First Home Buyer Stamp Duty Concessions in Queensland (2025 Update)

Introduction

Buying a first home is a huge milestone, but the upfront costs can feel overwhelming. One of the steepest is stamp duty, officially called transfer duty in Queensland.

Fortunately, as of May 2025, Queensland has introduced some of the most generous concessions in Australia, making the path to home ownership far more achievable, especially for buyers of newly built homes or land to build on.

Why Stamp Duty Matters for Buyers

Unlike mortgage repayments that are spread over years, stamp duty is a large, lump-sum tax that must be paid at the point of purchase.

For first-time buyers, this can cut deep into deposit savings, often amounting to tens of thousands of dollars. That is why Queensland’s new concessions are such a game-changer in 2025.

How Transfer Duty Works in 2025

Transfer duty is payable to the Queensland State Government whenever a property changes hands. The amount depends on the value of the property, whether it is new or established, and its intended use, for example owner-occupied or investment. Without concessions, first home buyers would still face significant upfront costs, but the 2025 rules change that.

Latest 2025 Stamp Duty Concessions

For New Builds & Vacant Land

No stamp duty applies to first home buyers of new homes or vacant land for contracts signed on or after 1 May 2025. Importantly, there is no upper value cap. This applies whether you are buying a new property or land to build your home on.

Example: A typical new house-and-land package could mean savings of at least $9,000 upfront compared to standard rates.

For Established Homes

No duty applies on established homes valued up to $700,000. Discounted duty applies for properties valued between $700,001 and $800,000.

Above $800,000, buyers may still access other home concessions, but not the full first home concession.

Key Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for these concessions, you must be a first home buyer who has never owned property in Australia or overseas, make the property your principal place of residence within 12 months, and continue to live there for at least 12 months.

You may rent out a room, but not the entire property, during this period.

What About the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)?

It is important to distinguish between concessions and grants. The stamp duty concession reduces or removes the transfer duty payable.

The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a separate lump-sum grant currently $30,000, available to eligible buyers of new homes under $750,000. In many cases, first home buyers can access both, maximising their savings.

Application Process & Avoiding Mistakes

How to Apply

Claims are usually handled by your solicitor or conveyancer at settlement. The Queensland Revenue Office (QRO) provides the required forms, which must be lodged upfront.

Documents Required

• Proof of identity

• Statutory declarations confirming first home status and intent to reside

• Utility bills or driver’s licence as proof of moving in

Common Traps That Disqualify Buyers

Renting out the whole property within 12 months, failing to move in within the required timeframe, providing incorrect or incomplete information, or exceeding the property value limits can all disqualify buyers.

Even small errors can cost thousands in lost savings or trigger penalties.

Why Fast, Compliant Disclosure Matters More Than Ever

From 2025, Queensland has also tightened seller disclosure laws. A seller cannot even sign a contract until a complete Seller Disclosure Report is in place. For first home buyers relying on stamp duty concessions, any delay in this paperwork can push back contract dates, put eligibility for concessions at risk, and jeopardise the entire transaction.

That is where SearchX helps. Our platform delivers fast, legally reviewed Seller Disclosure Reports, ensuring contracts move forward without delay. Agents and sellers can generate compliant reports in 1-3 days, with some even completed within 15 minutes.

Buyers benefit from smoother, faster settlements, reducing the risk of losing concessions because of paperwork holdups.

Conclusion

Queensland’s 2025 stamp duty concessions make first home ownership more accessible than ever. By understanding the rules, checking eligibility, and applying correctly, buyers can secure substantial savings.

At the same time, fast, compliant disclosure documents are critical to avoid delays that could cost concessions.

With SearchX, property professionals and buyers alike gain peace of mind, ensuring contracts move smoothly and the dream of home ownership is secured with confidence.