments.
How to Claim Your First Home Buyer Stamp Duty Exemption
- Confirm eligibility — you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, be a first home buyer (never owned property anywhere in Australia), intend to live in the property as your principal place of residence within 12 months
- Lodge the correct form — your conveyancer/solicitor will lodge the appropriate exemption or concession form with your state revenue office
- Settlement timing — the exemption is applied at settlement, reducing the amount payable
- Keep records — maintain evidence of first home buyer status as state revenue offices audit compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get stamp duty exemption if my partner has owned property before?
No. In most states, all purchasers on the title must be first home buyers. If your partner has previously owned property anywhere in Australia, you generally will not qualify for the exemption, even if this is your first time buying.
Is stamp duty exemption available for investment properties?
No. First home buyer stamp duty exemptions require you to live in the property as your principal place of residence, typically within 12 months of settlement. Using it as an investment property voids the exemption and the full duty becomes payable.
Do I still pay stamp duty on a property over the threshold?
Yes, but you may receive a concession reducing the amount. For example in NSW, a $900,000 property triggers partial duty — less than the full rate but not zero. Use our stamp duty calculator for the exact figure.