First Home Buyer Guide ACT 2025-26
Everything you need to know about buying your first home in Australian Capital Territory. Stamp duty concessions, grants, and savings strategies for ACT first home buyers.
What first home buyers get in ACT
- Full stamp duty exemption for first home buyers on properties up to $1,000,000 (Home Buyer Concession)
- $7,000 Home Buyer Concession Scheme grant for eligible buyers
- One of the highest exemption thresholds in Australia
- Income test applies: household income must be under $160,000
- FHSS scheme available to boost your deposit savings through super
Stamp duty comparison — first home buyer vs standard
See how much you could save on stamp duty as a first home buyer in Australian Capital Territory.
| Property Price | Standard Duty | FHB Duty | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| $400k | $8,000.00 | $0.00 | $8,000.00 |
| $500k | $11,400.00 | $0.00 | $11,400.00 |
| $600k | $15,550.00 | $0.00 | $15,550.00 |
| $700k | $19,700.00 | $0.00 | $19,700.00 |
| $800k | $23,935.00 | $0.00 | $23,935.00 |
| $900k | $28,255.00 | $0.00 | $28,255.00 |
| $1M | $32,575.00 | $0.00 | $32,575.00 |
Related tools
ACT FHB Stamp Duty
Calculate your first home buyer stamp duty in ACT
ACT Stamp Duty Calculator
Full stamp duty calculator for Australian Capital Territory
Borrowing Power
How much can you borrow based on your income?
FHSS Calculator
Model your First Home Super Saver contributions
Frequently asked questions
What is the ACT Home Buyer Concession Scheme?
The ACT Home Buyer Concession Scheme provides a full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $1,000,000 for eligible first home buyers. This is one of the most generous thresholds in Australia. However, it comes with an income test — your total household income must be under $160,000 per year.
Is there an income test for ACT first home buyer benefits?
Yes, the ACT is unique in applying an income test to its Home Buyer Concession. Your total household income must be under $160,000 to qualify for the stamp duty exemption. Other states generally do not have income tests for their stamp duty concessions.
Does the ACT offer a First Home Owner Grant?
The ACT replaced the traditional FHOG with the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, which provides a $7,000 grant plus full stamp duty exemption up to $1,000,000. The combined value of these benefits can be significantly higher than the grants offered in other states.