First Home Buyer Guide
QLD stamp duty concessions for first home buyers 2026: eligibility and how to claim
Queensland offers first home buyers transfer duty (stamp duty) concessions on eligible purchases. The concession can significantly reduce the upfront cost of buying your first home, in some cases reducing transfer duty to zero. Amounts and thresholds are set by the Queensland Revenue Office and may change. This guide covers what currently applies, verify current figures with the QLD Revenue Office before making a financial decision.
What is transfer duty (stamp duty)?
Transfer duty, commonly called stamp duty, is a state government tax on property purchases in Queensland. It's calculated on the purchase price (or market value if higher) and must be paid at or before settlement. It's separate from lender fees and mortgage registration fees.
The first home concession
Queensland's first home concession provides a reduction in transfer duty for eligible first home buyers who intend to occupy the home as their principal place of residence. The concession applies to both new and established homes, subject to the purchase price being within the QLD Revenue Office threshold at your contract date. At lower price points the concession can reduce transfer duty to zero. Check the current thresholds directly with the QLD Revenue Office, as these are subject to change.
Who is eligible for the first home concession?
To be eligible for the Queensland first home concession you generally need to meet all of the following. Check the QLD Revenue Office source link at the bottom for the full and current criteria.
- You are an individual (not a company or trust) buying the property.
- You or your spouse or partner have not previously claimed a first home concession or vacant land concession in Queensland.
- You intend to occupy the home as your principal place of residence within 12 months of settlement.
- You must occupy the home for at least 1 year.
- The purchase price (or market value) is within the applicable QLD Revenue Office threshold.
First home vacant land concession
If you are buying vacant land to build your first home, a separate first home vacant land concession may apply. This reduces transfer duty on the land purchase, subject to its own thresholds and eligibility conditions. If you build a new home on the land, you may also be eligible for the Queensland First Home Owner Grant, we check both in your first call.
How to claim the concession
You claim the concession on the transfer duty return lodged with the Queensland Revenue Office at or before settlement. Your conveyancer or solicitor generally handles this as part of the settlement process. We work with your solicitor to make sure the correct concession is applied and the documentation is in order.
Stamp duty concession and the First Home Owner Grant, are they separate?
Yes. The stamp duty concession and the Queensland First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) are separate benefits. You may be eligible for both. See our guide on the Queensland First Home Owner Grant, or ask us to check both in your first call.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get the stamp duty concession on an established home?
Yes, the Queensland first home concession applies to both new and established homes, subject to the purchase price threshold and eligibility conditions. The FHOG, by contrast, is for new homes only.
How much does the first home concession save me?
The saving depends on your purchase price and the current QLD Revenue Office thresholds. At lower price points the concession can reduce transfer duty to zero. We can give you an indicative figure in your first call, check the QLD Revenue Office for current rates.
What if my partner has previously owned property?
If your partner or spouse has previously claimed a first home concession or owned residential property in Australia, it may affect your eligibility. The QLD Revenue Office rules apply to all parties on the title, check the current rules directly or ask us.
When do I pay stamp duty?
Transfer duty in Queensland must generally be assessed and paid at or before settlement. Your conveyancer or solicitor will calculate and lodge the duty as part of the settlement process.
Is stamp duty included in my home loan?
Not normally. Most lenders require stamp duty to be funded from your own savings alongside the deposit, as it's a government charge rather than part of the purchase price. We check lender policy for your specific scenario.
I'm buying with the First Home Guarantee, does the stamp duty concession still apply?
Yes, they are separate schemes. The federal First Home Guarantee (FHBG) helps you buy with a smaller deposit without LMI, it doesn't affect your eligibility for the Queensland stamp duty concession.