Purchasing your first home is a significant milestone, and in South Australia, the government offers incentives to make this achievement more attainable. One primary incentive is Stamp Duty Relief, specifically targeted at first home buyers (FHBs).

Whether you’re interested in an off the plan apartment, a house and land package, or seeking the First Home Owner Grant, this guide outlines the eligibility criteria and benefits of stamp duty relief for FHBs, based on the latest regulations effective from 6th June 2024.

Full Eligibility for Stamp Duty Relief

FHBs may qualify for full stamp duty relief if they meet the following conditions:

  • Contracts Entered Into on or After 6th June 2024: No stamp duty will be payable on eligible new homes or vacant land, regardless of the property value.

Partial Eligibility for Stamp Duty Relief

For contracts entered into between 15th June 2023 and 5th June 2024, partial stamp duty relief is available:​

  • New Homes:
    • Valued above $650,000 but below $700,000: Stamp duty is partially reduced.​
    • Valued at $700,000 or more: No stamp duty relief applies.​
  • Vacant Land:
    • Valued above $400,000 but below $450,000: Stamp duty is partially reduced.​
    • Valued at $450,000 or more: No stamp duty relief applies.​

Note: For contracts entered into before 6th June 2024, the above property value caps apply.

Definition of New Home

A new home is defined as a residence that has not been previously occupied or sold as a place of residence. This includes houses, flats, units, apartments (including off-the-plan), and townhouses.

Owner-Occupier Requirements

To be eligible for stamp duty relief on vacant land:​

  • The FHB must intend to occupy the home as their principal place of residence.​
  • Construction must be completed, and a Certificate of Occupancy issued within 36 months.​
  • The FHB must reside in the property for a continuous period of at least six months, commencing within 12 months from settlement or the date of the Certificate of Occupancy, whichever occurs first.

Dutiable Value and Applicant Eligibility

  • Dutiable Value: The greater of the consideration (purchase price) or the market value of the property at the date of transfer.
  • Eligible Applicants:
    • Must be at least 18 years old at the time of making an application.​
    • Must be a natural person (not a company or trust, except in the case of a Special Disability Trust).​
    • At least one applicant must be either an Australian citizen, a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen permanently residing in
    • Australia who holds a Special Category visa.

Understanding Stamp Duty ReliefIneligibility Factors

  • Previous Ownership: For contracts entered into on or after 13th February 2025, you will not be eligible for stamp duty relief if you or your spouse or domestic partner own or have owned (hold or held a relevant interest in) a residential property in Australia, even if you have never lived in it. ​
  • Prior Receipt: Previously received and retained stamp duty relief for eligible first home buyers in South Australia, or an equivalent scheme in another state or territory of Australia. ​
  • Companies and Trusts: These are not eligible for stamp duty relief, except in the case of a Special Disability Trust.

Application Process

Applications must be lodged through RevenueSA with the necessary supporting documents. In most cases, the representative managing your property settlement (e.g., your conveyancer or solicitor) will lodge the application on your behalf once you have provided them with all necessary supporting documentation.

Other Notable Points

  • Stamp Duty Calculator: The stamp duty calculator on the RevenueSA website includes the FHB relief and foreign ownership surcharge. ​
  • Transfer Registration Fees: These will still apply.​
  • Foreign Ownership Surcharge: Will not apply on new homes or vacant land with dutiable values of $650,000 or $400,000 respectively, but will apply on properties above these values.

Conclusion

The stamp duty relief for FHBs offers significant benefits to new home buyers, making homeownership more accessible. Carefully understanding these guidelines and engaging with the Revenue SA website or a professional conveyancer can help you navigate the eligibility criteria and application process to take full advantage of these concessions.

 

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