First Home Buyer vs General Buyer: NSW Stamp Duty Comparison

First home buyers in NSW can save thousands on stamp duty through government concessions. Use this calculator to compare what you'd pay as a first home buyer versus a general buyer.

NSW offers full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $800,000 and a sliding scale concession for properties between $800,001 and $999,999. Above $1 million, first home buyers pay the same duty as general buyers.

Scenario A: First Home Buyer

Scenario B: General Buyer

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01 —INPUTS
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General Buyer pays $28,162.00 more in stamp duty compared to First Home Buyer.
02 —RESULTS

Scenario A

First Home Buyer

2025-26 stamp duty rates

$
Stamp Duty$0.00
First Home Buyer Savings
Save $28,162.00
%
Deposit Amount$150,000.00
!
Government Fees$320.38
Σ
Total Cash Needed$150,320.38
Effective duty rate:0.00%
iFirst home buyer concession saves $28,162.

Scenario B

General Buyer

2025-26 stamp duty rates

$
Stamp Duty$28,162.00
%
Deposit Amount$150,000.00
!
Government Fees$28,482.38
Σ
Total Cash Needed$178,482.38
Effective duty rate:3.75%
03 —BREAKDOWN

This calculator provides estimates only and does not constitute financial advice. Actual amounts may vary. Consult a conveyancer or solicitor for accurate costs.

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How to use this comparison

  1. Review the pre-filled scenarios — we've set up realistic defaults for comparison
  2. Adjust the property price — enter your actual or expected purchase price
  3. Compare the results — see the stamp duty difference highlighted at the top
  4. Share or bookmark — the URL updates as you change inputs

Frequently asked questions

What is the NSW first home buyer stamp duty exemption?
NSW first home buyers pay no stamp duty on properties valued up to $800,000. For properties between $800,001 and $999,999, a sliding scale concession applies. Properties at $1 million or above receive no concession.
How much can first home buyers save on stamp duty in NSW?
At the exemption threshold of $800,000, first home buyers save approximately $31,335 compared to general buyers. Savings decrease on a sliding scale up to $999,999.
Who qualifies as a first home buyer in NSW?
To qualify, you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, have never owned property in Australia, and intend to live in the property for at least 6 continuous months within 12 months of settlement.
Can I get both the First Home Buyer exemption and First Home Owner Grant?
Yes, eligible first home buyers may receive both the stamp duty exemption/concession and the $10,000 First Home Owner Grant (for new homes up to $600,000). These are separate schemes with different eligibility criteria.

Continue your property decision workflow

Understand the rules

Property sale compliance Review withholding and clearance obligations before settlement. Main residence exemption context Understand CGT interactions for future sale planning.

Compare alternatives

All states comparison Benchmark transfer duty across jurisdictions. FHB vs general buyer Quantify concession value around key thresholds.

Run the numbers

State calculator Move from comparison to state-specific estimate. Mortgage calculator Translate upfront duty into full borrowing impact.

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Tax Accuracy & Sources

Reviewed: March 2026 · Tax year: 2026-27

This calculator is an estimate tool and may not cover all personal circumstances. For state-based taxes, confirm details with your state or territory revenue office.