Buying a home in Sydney is one of life’s biggest financial decisions — and with Sydney’s property prices among the highest in Australia, upfront costs like stamp duty can be a significant hurdle for many buyers.
In 2026, there are several stamp duty relief options available to eligible Sydney buyers designed to reduce initial costs, improve affordability, and make it easier to get into the property market. Understanding which relief options apply to you can save tens of thousands of dollars when purchasing your home.
What Is Stamp Duty?
Stamp duty (also called transfer duty in NSW) is a state government tax payable when you buy a property. The amount depends on the purchase price and type of buyer — and in Sydney’s market, this can be a hefty upfront cost for new buyers or investors.
In NSW, this duty must generally be paid before settlement unless an exemption or concession applies.
First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme — Main Relief Option
The First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme is the key stamp duty relief program in NSW for people buying their first home. It has been expanded in recent years and continues to offer significant savings in 2026.
Full Exemption
If you are a first home buyer and the property you are purchasing in Sydney is worth $800,000 or less, you may be eligible for a full exemption from stamp duty under this scheme. This can mean savings of up to around $30,000 or more, depending on your purchase price.
Concessional Rates
For first home buyers purchasing a home valued between $800,001 and $1,000,000, a concessional (reduced) stamp duty rate applies. This means you pay less duty than the full amount calculated under normal rates — which can still save thousands of dollars.
✔ Key Conditions
To qualify, you generally must:
- Be a first home buyer in NSW
- Buy a home under the eligible price thresholds
- Live in the property as your principal place of residence within 12 months and continue living there for at least 12 months.
Practical Example: How Much Could You Save?
Let’s look at some rough examples of typical savings:
| Purchase Price | Standard Duty | Relief Available | Estimated Savings* |
| $700,000 | ~ $0 | Full exemption | ~$0 (duty waived) |
| $850,000 | ~$10,000 | Concession applied | ~$10,000+ saved |
| $950,000 | ~$20,000 | Concession applied | ~$7,000–15,000 saved |
| $800,000 | ~$25,000 | Full exemption | ~$25,000 saved |
*Actual figures may vary depending on exact rates and property type. Always get a specific calculation from Revenue NSW or your conveyancer._
Other Relief Tools & Assistance (Related)
While the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme is the main stamp duty relief available, Sydney buyers should also be aware of other help programs that can work in conjunction with stamp duty savings:
First Home Guarantee (Federal Scheme)
Although separate from stamp duty relief, federal initiatives like the First Home Guarantee help eligible buyers enter the market with a low deposit (as little as 5%), potentially making other upfront costs, including stamp duty, easier to manage.
Planning Your Strategy
For buyers who may just miss the first-home threshold, working with a savvy buyer’s agent or conveyancer can sometimes help structure a purchase (e.g., choosing properties just under a threshold) to maximise relief.
Tips for Sydney Buyers in 2026
✔ Check eligibility before you bid: Not all buyers qualify for stamp duty relief — confirm your status early.
✔ Be aware of property value thresholds: A small difference in purchase price can significantly impact your duty bill.
✔ Use the NSW Government’s online tools: Revenue NSW provides a Home Buyer Assistance Finder to check eligibility and estimate your savings.
✔ Plan settlement timing: Ensure your settlement and residency conditions are structured to retain eligibility for exemptions or concessions.
Final Thoughts
Stamp duty is often one of the largest upfront costs for Sydney buyers, but in 2026, government relief options — especially for first home buyers — can reduce that burden significantly. Whether you’re a first-home buyer trying to enter the market or planning your long-term buy-to-hold investment, understanding stamp duty relief options is essential to smart financial planning.
If you’d like personalised guidance on how these schemes apply to your situation, a professional conveyancer or buyer’s agent can help you assess the best strategy before you make an offer.