Understanding Stamp Duty for First Home Buyers in NSW

February 9, 2026 0

Buying your first home in New South Wales is an exciting milestone – but before signing that contract, it’s crucial to understand stamp duty (also known as transfer duty).

Stamp duty is a one-off government tax paid when you buy property. For first home buyers in NSW, there are concessions and exemptions that could save you tens of thousands of dollars – especially under the First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme (FHBAS).

Current Stamp Duty Exemptions and Concessions (2025 Update)

As of 1 July 2025, here’s how the thresholds apply under the NSW First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme:

Property Type	Full Exemption	Concessional Rate Applies
Existing or New Home	Up to $800,000	From $800,000 – $1 million
Vacant Land	Up to $350,000	From $350,000 – $450,000

That means if you’re purchasing a home valued under $800,000, you’ll pay no stamp duty at all. If the property value is between $800,000 and $1 million, you’ll receive a partial concession — the closer your price is to $1M, the smaller the benefit.

📊 Tip: Use LoanFin’s Stamp Duty Calculator to estimate your costs instantly.

How the Scheme Helps NSW First Home Buyers

The NSW government designed this policy to help first-time buyers overcome the most significant barrier – upfront costs. When combined with the First Home Buyer Guarantee Scheme, which allows eligible borrowers to buy with as little as a 5% deposit and no LMI, it can make homeownership much more achievable.

If you’re purchasing in growth suburbs such as Schofields, Marsden Park, or Box Hill, these savings can help you enter the market sooner while keeping more cash available for moving costs or renovations.

How to Calculate Your Stamp Duty

The exact amount you’ll pay depends on the property’s value, location, and whether you’re eligible for any exemptions.

Instead of guessing, use our free Stamp Duty Calculator to see what you might owe. It only takes seconds and helps you plan your deposit and upfront costs more accurately.

If you’re also curious about what you can afford, try our Borrowing Power Calculator to get a complete picture of your home-buying budget.

Your Next Steps

If you’re a first home buyer in NSW considering a purchase this year:

Check your eligibility for exemptions under the First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme.
Use our calculators — Stamp Duty and Borrowing Power — to budget correctly.
Compare home loans and find out how much you can borrow confidently with LoanFin’s expert guidance.