Stamp duty is one of the biggest upfront costs for home buyers — often $15,000 to $50,000 depending on the property price and location. All Australian states and territories offer some form of stamp duty exemption or concession for first home buyers. Here's what you need to know.
Stamp Duty Exemptions and Concessions by State
| State | Full Exemption | Concession | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Up to $650,000 (new home) Up to $800,000 (existing home, first home buyer assistance scheme) | $650,000–$800,000 (new) $800,000–$1,000,000 (existing) | First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme. Also: $0 stamp duty for homes under $650,000 for first home buyers. |
| VIC | Up to $600,000 | $600,000–$750,000 | Principal Place of Residence (PPR) concession. Partial exemption up to $750,000. |
| QLD | Up to $500,000 | $500,000–$550,000 | First Home Concession. Must be owner-occupied for 12 months. |
| WA | Up to $430,000 | $430,000–$530,000 | First Home Owner Rate (transfer duty). |
| SA | Up to $650,000 | N/A (full exemption only) | SA offers a full exemption for first home buyers on properties up to $650,000. |
| TAS | Up to $400,000 (50% concession) | $400,000–$500,000 | First Home Owner Duty Concession. 50% off for homes under $400k, sliding scale up to $500k. |
| ACT | Up to $275,000 (land only) | Sliding scale up to $580,000 (land) / $395,000 (apartment) | ACT uses conveyance duty rather than stamp duty. First Home Buyer Concession Scheme. |
| NT | Up to $650,000 | N/A | NT offers full stamp duty exemption for first home buyers on properties up to $650,000. |
How Much Can You Save?
Here's an example for a $600,000 property in different states:
| State | Full Stamp Duty (approx) | First Home Buyer Pays | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | $22,340 | $0 (existing home assistance scheme) | $22,340 |
| VIC | $31,070 | $0 | $31,070 |
| QLD | $15,925 | $15,925 (no exemption above $550k) | $0 |
| WA | $19,445 | $19,445 (above $530k) | $0 |
| SA | $23,330 | $0 | $23,330 |
| NT | $23,330 | $0 | $23,330 |
Key Eligibility Rules
- You (or at least one applicant) must be a first home buyer
- You must intend to live in the property as your principal place of residence (typically for 6–12 months)
- The property must be in the relevant state or territory
- Income limits may apply in some states (e.g. NSW has caps)
- You must not have owned or co-owned property in Australia before
Tips to Maximise Your Concession
- Know your state's threshold: If you're looking at properties near the cap, consider negotiating down to qualify for the full exemption
- Consider property type: Some states treat new vs existing homes differently for stamp duty purposes
- Buy in a cheaper market: States like SA and NT offer full exemptions on homes up to $650,000
- Apply through your conveyancer: Most applications are handled during settlement by your solicitor or conveyancer
Related Guides
- First Home Owner Grant by state
- Which state is cheapest for first home buyers?
- First Home Guarantee — low deposit buying
- Step by step: from pre-approval to settlement
Stamp duty rates and threshold amounts change frequently. Check your state revenue office for current rates before making financial decisions.