First home buyers
ACT first home buyer 2026 — No FHOG, but stamp duty exemption up to A$1,000,000
The ACT abolished the First Home Owner Grant in favour of the Home Buyer Concession Scheme — offering full stamp duty exemption up to A$1,000,000. This can save you more than most state grants. Here's every threshold, eligibility rule + how to apply.
ACT Home Buyer Concession Scheme
Grant amount
A$0 cash grant
Instead: full stamp duty exemption up to A$1,000,000 — potentially saving A$30,000+
ACT stamp duty exemption
Use our stamp duty calculator for any ACT property.
Eligibility criteria
- Aged 18 or over
- Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Never owned property in Australia
- Intend to live in the home as your principal place of residence for at least 12 continuous months
- Meet the income threshold test
- Be a natural person
How to apply
Your conveyancer or solicitor applies on your behalf when lodging the transfer at Access Canberra. The concession is assessed at settlement — no separate application needed.
Frequently asked questions
Does the ACT have a first home buyer grant?
No — the ACT abolished the First Home Owner Grant. Instead, the ACT offers the Home Buyer Concession Scheme with full stamp duty exemption up to A$1,000,000 — the highest threshold in Australia.
What is the Home Buyer Concession Scheme in the ACT?
The ACT Home Buyer Concession Scheme provides full stamp duty exemption for first home buyers on properties up to A$1,000,000. No grant is paid; instead, the buyer saves the entire stamp duty amount.
Who is eligible for the ACT Home Buyer Concession Scheme?
You must be 18+, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, have never owned property in Australia, intend to live in the home as your principal place of residence for at least 12 continuous months, and meet the income threshold test.
How much can I save with the ACT Home Buyer Concession Scheme?
On a A$900,000 property, you save approximately A$32,000 in stamp duty. The ACT has no FHOG cash payment — the saving is entirely through the stamp duty exemption.
How do I apply for the ACT Home Buyer Concession Scheme?
Your conveyancer or solicitor applies on your behalf when lodging the transfer at Access Canberra. The concession is assessed at settlement.
Calculate your ACT stamp duty
See exactly how much you'll save with the Home Buyer Concession Scheme.