What is the ACT Home Buyer Concession Scheme?

The ACT offers a full stamp duty exemption for eligible home buyers purchasing properties up to $1,020,000. This is one of the highest thresholds in Australia. An income threshold of $250,000 gross household income applies.

Who qualifies for the ACT concession?

You must have gross household income under $250,000, not have owned property in the last 5 years, and intend to live in the property for at least 12 months. This is broader than most states' 'first home buyer' requirements.

ACT First Home Buyer Stamp Duty Calculator

The ACT has Australia's highest first home buyer threshold at $1,020,000. The Home Buyer Concession Scheme provides a full exemption for eligible buyers.

Income threshold of $250,000 gross household income applies.

Enter a property price to estimate your first home buyer stamp duty savings in the ACT.

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ACT Home Buyer Concession Scheme

The ACT scheme is more generous than most states:

Property value	Concession	You pay
$0 – $1,020,000	Full exemption	$0 duty
Over $1,020,000	None	Owner-occupier rates

Important: Unlike other states, the ACT scheme is not strictly "first home buyer" - it's available to anyone who hasn't owned property in the last 5 years and meets the income test.

Eligibility requirements

Gross household income of $250,000 or less (all buyers combined)
Have not owned or co-owned a residential property in Australia in the previous 5 years
Move into the property within 12 months of settlement
Live there as your principal residence for at least 12 continuous months
Property must be residential (not commercial)

Income threshold

The $250,000 income threshold is based on gross income (before tax) and includes:

Salary and wages
Business income
Investment income
Trust distributions
Income of all buyers combined (not just the applicant)

Not strictly "first home buyer"

The ACT scheme differs from other states because:

You can have previously owned property (as long as not in the last 5 years)
Previous first home owner grants don't disqualify you
It's technically a "home buyer" concession, not "first" home buyer

This makes it useful for people re-entering the property market after selling their home.

No foreign purchaser surcharge

The ACT is unique among Australian jurisdictions - it does not charge a foreign purchaser surcharge. This applies to all buyers, including those eligible for the Home Buyer Concession.

Frequently asked questions

What if I owned property 6 years ago?

You're eligible - the 5-year rule means you can't have owned property in the last 5 years. Ownership before that doesn't disqualify you.

What about the property value threshold?

The $1,020,000 threshold is indexed annually. Properties above this receive no concession and pay standard owner-occupier rates.

Is there a First Home Owner Grant in ACT?

The ACT's First Home Owner Grant was discontinued in 2019. The Home Buyer Concession Scheme replaced it with stamp duty savings instead of cash grants.

Tax Accuracy & Sources

Reviewed: March 2026 · Tax year: 2025-26

Estimates ACT stamp duty savings under the Home Buyer Concession Scheme. Does not cover partial interests, off-the-plan concessions, or commercial property.

Planning your first home purchase?

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View the First-Home Buyer Guide →

ACT Home Buyer Concession confirmed January 2025. Source: ACT Revenue Office.