First Home Buyers Published by Snap That Loan | 2025

Stamp Duty Concessions for First Home Buyers: State-by-State Guide

Stamp duty can add tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of buying a home. The good news is that most Australian states offer significant concessions or full exemptions for first home buyers — but the rules vary considerably depending on where you're buying.

What is Stamp Duty?

Stamp duty (also called transfer duty in some states) is a state government tax charged when you purchase a property. It's calculated as a percentage of the purchase price and can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands — making it one of the biggest upfront costs in buying a home.

💡 Remember

Stamp duty must generally be paid at settlement — it cannot be added to your home loan. Make sure you budget for it as part of your upfront costs.

Victoria

Victoria offers a stamp duty exemption for first home buyers purchasing a property valued up to $600,000, and a concession (reduced duty) for properties valued between $600,001 and $750,000. The property must be your principal place of residence.

  • Under $600,000: full exemption
  • $600,001–$750,000: partial concession on a sliding scale
  • Over $750,000: full stamp duty applies

Victoria also offers a First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) of $10,000 for purchases of new homes valued up to $750,000.

New South Wales

NSW offers a First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme providing duty exemptions and concessions. From July 2023, first home buyers can also choose between paying upfront stamp duty or an annual property tax.

  • New or existing homes up to $800,000: full exemption
  • $800,001–$1,000,000: partial concession
  • Over $1,000,000: full duty applies

Queensland

Queensland offers a first home concession reducing transfer duty for owner-occupiers buying their first home.

  • Under $500,000: significant concession available
  • First Home Owner Grant: $30,000 for new builds
  • Must be used as principal place of residence

Other States

All Australian states and territories offer some form of first home buyer stamp duty concession or exemption. The thresholds, amounts and eligibility criteria vary — it's important to check the current rules for your specific state before purchasing.

We stay up to date with the concessions available in every state and factor them into your buying strategy. A good broker will make sure you claim every concession you're entitled to.

Other Government Support Available

  • First Home Guarantee Scheme: Buy with 5% deposit, no LMI — limited places each year
  • First Home Owner Grant (FHOG): Cash grant of $10,000–$30,000 depending on state
  • First Home Super Saver Scheme: Save for deposit through super with tax advantages
  • Help to Buy Scheme: Government co-ownership scheme for eligible buyers

Want to Know What You're Entitled To?

We'll work out exactly which grants, concessions and schemes apply to your purchase — so you don't miss out on money you're owed.

Book a Free First Home Buyer Consultation