Stamp Duty Exemption ACT 2025

🏡 Stamp Duty Exemption for First Home Buyers in the ACT (2025 Update)

If you’re a first home buyer in Canberra (ACT), you may be eligible for a full stamp duty exemption thanks to the ACT Government’s Home Buyer Concession Scheme (HBCS).

The ACT is phasing out stamp duty altogether, and as part of that, many first home buyers are already paying no duty on their purchase.

💰 Full Stamp Duty Exemption – Income-Based Scheme

Unlike other states, the ACT’s stamp duty concession isn’t based on property price, it’s based on your household income.

If your household earns under the threshold, you can buy a new, established, or off-the-plan home, or vacant land, and pay no stamp duty at all.

As of 2025, your total gross income must be below the following limits:

Number of People      |      Maximum Gross Income 

             1 person        |        $170,000             

             2 people        |        $190,000       

             3 people        |        $210,000             

             4 people        |        $230,000             

             5+ people      |      +$10,000 per person  

✅ Applies to new or established homes
✅ Applies to vacant land for building
✅ No purchase price limit

🧾 Example

If you’re a couple earning a combined $180,000 and buying a $750,000 home you’ll pay no stamp duty under the scheme.
That’s a saving of over $20,000 compared to the standard rate.

👤 Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, you must:
✅ Be 18 years or older
✅ Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
✅ Not have owned property in the last two years
✅ Meet the household income test
✅ Live in the property for at least one year after settlement

You can also apply if buying through a trust or company, provided all beneficiaries meet the requirements.

📝 How to Apply

Your conveyancer or solicitor will apply through Access Canberra at settlement.

You can check eligibility and apply here:

https://www.revenue.act.gov.au/home-buyer-assistance/home-buyer-concession-scheme

💡 Pro Tip

Because there’s no property value cap, ACT buyers can use this scheme for homes well above $800,000, provided they meet the income criteria.

You can also combine this with:

• The 5% Deposit Scheme (no LMI)
   
• ACT stamp duty phase-out benefits
   

Together, these can save you tens of thousands upfront.

🏠 Need Help?

At Lendcom, we help first home buyers understand exactly what they’re eligible for and how to structure your loan to make the most of it.

We’ll run your numbers and check ACT concession eligibility so you don’t miss a thing.

📞 Chat to Lendcom and let’s help you get into your first home sooner.