Breaking out of the rent trap can feel impossible when you add stamp duty on top of a deposit. But here’s something many first home buyers in Queensland don’t realise: if you buy a brand-new home, you could pay zero stamp duty — and there’s no price cap on that exemption.
The $0 stamp duty change
For contracts dated 1 May 2025 or later, eligible Queensland first home buyers pay no transfer (stamp) duty on a new home, house & land package, off-the-plan purchase, or vacant land they intend to build on — regardless of the price. On an established home, stamp duty can run to tens of thousands of dollars. Buying new can wipe that bill out entirely.
Stack it with the $30,000 grant
On top of the duty saving, eligible first home buyers can claim the $30,000 First Home Owner Grant for a new home valued under $750,000 (including land and any contract variations). The boosted $30,000 amount applies to contracts signed on or after 20 November 2023, and the Queensland Government has confirmed it continues for eligible contracts going forward — there’s no looming deadline that drops the grant back down. Combined with $0 stamp duty, that’s real money back in your pocket toward your first home.
Smaller deposit than you think
With the federal Home Guarantee Scheme, eligible buyers can purchase with as little as a 5% deposit and avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance. Combine a low deposit, $0 stamp duty and the grant, and your first brand-new home is far more within reach than the headlines suggest.
See our new homes for first home buyers or talk to our team about your eligibility.
This article is general information only and not financial, taxation or legal advice. Eligibility and amounts depend on your circumstances and current government rules — confirm with the Queensland Revenue Office (qro.qld.gov.au) and your mortgage broker before committing.
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