First Home Buyer Discounts, Grants & Stamp Duty Concessions – 2026 Guide
Unlock the latest 2026 first home buyer benefits across Australia. From stamp duty exemptions to grants and federal schemes, discover how to maximise your savings when purchasing your first home.
<Federal Government Schemes – 2026
1. Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS)
Purchase a home with as little as a 5% deposit (or 2% for single parents via the Family Home Guarantee) without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance.
- Government Guarantee: The government backs up to 15% of the loan value.
- No LMI: Save between $10,000 and $30,000 in lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) costs.
- 2026 Update: Now features unlimited places and no income caps to improve accessibility.
- Core Conditions:
- Must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident.
- Must not have owned property in Australia in the last 10 years.
- Must intend to be an owner-occupier (no investment properties).
- Property must fall under regional price caps (e.g., up to $1.5M in NSW capital cities).
👉 Best for: Most buyers looking to keep their savings in their pocket instead of paying bank insurance.
3. First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)
The "Super Deposit" allows you to build your deposit faster by using the tax advantages of your superannuation fund.
- Deposit Limits: Withdraw up to $50,000 for individuals or $100,000 for couples.
- Tax Savings: Contributions are taxed at 15% rather than your higher marginal income tax rate.
- Core Conditions:
- Voluntary Only: You can only withdraw extra contributions, not your employer's compulsory 11.5%+.
- Annual Limit: Max $15,000 in voluntary contributions per financial year count toward the limit.
- Occupancy: Must live in the property for 6 of the first 12 months after it is "practicable" to move in.
- Timing: You must request a determination from the ATO before signing a contract.
👉 Best for: High-growth deposit building. Often overlooked but incredibly powerful.
State Government Schemes
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Overview
Stamp Duty Concessions
The ACT uses an income-based model. Full duty concessions apply for households earning under ~$250k (2026 thresholds).
Home Buyer Concession Scheme
While the ACT replaced the traditional $10k cash grant with duty concessions, the savings often exceed $30,000.
Purchase Limits
- Full Waiver: Up to $1,000,000
- Income Test: Under ~$250,000
Key Eligibility
- All property types (New & Established)
- At least one buyer must live in home for 1 year
New South Wales (NSW) Overview
Stamp Duty Concessions (FHBAS)
Full exemptions apply up to $800k, with a sliding scale discount up to $1M.
| Property Value | Estimated Duty | Your Total Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $800,000 | $0 (Full Exemption) | Save up to ~$31,335 |
| $900,000 | ~$19,706 | Save ~$15,200 |
| $1,000,000+ | $40,335 (Standard) | No Discount |
$10,000 First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)
A one-off cash payment for NEW homes. Stacks with stamp duty savings.
Purchase Limits
- Buying New: Capped at $600,000
- Building: Capped at $750,000
Key Eligibility
- Move in within 12 months
- Stay for 12 continuous months
Northern Territory (NT) Overview
HomeGrown Territory Grant
The NT offers one of Australia's most generous grants for 2026 to encourage local ownership.
Up to $50,000 HomeGrown Grant
Huge cash incentives for both new and established homes signed before Sep 2026.
Grant Amounts
- New Homes: $50,000
- Established: $10,000
Key Eligibility
- No property price cap
- Must occupy for 12 months
Queensland (QLD) Overview
Stamp Duty Concessions
Full exemption up to $700,000 for established homes, or no cap for new homes.
$30,000 First Home Owner Grant
Boosted grant available for contracts signed between Nov 2023 and June 2026. Reduces back to $15,000 after June 2026.
Purchase Limits
- Max Value: Capped at $750,000
- (Includes land and build)
Key Eligibility
- Must be a brand NEW home
- Live in home for 6 months
South Australia (SA) Overview
Stamp Duty Abolished
SA has abolished stamp duty for first home buyers purchasing or building NEW homes.
$15,000 First Home Owner Grant
A $15k cash payment for new builds, units, or off-the-plan apartments.
Purchase Limits
- Property Value: No Limit
- (For contracts signed after June 2024)
Key Eligibility
- New homes/off-the-plan only
- Reside in home for 6 months
Tasmania (TAS) Overview
Stamp Duty Discounts
100% discount on duty for established homes valued at or below $750,000.
$30,000 First Home Owner Grant
TAS has tripled the grant for new builds until June 30, 2026.
Purchase Limits
- Property Value: No price cap
- (Grant falls to $10k if dates missed)
Key Eligibility
- Complete build within 24 months
- Live in home for 6 months
Victoria (VIC) Overview
Stamp Duty Exemptions
$0 duty up to $600k, with a sliding scale concession up to $750k.
$10,000 First Home Owner Grant
Available for buying or building a new home including houses, townhouses, and apartments.
Purchase Limits
- Max Value: Capped at $750,000
- (New properties only)
Key Eligibility
- Reside in home for 12 months
- Not previously sold or occupied
Western Australia (WA) Overview
First Home Owner Rate of Duty
Duty exemption up to $500k (established) or $600k (new builds).
$10,000 First Home Owner Grant
A $10k boost for those building or purchasing their first new home.
Purchase Limits
- South of 26th: $750,000
- North of 26th: $1,000,000
Key Eligibility
- Substantial renovations may qualify
- Live in home for 6 months