Stamp Duty Exemptions for First Home Buyers: Every State Explained
State-by-state guide to stamp duty exemptions and concessions for first home buyers in Australia. Covers NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT, and NT thresholds, eligibility criteria, and how to apply.
Definition
Stamp Duty Exemption
A state government concession that reduces or eliminates the transfer duty (stamp duty) payable by eligible first-home buyers when purchasing property. Most states offer a full exemption below a certain price threshold and a sliding concession above it, up to a second cap beyond which the standard rate applies.
Stamp duty is the single largest upfront cost most first-home buyers face in Australia — but depending on where you buy and how much you spend, you may not have to pay it at all. Every state and territory offers some form of stamp duty exemption or concession specifically for first-home buyers, and these schemes can save you anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands.
This guide breaks down the first-home buyer stamp duty exemptions and concessions available in each state as of 2026, including eligibility criteria, how to apply, common mistakes that disqualify buyers, and how these exemptions interact with the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG).
How Stamp Duty Exemptions Work
A stamp duty exemption means you pay no stamp duty at all on an eligible purchase. A concession means you pay a reduced amount. Most states offer a full exemption below a certain property price threshold, with a sliding concession for properties above that threshold up to a second cap — beyond which you pay the standard rate.
These exemptions are separate from the First Home Owner Grant, which is a cash payment. You can usually claim both the stamp duty exemption and the FHOG on the same purchase, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for each.
State-by-State Stamp Duty Exemptions
First Home Buyer Stamp Duty Exemptions by State (2026)
| State | Full Exemption Threshold | Concession Range | FHOG (New Homes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Up to $800,000 | $800,001 - $1,000,000 | $10,000 (up to $600,000) |
| VIC | Up to $600,000 | $600,001 - $750,000 | $10,000 (up to $750,000) |
| QLD | First $500,000 duty-free | Up to $700,000 | $30,000 (up to $750,000) |
| WA | Up to $430,000 | $430,001 - $530,000 | $10,000 (up to $750,000) |
| SA | Up to $650,000 (new homes) | Above $650,000 (sliding) | $15,000 (up to $650,000) |
| TAS | 50% discount (up to $600,000) | N/A | $30,000 (up to $600,000) |
| ACT | Up to $1,000,000 | Income test applies ($160k) | Abolished (exemption replaces it) |
| NT | Up to $650,000 | Above $650,000 (sliding) | $10,000 (no price cap) |
New South Wales (NSW)
NSW offers one of the most generous stamp duty exemptions for first-home buyers through the First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme:
- Full exemption: Properties valued up to $800,000 (new and existing homes)
- Concession: Reduced duty on properties valued between $800,001 and $1,000,000
- Vacant land: Full exemption up to $350,000; concession up to $450,000
The saving on a $750,000 property in NSW is approximately $29,000 — a significant amount that would otherwise need to be paid within 3 months of settlement. NSW also offers the FHOG of $10,000 for new homes valued up to $600,000.
Victoria (VIC)
Victoria's first-home buyer duty exemption applies to both new and established homes:
- Full exemption: Properties valued up to $600,000
- Concession: Reduced duty on properties valued between $600,001 and $750,000
For a $600,000 property, this exemption saves approximately $31,000 in stamp duty. Victoria also provides the FHOG of $10,000 for new homes up to $750,000 ($20,000 in regional Victoria), which can be claimed on top of the stamp duty exemption.
Queensland (QLD)
Queensland's First Home Concession works slightly differently:
- Full concession: No duty on the first $500,000 of the property value
- Partial concession: Reduced rates for properties valued up to $700,000
- Maximum saving: Up to $17,350
Queensland stands out for its exceptionally generous FHOG of $30,000 for new homes up to $750,000, making it one of the most accessible states for first-time buyers building or buying new.
Western Australia (WA)
- Full exemption: Properties valued up to $430,000
- Concession: Reduced rates for properties valued between $430,001 and $530,000
- Off-the-plan: A separate rebate of up to $50,000 applies for off-the-plan apartments
WA also offers the FHOG of $10,000 for new homes up to $750,000. The relatively lower property price threshold for the stamp duty exemption reflects WA's more affordable median house prices compared to the east coast.
South Australia (SA)
- Full exemption: No stamp duty on new homes valued up to $650,000
- Concession: Sliding concession for properties above $650,000
- Established homes: SA's exemption currently applies to new homes only, though concessions for established homes may apply — check the RevenueSA website
Combined with the $15,000 FHOG for new homes up to $650,000, South Australian first-home buyers purchasing a new build can save over $35,000 in total.
Tasmania (TAS)
- 50% discount: Tasmania offers a 50% reduction in stamp duty for first-home buyers purchasing properties valued up to $600,000 as their primary residence
While Tasmania does not offer a full exemption, the 50% discount still represents meaningful savings. For a $500,000 property, this saves approximately $5,000 to $7,000. Tasmania also provides an impressive $30,000 FHOG for new homes up to $600,000.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- Full exemption: The Home Buyer Concession Scheme provides a complete stamp duty exemption for eligible buyers purchasing properties valued up to $1,000,000
- Income test: Combined household income must be below $160,000 per year
The ACT has the most generous threshold in the country at $1,000,000, though the income test is stricter than other states. Note that the ACT abolished the FHOG, replacing it with the stamp duty exemption as the primary support mechanism.
Northern Territory (NT)
- Full exemption: The Territory Home Owner Discount provides a full stamp duty exemption for properties valued up to $650,000
- Partial discount: Reduced rates for properties above $650,000
The NT also offers a $10,000 FHOG for new homes with no price cap, making it uniquely flexible for first-home buyers across all price ranges.
Eligibility Criteria
While the specific rules vary by state, most jurisdictions share these common eligibility requirements:
- First-time purchase: You (and your spouse or partner) must not have previously owned residential property in Australia
- Age requirement: You must be at least 18 years old
- Residency: You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Occupation: You must move into the property as your principal place of residence, usually within 12 months of settlement
- Minimum occupancy: Most states require you to live in the property for at least 6 to 12 continuous months
- Natural person: The purchase must be in the name of an individual, not a trust or company
Partner's Property History Matters
In most states, your eligibility for first-home buyer benefits is assessed jointly with your spouse or de facto partner. If your partner has previously owned property in Australia, you may both be disqualified — even if you personally have never owned property. Always check with your conveyancer before assuming you are eligible.
How to Apply
In most states, your solicitor or conveyancer applies for the exemption or concession on your behalf as part of the settlement process. You will typically need to:
- Complete the relevant first-home buyer declaration form for your state
- Provide proof of identity (passport, driver's licence)
- Provide proof of citizenship or permanent residency
- Sign a statutory declaration confirming you meet the eligibility criteria
- Lodge the application with the state revenue office (usually handled by your conveyancer)
Timing is important — most applications must be lodged at or before settlement. Applying after settlement is possible in some states but may involve delays and additional paperwork.
Common Mistakes That Disqualify Buyers
These are the most frequent errors that cause first-home buyers to lose their stamp duty exemption:
- Owning property previously: If you or your partner have ever owned property anywhere in Australia — even inherited property or an investment property you never lived in — you may be ineligible. Some states check ownership records going back decades.
- Not moving in within the required timeframe: If you do not occupy the property as your primary residence within the required period (usually 12 months), you may be required to repay the exemption in full.
- Moving out too early: Selling or moving out before the minimum occupancy period expires triggers a clawback of the exemption amount.
- Buying through a trust or company: Stamp duty exemptions only apply to natural persons purchasing in their own name.
- Exceeding the price threshold: Even $1 over the exemption cap can disqualify you from a full exemption. Always check the exact threshold before making an offer.
- Not applying on time: Failing to lodge the exemption application at settlement can result in paying full stamp duty upfront and having to apply for a refund later.
Interaction with the First Home Owner Grant
The stamp duty exemption and the FHOG are two separate schemes with different eligibility criteria. Key differences:
- The FHOG generally applies only to new homes (newly built, off-the-plan, or substantially renovated)
- The stamp duty exemption usually applies to both new and established homes (except in SA where it is limited to new homes)
- The price thresholds for each scheme may differ within the same state
- You can claim both on the same purchase if you meet the criteria for each
For example, a first-home buyer in Queensland purchasing a new $500,000 home could receive the $30,000 FHOG plus a full stamp duty concession saving approximately $8,750 — a combined benefit of nearly $39,000.
Use the Stamp Duty Calculator
To see exactly how much stamp duty you would pay — or save — on a specific property, use the Realestate Lens Stamp Duty Calculator. It factors in your state, property value, and first-home buyer status to give you an accurate estimate in seconds.
For a broader overview of buying your first home in Australia, see our comprehensive First Home Buyer's Guide.
Stamp duty exemptions can save first-home buyers tens of thousands of dollars, but they come with strict eligibility rules around price thresholds, occupancy requirements, and application timelines. Understanding the rules in your state before you start house-hunting ensures you do not accidentally purchase a property that falls outside the exemption threshold, and that you lodge the right paperwork at the right time. Check your state revenue office website for the latest figures, and always confirm your eligibility with your conveyancer before signing a contract.
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Get Started FreeDisclaimer: Stamp duty thresholds and concession rules are subject to change. The figures in this article are based on information available as of early 2026. Always verify current rates with your state or territory revenue office.