First Home Buyer Stamp Duty Exemptions: Save Up to $31,070

Your complete guide to stamp duty concessions across VIC, NSW, QLD and SA. Know exactly what you qualify for.

Understanding First Home Buyer Stamp Duty Concessions

Stamp duty is one of the biggest upfront costs when buying property in Australia. For first home buyers, this expense can add tens of thousands of dollars to your purchase. The good news? Every state offers significant stamp duty exemptions and concessions designed specifically for first home buyers.

A stamp duty exemption first home buyer scheme can reduce your duty to $0 on eligible properties. Concessions provide a sliding scale discount when your property value exceeds exemption thresholds. These savings are substantial. In Victoria alone, eligible buyers can save up to $31,070 on stamp duty.

As a first home buyer conveyancing solicitor operating across Australia, we help buyers understand and claim these concessions correctly. One missed requirement can disqualify your application entirely. We review your eligibility, prepare the necessary declarations, and ensure your concession is applied at settlement.

Not Sure If You Qualify?

We'll review your situation and confirm your stamp duty exemption eligibility before you commit.

Key Eligibility Requirements You Must Meet

Three critical factors determine whether you qualify for first home stamp duty concessions

Property Value Thresholds

Each state sets specific property value limits for stamp duty exemptions. In Victoria, properties valued at $600,000 or less qualify for 100% exemption. Properties between $600,001 and $750,000 receive a tapered concession. NSW, QLD and SA have their own thresholds. Purchase price matters, but so does the dutiable value calculation method your state uses.

Moving into a new home to meet residency requirements

Principal Place of Residence Requirements

You cannot claim a first home buyer stamp duty concession on an investment property. At least one purchaser must move into the home and live there as their principal place of residence for a minimum of 12 continuous months. This occupancy period must begin within 12 months of settlement. Revenue offices do audit compliance.

Couple discussing previous property ownership and eligibility

Previous Property Ownership Rules

Here's where many buyers get caught out. If you or your spouse or partner have ever owned residential property anywhere in Australia, you're disqualified. This applies even if you never lived in that property. Even if you only owned a partial share. Previous ownership of investment properties counts. We check this thoroughly before lodging any concession application.

State-by-State Stamp Duty Exemptions for First Home Buyers

Victoria (VIC)

Victoria offers one of the most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemption schemes in Australia. Properties with a dutiable value of $600,000 or less attract zero stamp duty. That's a potential saving of $31,070 on a $600,000 home. For properties valued between $600,001 and $750,000, a sliding scale concession applies. The discount reduces progressively until it phases out completely at $750,000.

Victoria also provides a temporary off-the-plan duty concession extended until 20 October 2026. This applies to all buyers, including investors. Duty is calculated only on the land value and completed works at contract signing, not the final purchase price. For first home buyers purchasing apartments off the plan, this can mean significant additional savings.

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW provides a full stamp duty exemption for first home buyers purchasing new or existing homes valued up to $800,000. A sliding scale concession applies for properties valued between $800,001 and $1,000,000. For vacant land, the exemption threshold is $350,000, with concessions available up to $450,000. NSW buyers can also access the First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme, which combines with the First Home Owner Grant for eligible new home purchases.

Queensland (QLD)

Queensland first home buyers pay no transfer duty on homes valued under $700,000. A concession applies for properties valued between $700,001 and $800,000. Queensland also offers a first home concession for vacant land purchases up to $350,000, with reduced rates available up to $500,000. The QLD scheme is straightforward. If you meet the eligibility criteria and your property falls within the thresholds, the exemption applies automatically at settlement.

South Australia (SA)

South Australia provides stamp duty relief for first home buyers purchasing new homes. The exemption applies to new homes valued up to $650,000. For substantially renovated homes and vacant land intended for building, different thresholds apply. SA does not currently offer a stamp duty exemption on established homes for first home buyers, though other concessions may be available.

How We Help You Claim Your Concession

Claiming a first home buyer stamp duty concession requires more than just ticking a box. You need to complete statutory declarations, provide evidence of eligibility, and ensure the concession is correctly applied before settlement. Revenue offices can and do reject applications with incomplete documentation.

Our conveyancing service includes a full eligibility assessment at the start of your matter. We identify which concessions you qualify for, prepare all required documentation, and lodge applications with the relevant revenue office. If you're purchasing off the plan, we calculate the correct dutiable value and ensure you receive any additional concessions available.

Fixed fee conveyancing at $1,320 plus disbursements. No hidden costs. Direct solicitor contact throughout your purchase.

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Get your contract reviewed and stamp duty concession confirmed. Fixed fee $1,320 plus disbursements.

Why First Home Buyers Choose Us

Qualified solicitors. Fixed fees. Clear communication.

Stamp Duty Concession Assistance

We assess your eligibility, prepare declarations, and lodge applications. Your concession is confirmed before settlement.

Fixed Fee Transparency

$1,320 plus disbursements. We quote all costs upfront. No surprise fees at settlement.

Direct Solicitor Contact

Speak directly with your solicitor. No call centres. No offshore processing. Real answers when you need them.

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Plain Language Explanations

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Part of Sutton Laurence King Lawyers. Complex issues escalated internally when needed.

Stamp Duty Exemption FAQs

Each state revenue office provides an online stamp duty calculator. Enter your property value and select 'first home buyer' to see the concession applied. These calculators give estimates only. Actual duty depends on the dutiable value, which may differ from the purchase price. We calculate your exact duty liability as part of our conveyancing service.

No. If your spouse or de facto partner has previously owned residential property anywhere in Australia, you are both disqualified from the first home buyer stamp duty exemption. This applies even if they owned the property before your relationship began. We check ownership history for both parties before lodging any concession application.

You may be required to repay the stamp duty concession you received. Revenue offices audit compliance and can reassess your transaction if you fail to meet the residency requirement. Legitimate exceptions exist for circumstances like job relocation or relationship breakdown. Contact us if your circumstances change after settlement.

Yes, with additional benefits. First home buyers purchasing off the plan can claim both the first home buyer exemption and the off-the-plan concession. The off-the-plan concession (extended to October 2026 in Victoria) calculates duty on land and completed works only, not the finished apartment price. Combined savings can be substantial.

Yes. The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) and stamp duty exemptions are separate schemes with different eligibility criteria. Many first home buyers qualify for both. The FHOG provides up to $10,000 for eligible new homes. We assist with both applications as part of our fixed fee conveyancing service.

Requirements vary by state but typically include a statutory declaration confirming first home buyer status, proof of identity, evidence you will occupy the property as your principal residence, and the signed contract of sale. We prepare all required documentation and lodge it with the revenue office on your behalf.

Possibly. Most state schemes only consider previous ownership of Australian residential property. Overseas property ownership generally does not disqualify you. However, rules vary between states and individual circumstances matter. We assess your specific situation during our initial eligibility review.

Claim Your Stamp Duty Exemption With Confidence

We'll confirm your eligibility, handle the paperwork, and ensure your concession is applied correctly at settlement.