Can First Home Buyers Get Stamp Duty Exemption on New Builds in QLD and VIC?

Yes — first home buyers can get stamp duty exemptions or concessions on new builds in both Queensland and Victoria in 2026. In QLD, first home buyers pay zero stamp duty on new builds valued under $700,000. In VIC, first home buyers pay zero stamp duty on new builds under $600,000 and a reduced rate up to $750,000. These concessions can save first home buyers $15,000–$32,000 depending on state and property price.

QLD Stamp Duty for First Home Buyers on New Builds

In Queensland, first home buyers receive a stamp duty concession (technically a 'home concession' plus a 'first home' concession) on new builds: Properties under $700,000: zero stamp duty payable. Properties $700,000–$800,000: partial concession applies — duty is calculated on the amount above $700,000 only. Properties above $800,000: standard stamp duty applies (no concession for first home buyers above this threshold). The QLD stamp duty saving on a $650,000 new build is approximately $20,000–$22,000 compared to what an investor (non-first-home buyer) would pay.

VIC Stamp Duty for First Home Buyers on New Builds

In Victoria, the First Home Buyer Duty Exemption and Concession provides: Properties under $600,000 (new or established): zero stamp duty. Properties $600,001–$750,000: duty calculated at a reduced rate (concession reduces duty by up to 50%). Properties above $750,000: no first home buyer stamp duty concession. For a $650,000 new build in VIC, the standard stamp duty would be approximately $32,000. With the first home buyer concession, the duty is approximately $11,000 — a saving of $21,000. Note: Victoria's concession applies to both new and established properties (unlike QLD which has enhanced concessions for new builds specifically).

Does the Stamp Duty Concession Apply to Off-the-Plan?

Yes, in both QLD and VIC, the first home buyer stamp duty concession applies to off-the-plan and new build purchases. In Victoria, there is an additional off-the-plan concession where stamp duty is calculated on the land value only (not the completed value) at the time of contract signing — not the finished property value. This can result in even larger savings for off-the-plan apartment and townhouse buyers in VIC, particularly in inner Melbourne where construction values are high.

What Is the Difference Between Stamp Duty Concession and Exemption?

Exemption: you pay zero stamp duty. Concession: you pay a reduced amount of stamp duty (but not zero). In QLD, first home buyers on new builds under $700,000 receive a full exemption (zero duty). In VIC, first home buyers on properties under $600,000 receive a full exemption; $600,001–$750,000 receives a concession. The terms are often used interchangeably in practice, but the important question is always: what is the actual dollar amount I will pay?

Can Investors Get Stamp Duty Concessions?

No. Stamp duty concessions for first home buyers are only available to buyers who will occupy the property as their principal place of residence. Investors pay full stamp duty. However, investors purchasing off-the-plan in Victoria still benefit from the off-the-plan concession (duty calculated on land value at contract date) — this is available regardless of whether the buyer is a first home buyer or investor.

How to Claim Stamp Duty Concession in QLD

To claim the QLD first home buyer stamp duty concession: Your solicitor submits a transfer duty form to Queensland Revenue Office (QRO) at settlement. You must declare that you are a first home buyer and will occupy the property within 1 year. The property must be a new build or off-the-plan. You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. The concession is processed automatically at settlement — you do not need to apply separately in advance.

How to Claim Stamp Duty Concession in VIC

To claim the VIC first home buyer stamp duty concession: Your conveyancer submits the relevant State Revenue Office forms at settlement. For off-the-plan properties, a separate off-the-plan concession form is also submitted. You declare residency intention (must move in within 12 months and occupy for at least 12 continuous months). The concession is applied as a reduction in the duty payable at settlement.

How BK Home Broker Helps

BK Home Broker is a specialist off-the-plan broker covering QLD, VIC, WA and NSW. We walk every buyer through their stamp duty position before they sign — QLD or VIC, new build or established, first home buyer or investor. We connect buyers with specialist property solicitors and mortgage brokers. Our service is completely free — developers pay our commission. Book a consultation at bkhomebroker.com.au.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay stamp duty on a house and land package? For house and land, stamp duty is typically paid on the land only (not the construction contract). This is a natural saving compared to buying an established house. First home buyer concessions then apply on top.

Is there a time limit to occupy after purchase? Yes. In both QLD and VIC, first home buyers must move into the property within 12 months of settlement and occupy for a minimum period (QLD: 1 year continuous; VIC: 12 months). Failure to do so may require repayment of the duty concession.

Can I use the stamp duty saving as part of my deposit? The stamp duty saving is not cash in hand — it reduces what you pay at settlement. However, knowing you will save $20,000–$32,000 in stamp duty helps with budgeting. Some lenders factor stamp duty savings into their assessment of your overall financial position.