Stamp duty & first home buyer help in New South Wales
What you’ll pay in transfer duty in NSW in 2026–27, the first home buyer concessions and grants available, and how to work out your own figure.
How stamp duty works in NSW
When you buy property in New South Wales you pay transfer duty, commonly called stamp duty, to Revenue NSW. It is calculated on the purchase price or market value, whichever is higher, and is usually due within three months of signing the contract. On a typical Sydney purchase it can be one of the biggest upfront costs after your deposit, so it pays to work it out early and build it into your budget.
First home buyers get significant relief. Under the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme you pay no transfer duty on a home up to $800,000, with a concession between $800,000 and $1 million. Vacant land is duty free up to $350,000, with a concession to $450,000. If you buy or build a new home you may also qualify for the $10,000 First Home Owner (New Home) Grant. A specialist broker from our partner network can help you work out what you are eligible for.
First home buyers in NSW
- No transfer duty for first home buyers on homes up to $800,000, with a concession for homes between $800,000 and $1 million.
- Vacant land to build your first home: no duty up to $350,000 and a concession up to $450,000.
- $10,000 First Home Owner (New Home) Grant for new, off-the-plan or substantially renovated homes. Established homes are not eligible.
- Grant price caps: $600,000 for a new or substantially renovated home, or $750,000 combined for a house and land package or building contract.
- You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, aged 18 or over, and plan to live in the home for at least 12 months.
- The national 5% Deposit Scheme (First Home Guarantee) can be combined with NSW help and has had no income caps or place limits since 1 October 2025.
Stamp duty in NSW at a glance
Estimated transfer duty at common purchase prices. First home buyer columns assume you meet every eligibility rule.
| Price | Owner-occupier | Investor | First home buyer (established) | First home buyer (new home) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $500,000 home | $16,687 | $16,687 | Nil | Nil |
| $650,000 home | $23,437 | $23,437 | Nil | Nil |
| $800,000 home | $30,187 | $30,187 | Nil | Nil |
| $1,000,000 home | $39,187 | $39,187 | $39,187 | $39,187 |
| $1,500,000 home | $63,787 | $63,787 | $63,787 | $63,787 |
Estimates only, based on general rates checked 2 October 2026. Excludes foreign buyer surcharges, land tax, registration fees and other concessions. Always confirm with the Revenue NSW calculator.
First Home Owner (New Home) Grant: $10,000
A $10,000 grant for first home buyers who buy a new or substantially renovated home up to $600,000, or build or buy a house and land package up to $750,000. You must live in the home for at least 12 months.
Also worth knowing
- Foreign buyers pay surcharge purchaser duty of 9% of the dutiable value of residential property, on top of standard transfer duty.
- Revenue NSW has a dedicated First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme calculator to estimate your concession.
- The national 5% Deposit Scheme can help you buy sooner with no lenders mortgage insurance.
Stamp duty in NSW: common questions
Do first home buyers pay stamp duty in NSW?
Not if the home costs $800,000 or less and you meet the eligibility rules. Between $800,000 and $1 million you pay a reduced amount, and above $1 million normal transfer duty applies. A specialist broker from our partner network can help you factor this into your borrowing.
Can I get the NSW First Home Owner Grant on an established home?
No. The $10,000 grant only applies to new homes, homes bought off the plan, substantially renovated homes, or homes you build. You may still be eligible for the transfer duty exemption or concession on an established home.
Can I get both the grant and the stamp duty exemption in NSW?
Yes, if you buy or build an eligible new home within the price caps you can receive the $10,000 grant and the transfer duty exemption or concession. The grant is often applied for through your lender as part of your loan application.
Sources
Government sources used for this page. Rules change, especially on 1 July, so check them before you sign a contract.
Other states
Buying your first home?
A specialist mortgage broker from our partner network can check your eligibility for grants, concessions and the 5% Deposit Scheme.