First-home buyer’s guide: What grants, incentives and discounts do first-home buyers get?

These incentives are designed to help make it easier to buy a first home.

Most incentives require buyers to live in the property for at least 12 months, and buyers whose partner has previously purchased a home are normally excluded.

There are also maximum price thresholds, and schemes can change from time to time.

NSW first home buyer grants, schemes, incentives and discounts

• No stamp duty on new properties under $650,000, existing properties under $650,000, or vacant land under $350,000.
• Discounted stamp duty on new properties between $650,000 and $800,000, existing between $650,000-$800,000, or vacant land between $350,000-$450,000.
• $10,000 grant when purchasing new properties under $600,000 and owner-builder/building contracts worth under $750,000.
• Use the First Home Buyers Assistance calculator to work out how much stamp duty you'll pay.

Victoria first home buyer grants, schemes, incentives and discounts

• No stamp duty on properties under $600,000.
• Discounted stamp duty on properties between $600,000-$750,000.
• Discounted stamp duty off-the-plan properties under $1,000,000
• $10,000 grant for new properties under $750,000.

Queensland first home buyer grants, schemes, incentives and discounts

• No stamp duty on property under $500,000, or vacant land under $250,000.
• Discounted stamp duty on properties under $549,999, or vacant land under $399,999.
• $15,000 grant for new properties under $750,000.

ACT first home buyer grants, schemes, incentives and discounts

• No stamp duty on new-built properties under $470,000, or vacant land under $281,200.
• Discounted rate on new-built properties between $470,001-$607,000, or vacant land between $281,201-$329,500.
• $7500 grant for new properties of any value.

South Australia first home buyer grants, schemes, incentives and discounts

• All first-home buyers pay some stamp duty.
• Off-the-plan stamp duty concession available of up to $21,330 on properties under $500,000.
• Varying amount available to FHBs on new-built or established properties (post-June 2014).
• $15,000 grant on the purchase or construction of a new residential properties under $575,000.

Western Australia first home buyer grants, schemes, incentives and discounts

• No stamp duty on properties under $430,000 or vacant land under $300,000.
• Discounted stamp duty on property between $430,000-$530,000, or vacant land between $300,000-$400,000.
• $10,000 grant when buying land & building up to $750,000, south of the 26th parallel.
• $10,000 grant when buying land & building up to $1,000,000, north of the 26th parallel.

Tasmania first home buyer grants, schemes, incentives and discounts

• Full stamp duty applies.
• $30,000 grant for new properties of any value.

Northern Territory first home buyer grants, schemes, incentives and discounts

• Household Goods Grant of up to $2000 available.
• $26,000 grant for new properties of any value, subject to eligibility.

First home owner grant comparison
State	First home property type	First home grant amount	Grant conditions
NSW	New property	$10,000	Under $600,000
	Owner-builder/building contract	$10,000	Under $750,000
VIC	New property	$10,000	Under $750,000
	Regional new property	$20,000	Under $750,000
QLD	New property	$15,000	Under $750,000
ACT	New property	$7500	Any value
WA	New property	$10,000	Under $750,000 for properties south of the 26th parallel
	New property	$10,000	Under $1,000,000 for properties north of the 26th parallel
SA	New property	$15,000	Under $575,000
TAS	New property	$20,000	Any value
NT	New property	$26,000	Subject to eligibility

Starting July 1, 2018, the First Home Super Saver Scheme allows first-home buyers to make up to $30,000 in voluntary contributions to their superannuation to save for a home, with a limit of $15,000 per financial year.

Voluntary contributions are taxed at a lower rate compared to income, allowing first-home buyers to save money faster. Applicants are also entitled to access any earnings on their extra contributions.

The scheme applies to all Australian first-home buyers, but there are additional grants and schemes available in each state.

This article is part of Domain’s Ultimate Guide To Buying Your First Home, compiled by Domain Advice Editor Daniel Butkovich.