Stamp duty is one of the largest upfront costs in buying property, and the rules around it — including concessions for first home buyers — vary by state and change periodically.
It's calculated differently in every state and territory
Each Australian state and territory sets its own stamp duty rates, thresholds and concessions, and these are revised periodically. A figure that applied last year, or in a different state, may not reflect what currently applies to your purchase.
First home buyer concessions are usually conditional
Most states offer some form of stamp duty concession or exemption for eligible first home buyers, but eligibility usually depends on factors like property value, whether it's a new or established home, and whether you intend to live in it for a minimum period.
Always check current rules for your specific purchase
Because these rules change and vary by location, the only reliable approach is checking your state or territory revenue office's current guidance for your specific property and circumstances, ideally before you're locked into a contract.
Chris Brown
Managing Director & Finance Broker at New Vision Financial Services, a credit representative under Australian Credit Licence 384704 and a member of the FBAA and AFCA. More about Chris →
Frequently asked
Is stamp duty the same in every state?
No — each state and territory has its own rates, thresholds and first home buyer concessions, which are reviewed and changed periodically. Always check the current rules for your specific state.
Can stamp duty be included in my loan?
Generally no — stamp duty is usually an upfront cost paid at or before settlement, rather than something added to and financed within the loan itself, though this can vary by lender and circumstances.
Do concessions apply to established homes as well as new builds?
This varies by state — some concessions apply to both, others favour new builds or vacant land, and thresholds often differ between the two. Check your state revenue office for current detail.