Queensland’s Stamp Duty Exemption (May 2025)
The Complete Guide for First Home Buyers
From 1 May 2025, Queensland implemented new stamp duty concessions for first home buyers purchasing new homes. These changes are designed to reduce upfront property costs and support first-time buyers entering the housing market.
At Law Team, we know how important it is to understand how these changes may affect your property plans. If you are considering buying a new home, our property lawyers are here to guide you through the process. This guide explains what the new stamp duty changes mean for first-home buyers in Queensland.
Key Takeaways
$0 Duty: First-time buyers pay no stamp duty on new homes or vacant land.
Strict Eligibility: You must be a genuine first-time buyer and live in the property within a year.
Big Savings: This change can save buyers thousands in upfront costs.
What has changed under Queensland’s new stamp duty concessions?
Previously, first home buyers in Queensland could access stamp duty concessions only if the property value fell below certain thresholds. The Queensland Government has now removed the property value cap for eligible first home buyers purchasing a new home or vacant land. This means that if you sign a contract on or after May 1, 2025, you will not pay stamp duty on a new build, regardless of the property's value. Source: Queensland Government - First Home (New Home) Concessions
Who is eligible for the 2025 stamp duty concessions?
To be eligible for the full tax exemption, you must be a genuine first-time home buyer purchasing a new property as your primary residence. According to the Queensland Government, you must meet all of the following criteria:
You have never owned a residential property in Australia or anywhere else in the world.
You are purchasing a brand new (never lived in) home or vacant land to build on.
You must move into the home within 1 year of settlement and use it as your primary place of residence.
Your contract of sale must be dated on or after 1 May 2025.
How much can you save?
For many first-time buyers, especially in Brisbane, where median new build prices often exceed $900,000, this change provides significant savings. On a median-priced house and land package in Queensland, buyers can save an average of around $9,096.
Does the stamp duty waiver apply to existing homes?
No, the property value cap removal applies only to new homes and vacant land. If you purchase an established home (one that has been lived in before), the standard first home buyer concession rules still apply. This means you only get a concession if the property is valued under $800,000. Source: Queensland Government - First home concession
Quick Comparison: New vs. Established Home Rules
| Feature | New Home / Vacant Land | Established (Existing) Home |
|---|---|---|
| Stamp Duty Rate | $0 (Fully Waived) | Standard concession rates |
| Price Cap | None (Unlimited Value) | Caps at $800,000 |
| Contract Date | On or after 1 May 2025 | Any date |
| Requirement | Must be brand new | Can be previously occupied |
Applying for the 2025 first-home buyer stamp duty concession
Your application must be submitted as part of the property settlement process. At Law Team, we assist you in preparing and completing the paperwork to ensure it is submitted correctly and no deadlines are missed, giving you peace of mind during settlement.
Looking to access Queensland’s stamp duty concessions? Get in touch with Law Team today, and let us guide you through the application process.
About the Author: Erin Vassallo
Erin Vassallo is the Principal Solicitor and founder of Law Team, a values-led law firm with a strong reputation across New South Wales and Queensland. With over two decades of experience in commercial, construction, and property development law, Erin is a trusted advisor to developers, landowners, and business owners navigating complex projects and legal risks.
Her hands-on experience includes joint ventures, structuring development deals, contract negotiation, risk mitigation, and project governance across residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. Erin holds qualifications in law, political science, mediation, and disruptive strategy (Harvard Business School) and is the founder of Certified BCorp Law Team, committed to ethical business practices and social impact.