First Home Buyer Concessions ACT 2026

The ACT does not offer a traditional First Home Owner Grant. Instead, it provides the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, which gives eligible first home buyers a full stamp duty exemption for properties valued up to $1,020,000 (this threshold is indexed annually). Properties up to approximately $1,455,000 may qualify for concessional rates.

To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and not have previously owned residential property in Australia. Income thresholds apply: $170,000 for a single buyer and $227,000 for a couple. You must live in the property as your principal residence for at least 12 continuous months.

Unlike most states, the ACT concession applies to both new builds and established homes — making it the primary benefit for all first home buyers in the territory. The scheme is income-tested, so higher earners may not qualify for the full exemption.

Through the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, eligible first home buyers in the ACT receive a full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $1,020,000. For properties above this threshold up to approximately $1,455,000, concessional (reduced) rates may apply.

The ACT uses a different stamp duty system to other states. It has been progressively replacing stamp duty with higher annual land rates. First home buyers still benefit from the concession scheme, but the stamp duty calculations differ from other states.

Example savings: On a $400,000 property, a first home buyer pays $0 stamp duty (saving approximately $20,800). On a $500,000 property, you pay $0 (saving approximately $27,400). On a $1,020,000 property, you still pay $0 — saving over $35,000 (maximum concession is $35,238 for 2025-26). Properties above $1,020,000 attract reduced rates through the concessional scheme.

First Home Guarantee (federal): Eligible first home buyers can purchase with just a 5% deposit and pay no Lenders Mortgage Insurance. The Australian Government guarantees up to 15% of the property value. No income caps and unlimited places since October 2025. This is particularly valuable in the ACT where property prices tend to be higher.

First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS): Save up to $50,000 in your superannuation fund for a home deposit with tax advantages. Contributions are taxed at 15% instead of your marginal rate. Given Canberra's higher average incomes, the tax savings from FHSSS can be particularly significant for ACT buyers.

Help to Buy Scheme: The government co-contributes up to 40% of the purchase price for new homes (30% for existing), reducing your mortgage. You own the home and can buy out the government share over time. Income and property price limits apply.

Combining schemes: An ACT first home buyer purchasing a $600,000 established home could pay zero stamp duty (saving ~$20,000) and use the First Home Guarantee for 5% deposit with no LMI (saving ~$15,000) — a total benefit of over $35,000. While the ACT doesn't have a cash FHOG, the stamp duty exemption and federal schemes together provide significant support.

Step 1 — Check your income eligibility: The Home Buyer Concession Scheme is income-tested. Single buyers must earn under $170,000, couples under $227,000. Speak to a mortgage broker to confirm your eligibility and overall borrowing capacity.

Step 2 — Apply through the ACT Revenue Office: Unlike states where you apply for the FHOG through your lender, the ACT concession is applied through the ACT Revenue Office. Your conveyancer typically handles this as part of the property transfer process.

Step 3 — Provide required documents: You'll need proof of identity, evidence of income (tax returns, payment summaries), your contract of sale, and a statutory declaration confirming first home buyer status. Your conveyancer will guide you through the requirements.

Common mistakes to avoid: Don't assume you'll qualify just because it's your first home — the ACT scheme is income-tested unlike most state FHOGs. Don't forget the $1,020,000 threshold is indexed annually — check the current figure. Don't wait until after settlement to sort your application — your conveyancer should begin the process when contracts are exchanged. And ensure you live in the property for at least 12 months.