Stamp duty QLD: A guide for first home buyers

Are you planning to build or buy your first home in Queensland? In the early days of planning, it's helpful to know about the various concessions and discounts that may apply. Having this information up front gives you better visibility over your budget planning and how much you'll need to borrow.

Stamp duty has long been one of the more costly expenses new homeowners have to cover so it's reassuring to know that stamp duty concession may be available for home buyers in Queensland.

In good news for people building their first home, a new concession for first home buyers is now on offer after the Queensland government passed legislation to remove stamp duty costs for home buyers purchasing a new property.

Here's how the various schemes work, the eligibility criteria and what it means for eligible home buyers.

What is stamp duty?

Stamp duty (also called transfer duty) is a tax levied by governments on certain transactions or purchases. When buying land, a home or investment property, the buyer pays stamp duty, with the amount depending on the property value.

In Queensland property transactions, stamp duty is generally calculated as a portion of the total transaction, using a stepped rate structure with more valuable properties taxed at higher rates.

Stamp duty on property purchases is a state government responsibility so costs and transfer duty concessions differ from state to state. Be sure to check the rules in the state where you're planning to buy.

QLD stamp duty concessions and discounts

There are three connected schemes currently operating in Queensland designed to reduce stamp duty costs for people purchasing homes to live in. Each has slightly different eligibility criteria. The home concession scheme is the base scheme with the smallest discount. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for more than one scheme.

Stamp duty concession QLD schemes:

1. Home concession
2. First home concession
3. First home (new home) concession

Applicants don't need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident but must meet the eligibility criteria. Other fees may apply for foreigners purchasing a home in Australia.

Beyond initial eligibility, there are some ongoing requirements that must be met before and after moving into the property. See below for details.

People who do not qualify for any of the schemes will likely pay the full amount of stamp duty on property purchases.

As a guide, a Queensland Revenue Office (QRO) calculator estimates stamp duty on a $750,000 investment property purchased in Queensland in August 2025 without any concessions at approximately $26,775.

First home buyer stamp duty schemes in QLD

1. Home concession

Includes home buyers who have owned property previously

The Queensland home concession reduces the standard stamp duty by up to $7,175 for people who purchase a home they intend to move into.

How it works

• Can be claimed by people who have owned a home before, unlike the first home concession or first home (new home) concession.
• It applies to the first $350,000 of the home's value.
• The remaining balance is subject to the general transfer duty rates.

Home concession eligibility criteria

To be eligible, you must:

• Be legally acquiring the property as an individual (not a business).
• Move into the home and live there with your belongings on a daily basis within one year of settlement.

How duty is calculated

The duty amounts were changed from 9 June 2024. The home concession rate is the base level discount. Other concessions may offer additional reductions.

Example: The Queensland Revenue Office (QRO) calculator estimates stamp duty on a $750,000 home purchased in Queensland in August 2025 with the home concession applied at approximately $19,600.

2. First home concession

For eligible first home buyers who have never owned a home before

The first home concession is another Queensland government scheme which reduces the transfer duty for some first home buyers. It applies to homes valued at under $800,000 and can save home buyers up to $24,525.

The first home transfer duty concession is open to first home buyers who purchase new or existing homes. People who live in the home before demolishing it and building a new home may also be eligible.

First home concession eligibility criteria

To be eligible, you must:

• Be aged 18 or over (exceptions may apply).
• Never have owned a house, apartment, unit or other residence anywhere in the world.
• Never have claimed a first home vacant land concession.
• Be legally acquiring the property as an individual (not a business).
• Move into the home and live there with your belongings on a daily basis within one year of settlement.
• Be paying market value if the residence is valued between $700,001 and $799,999.

Requirements to claim a first home concession are the same as for a home concession (see above).

How duty is calculated

The transfer duty is calculated at the home concession rate minus the first home concession amount which starts at $17,350 for homes under $709,999.99 (for contracts signed on or after 9 June 2024).

*Example: The Queensland Revenue Office (QRO) calculator estimates stamp duty on a $750,000 first home purchased in Queensland in August 2025 with the first home concession applied at approximately $10,925.*

3. First home (new home) concession

For eligible new home builders who have never owned a home<

From 1 May 2025, Queensland first home buyers purchasing a newly built home don't have to pay any stamp duty, offering a significant saving on the cost of brand new home.

The first home (new home) concession is a full QLD stamp duty exemption that may apply to a new build or substantially renovated home if purchased as a first home.

Unlike some others, there is no upper limit on the cost of a home covered by this concession.

Stamp duty for first home buyers QLD - criteria

• You must have signed the contract on 1 May 2025 or later.
• You must be purchasing a new home that has not been previously occupied or sold, or a substantially renovated home.

This full stamp duty concession QLD is only available for residential land and not available for people who buy a home with the intention of knocking it down to build a new home.

Who is eligible for the first home (new home) stamp duty concession QLD?

To be eligible, you must:

• Be aged 18 or over (exceptions may apply)
• Have never owned a house, apartment, unit or other residence anywhere in the world
• Have never claimed a first home vacant land concession
• Be legally acquiring the property as an individual (not a business)
• Move into the home and live there with your belongings on a daily basis within one year of settlement
• Be paying market value
• Be able to prove that the home is new or substantially renovated.

Example: Stamp duty on a $750,000 newly built first home purchased in Queensland in August 2025 with the first home (new home) concession applied is $0.

*Conditions apply

Requirements to claim a concession

Beyond initial eligibility, there are some ongoing requirements that apply before and after you move in. Failure to meet these may result in a duty reassessment by the QRO and a change to the amount of the concession available.

• Before you move in, you can't lease, rent or give possession to anyone else.
• After you move in, you cannot lease or rent all of the property for one year.
• After you move in, a partial concession may apply if you sell or transfer all or part the property within one year.
• You may be able to lease or rent part of the property in the first year if the lease arrangement starts on or after 10 September 2024 and you continue to live there (conditions apply).
• There are requirements for dealing with occupancy by existing tenants or previous owners where relevant.
• The concessions do not apply if you demolish the existing home without living there.

Buying with another person?

Unlike some schemes, these concessions are available to individuals buying a home with another person, even if the other person is not eligible.

For example if you are buying a home with your partner who has owned a home previously but this is your first home:

• You may be eligible for the first home (new home) concession on your portion of the property; and
• They may be eligible for the home concession on their portion (if other eligibility requirements are met).

Understanding 'dutiable value'

Any concessions and exemptions take into account the 'dutiable value' of the property. This refers to:

• The market value of the property, OR
• The amount you agree to pay (whichever is higher).

For details, see How to calculate transfer duty.

How To Apply For Stamp Duty Exemptions And Concessions In QLD

You can check your eligibility and apply for the three main transfer duty exception and concession schemes on the Queensland Revenue Office website.

Stamp duty calculations can be complex so should seek independent financial advice or talk to a mortgage broker to understand your options before you get started.

Other incentives

The First Home Owner Grant applies to eligible new homes with a total value under $750,000, including land and any contract variations. Check out our separate article on the first home owner grant for more information.

The Queensland Boost to Buy home ownership scheme may help reduce the deposit gap for first home buyers, with an equity contribution of up to 30% for new homes and up to 25% for existing homes. Applications are expected to open in late 2025.

Building your first home with Plantation Homes

Building your first home in Queensland should be a joyful experience. That’s why we're committed to being honest and transparent about pricing, inclusions, upgrades and the purchase and construction process. Talk to our friendly team about your journey to home ownership today.

Disclaimer: Any advice/information contained in this article is of a general nature only and does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person or company. Therefore, before making any decision, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice with regard to those matters. These articles have been written for general informational purposes only, and are not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. We encourage you to consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisers before engaging in any transaction. Information in this article is correct as of the date of publication and is subject to change.