First home buyer hub

First Home Buyer Guide & Calculators

Free calculators and guides for Australian first home buyers. Compare stamp duty concessions, check borrowing power, and plan your savings with FHSS.

All states & territories FHSS + FHOG + stamp duty
Your first-home buying pathway

Follow these steps to understand your full costs and maximise your government incentives.

1

Check your stamp duty savings

Most states offer significant stamp duty exemptions or concessions for first home buyers. Calculate your savings before you start house hunting.

2

Compare FHB concessions in your state

Each state has different stamp duty thresholds, First Home Owner Grant amounts, and eligibility rules. Read your state's full guide.

Browse state guides below →
3

Use FHSS to save faster

The First Home Super Saver scheme lets you save inside super and pay less tax on your deposit savings. Most buyers save $5,000–$15,000 compared to a bank account.

Calculate your FHSS savings →
4

Calculate your total buying costs

Stamp duty is just one cost. Factor in conveyancing, inspections, mortgage insurance, and moving costs to set an accurate savings target.

Use the buying costs calculator →
Compare first home buyer benefits by state

A quick snapshot of what each state offers. Click a state for full details and a stamp duty calculator.

State Stamp duty exemption threshold First Home Owner Grant FHSS available
NSW Up to $800,000 $10,000 Yes View guide →
VIC Up to $600,000 $10,000 Yes View guide →
QLD Up to $700,000 $30,000 Yes View guide →
SA No exemption $15,000 Yes View guide →
WA Up to $500,000 $10,000 Yes View guide →
TAS Up to $750,000 $30,000 Yes View guide →
ACT Up to $1,000,000 $0 Yes View guide →
NT No exemption $50,000 Yes View guide →
Stamp duty concessions by state

Every state offers different concessions for first home buyers. Select your state to calculate your stamp duty.

How much can you afford?

Enter your income, savings, and state to instantly see your borrowing power, stamp duty, and total cash needed — all in one view.

01INPUTS
02RESULTS
Max property price
$410,036
Borrowing power
$328,029
FHB stamp duty
$0
Save $12,864 vs general rate
Total cash needed
$92,328
Monthly repayment: $1,988
Stretched
NSW first-home duty concession applied.

Assumes 6.1% interest rate, 30-year loan, principal & interest. "Comfortable" budget uses 28% of gross income minus commitments. Not financial advice.

Edit inputs ↑

Check your First Home Owner Grant

See your FHOG eligibility, grant amount, and stamp duty savings — compare all states side by side.

FHOG Calculator →
Save smarter with tax advantages

Use superannuation and government incentives to accelerate your deposit savings.

More tools for buyers
More tools to plan your purchase

Use these calculators alongside your stamp duty research to get the full financial picture.

FAQ
What stamp duty concessions are available for first home buyers?
Every Australian state and territory offers stamp duty concessions or exemptions for first home buyers, but thresholds and amounts vary significantly. NSW offers full exemption up to $800,000, VIC up to $600,000, QLD up to $700,000. Use our state-specific calculators to see your exact savings.
What is the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSS)?
The FHSS allows you to save for your first home inside superannuation. You can make voluntary contributions of up to $15,000 per year (max $50,000 total) and withdraw them later with a tax advantage. This can save you thousands compared to saving in a standard bank account.
How much deposit do I need for my first home?
Most lenders require a minimum 5-20% deposit. With less than 20%, you'll typically need to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). First home buyers may qualify for government guarantees that allow a 5% deposit without LMI through the First Home Guarantee scheme.
Does HECS/HELP debt affect my borrowing power?
Yes, HECS/HELP repayments reduce your disposable income, which lenders factor into serviceability assessments. A $30,000 HELP debt could reduce borrowing power by $20,000-$40,000 depending on your income level.

Last updated 24 May 2026 Tax year 2025-26

Data sources: ATO (ato.gov.au), Services Australia

This tool is general information only, not financial advice.

Reviewed by AusTax Tools Editorial Desk

Read our methodology →