ACT Guide · FY 25/26
Australian Capital Territory First Home Buyer Benefits
The ACT focuses on income-tested duty relief through the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, rather than cash grants.
Max Stamp Duty Exemption
Any price
$0 duty when household income meets the cap.
Max FHOG Amount
$0
The ACT no longer offers cash grants.
Income Cap
~$250k
Higher thresholds apply with children.
Detailed rules
Established homes
- Home Buyer Concession Scheme applies to new or established homes.
- $0 stamp duty when income criteria are met.
- No cash grants are available in the ACT.
New builds & off-the-plan
- Duty concession applies at any price when income criteria are met.
- No FHOG cash grant is offered.
- Income caps rise with children and household size.
Real-World Scenarios
Scenario A — The Canberra Upgrade
A couple in Canberra earning $200,000 combined buy an established house for $1.1 million.
- Stamp duty: $0 under the Home Buyer Concession Scheme.
- Income test: eligible under the ~$250k threshold.
- Total impact: roughly $34k saved on duty.
Scenario B — The High Income Household
A household earning above the income cap buys a new property.
- Stamp duty: standard rates apply.
- Income test: not eligible for the concession.
- Total impact: no duty relief or grants.
Run ACT numbers now
Open the calculator to see the exact duty relief for your ACT purchase.
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