Stamp Duty in New South Wales
New South Wales uses a progressive transfer duty system with rates from 1.25% to 5.5%, plus a 7% premium rate on properties above $3.72M. NSW does not differentiate between owner-occupiers and investors — the same rates apply regardless of intended use.
First Home Buyer Concessions — NSW
First home buyers in NSW pay no stamp duty on properties up to $800,000 under the First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme (FHBAS). Properties between $800,001 and $999,999 receive a partial concession on a sliding scale. The First Home Owner Grant of $10,000 is available for new homes valued up to $600,000.
Additional Information
NSW also offered the Home Buyer Choice scheme, allowing eligible buyers of properties up to $1.5M to opt into an annual property tax instead of upfront stamp duty. Foreign buyers in NSW pay a 9% surcharge on top of standard transfer duty — the highest foreign surcharge in Australia, increased from 8% in January 2025.
Property Market
In Sydney, with a median house price around $1.4M, stamp duty is one of the largest upfront costs buyers face. Even in regional NSW, median prices of $550,000–$700,000 attract significant duty.
Use our Stamp Duty Calculator to get an exact estimate, or check the First Home Buyer Calculator to see your total benefits including grants and concessions. For your exact liability, consult a licensed conveyancer or your state revenue office.