Stamp duty is one of those costs that catches a lot of first-home buyers off guard. It’s not as exciting as choosing a floorplan or picking your tiles — but it’s something you absolutely need to understand before buying.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what stamp duty is, how much it costs, and when first-home buyers don’t have to pay it.
1. What is stamp duty?
Stamp duty (also called transfer duty) is a government tax you pay when you buy a property.
It’s based on:
- The price of the property
- The state you’re buying in
- Whether you’re a first-home buyer
- Whether the home is new, established, or land only
Every state has different rules, but the bigger the price, the bigger the stamp duty.
2. So… how much does it actually cost?
A simple rule of thumb:
- Under $600,000 — stamp duty can be reduced or even waived for first-home buyers (depending on the state)
- Around $700,000+ — expect tens of thousands in stamp duty
- Land has lower stamp duty than buying an established home
Every situation is different, but this gives you a rough idea and most states provide stamp duty calculators online.
3. When first-home buyers don’t pay stamp duty
Good news — many first-home buyers pay little to no stamp duty, especially if they’re buying under the state threshold.
Most states offer:
✔️ Full stamp duty exemption below certain price caps — Usually around $500k–$600k for homes or slightly less for land.
✔️ Discounted stamp duty between two price points — Often between $600k–$750k depending on the state.
✔️ Additional concessions for new builds or off-the-plan purchases (Meaning you pay even less if you’re building.)
4. What about MWC clients?
When buyers choose to build with us, the fees are usually lower because:
- You may qualify for no stamp duty
- You can use the First Home Owner Grant
- You can access the Home Guarantee Scheme (5% deposit, no LMI)
- Our MWC $10k Deposit Boost™ helps reduce upfront costs even further
So your deposit to enter the market is less, and your savings go toward your new home — not expensive government fees.
