First Home Buyer Stamp Duty Exemptions β All Australian States (2026)
Buying your first home in Australia? You could save tens of thousands of dollars through stamp duty exemptions, concessions, and government grants. Every state and territory offers some form of first home buyer assistance, but the rules vary significantly. This guide compares them all so you can make informed decisions.
Use our stamp duty calculator to see exactly how much you'll save as a first home buyer in your state.
Quick Comparison Table
| State | Full Exemption Up To | Concession Up To | FHOG Amount | FHOG Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | $800,000 | $1,000,000 | $10,000 | $600,000 (new only) |
| VIC | $600,000 | $750,000 | $10,000 | $750,000 (new only) |
| QLD | $700,000 | $800,000 | $30,000 | $750,000 (new only) |
| SA | β | $650,000 (relief) | $15,000 | $575,000 (new only) |
| WA | $430,000 | $530,000 | $10,000 | $750,000 (new only) |
| TAS | β | 50% discount | $30,000 | $600,000 (new only) |
| ACT | $1,000,000 (HBCS) | β | β | β |
| NT | $650,000 (SDHBS) | β | $10,000 | $750,000 (new only) |
Figures shown are approximate and may change. Always verify with your state revenue office. "New only" means the FHOG applies to newly built homes, not established properties.
New South Wales (NSW)
NSW offers one of Australia's most generous first home buyer stamp duty exemptions. Properties valued at up to $800,000 are completely exempt from transfer duty. A sliding concession applies for properties between $800,001 and $1,000,000. The $10,000 FHOG is available for new homes up to $600,000.
You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, aged 18+, and live in the property for at least 6 continuous months within the first 12 months. Read our detailed NSW guide.
Victoria (VIC)
Victoria exempts first home buyers from stamp duty on properties up to $600,000, with a concession for properties up to $750,000. The $10,000 FHOG applies to new homes up to $750,000. You must live in the property for at least 12 continuous months. Read our detailed VIC guide.
Queensland (QLD)
Queensland provides a stamp duty concession for first home buyers purchasing properties up to $700,000(full concession) with reduced concessions up to $800,000. Queensland's $30,000 FHOG is one of the highest in Australia and applies to new homes valued up to $750,000. Use our QLD calculator to see your savings.
South Australia (SA)
South Australia does not offer a full stamp duty exemption, but provides stamp duty relief for first home buyers on properties up to $650,000. The relief provides significant savings but is not a complete waiver. SA's $15,000 FHOG applies to new homes up to $575,000. Calculate your SA stamp duty β
Western Australia (WA)
WA exempts first home buyers from stamp duty on properties up to $430,000, with a sliding concession up to $530,000. These thresholds are lower than eastern states, reflecting WA's different property market. The $10,000 FHOG applies to new homes up to $750,000. Calculate your WA stamp duty β
Tasmania (TAS)
Tasmania takes a different approach β rather than a full exemption, it offers a 50% discount on stamp duty for eligible first home buyers. Combined with Tasmania's generous $30,000 FHOG(for new homes up to $600,000), first home buyers in Tasmania receive significant support. Calculate your TAS stamp duty β
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The ACT offers the Home Buyer Concession Scheme (HBCS), which provides a full stamp duty exemption for eligible buyers (not just first home buyers) purchasing properties up to $1,000,000. This is the most generous threshold in Australia. The ACT does not offer a separate FHOG. Calculate your ACT stamp duty β
Northern Territory (NT)
The NT's Stamp Duty Home Buyer Scheme (SDHBS) provides a full stamp duty exemption for first home buyers on properties up to $650,000. Combined with a $10,000 FHOGfor new homes up to $750,000, the NT is competitive for first home buyers. Calculate your NT stamp duty β
Common Eligibility Requirements
While exact rules vary by state, most first home buyer schemes share these requirements:
- You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You (and your spouse/partner) must not have previously owned residential property in Australia
- You must move into the property and live there as your principal place of residence for a specified period (usually 6β12 months)
- The property must be below the state's value threshold
Tips for First Home Buyers
- Know your threshold: Buying just below the exemption cap can save you tens of thousands.
- Consider new builds: Most states offer both stamp duty exemptions AND the FHOG for new homes.
- Check both partners: If buying with a partner who has previously owned property, you may not qualify.
- Apply early: Lodge your concession application before or at settlement to avoid paying upfront.
- Use the calculator: Our stamp duty calculator shows your exact FHB savings for every state.