First home buyers in NSW pay zero stamp duty up to $800,000. Above that a tapered concession runs to $1,000,000, then standard transfer duty applies. Foreign purchasers pay a 9% surcharge on top. Here’s exactly how it works, with a worked example and current citations to Revenue NSW.
First home buyers in NSW pay no stamp duty on new or established homes up to $800,000, with a tapered concession between $800,000 and $1,000,000 — above that, full transfer duty applies. The foreign purchaser surcharge is 9% on top of standard duty (as at April 2026). For a typical $650,000 Sydney unit, a non-first-home buyer pays roughly $24,000 in transfer duty. Always verify current thresholds with the Revenue NSW calculator — rates move with state budget decisions.
Transfer duty rates, thresholds and surcharges are set by NSW state budget decisions and can move between annual budgets. The figures above reflect Revenue NSW’s position as at April 2026. Before committing to a purchase, verify current rates at Revenue NSW or run the official calculator. This guide is general information, not financial or legal advice.
No, first home buyers in NSW pay no stamp duty on new or established homes up to $800,000. A tapered concession applies between $800,000 and $1,000,000, and full transfer duty applies above $1,000,000. Eligibility requires you move in within 12 months and live there at least 6 continuous months. Verify current thresholds at Revenue NSW.
Foreign purchasers pay an additional 9% surcharge purchaser duty on top of standard transfer duty (as at April 2026). This applies to non-citizens and non-permanent-residents buying residential property. Paid at the same time as standard duty. Verify current rate at Revenue NSW.
Stamp duty must be paid within 3 months of the contract date, or by settlement — whichever is earlier. Your conveyancer or solicitor handles this as part of settlement. Late payment attracts interest.
Some lenders allow it but it increases your Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) and may trigger LMI. Most buyers pay stamp duty from savings separate to the deposit. A home loan specialist can walk you through the trade-off — find a vetted specialist.
Using Revenue NSW’s graduated brackets, a non-first-home buyer pays approximately $24,300 on a $650,000 purchase. A first home buyer meeting FHBAS eligibility pays $0. Run your exact scenario through the Revenue NSW calculator for the precise figure.
A vetted home loan specialist will calculate your exact duty, FHBAS eligibility, total upfront costs and borrowing capacity — free to you, no cost and no obligation.
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