The ACT offers some of the most accessible support for first home buyers in Australia, and from 1 July 2026, those benefits became even stronger.
If you're renting in Canberra and wondering whether home ownership is within reach, the combination of local and federal support can reduce your upfront costs by tens of thousands of dollars. The Home Buyer Concession Scheme now removes all stamp duty for eligible first home buyers regardless of property value or income, and when paired with the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, you can enter the market with a fraction of the savings you might have thought necessary.
Full Stamp Duty Exemption With No Property Cap
Eligible first home buyers in the ACT pay no conveyance duty on their purchase, no matter the property value. The income threshold and property price limit that applied before 1 July 2026 have both been removed. You need to be at least 18 years old, not have held a relevant property interest before, and occupy the property as your principal place of residence for at least one year starting within 12 months of settlement.
Consider a buyer purchasing an apartment in Braddon at the area's current median. Under the scheme introduced from 1 July 2026, that buyer pays no stamp duty at all. Before the change, a property above the previous cap would have attracted standard duty of several thousand dollars. That difference can cover settlement costs, furniture, or an offset account buffer from day one.
Off-the-Plan Units With No Duty and No Threshold
From 1 July 2026, off-the-plan unit purchases by owner occupiers attract no duty with no property value threshold. This applies to unit-titled properties such as apartments and townhouses. You must be an individual and occupy the property as your principal place of residence for at least one year starting within 12 months of completion.
This opens up opportunities in areas like Gungahlin and Woden, where new apartment developments are prominent. A buyer signing a contract for a two-bedroom apartment in Belconnen scheduled for completion in twelve months pays no duty on that contract, regardless of the apartment's value.
Combining the 5% Deposit Scheme With Local Concessions
The Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme operates alongside the ACT's stamp duty exemptions. You can purchase with a 5% deposit, avoid lenders mortgage insurance, and pay no conveyance duty, all within the same transaction.
In our experience, buyers who use both schemes together save the most. A buyer purchasing with a 5% deposit avoids LMI, which on a mid-range Canberra property could be $15,000 to $25,000. Paired with full stamp duty exemption, total upfront savings can exceed $40,000 depending on the property. The 5% Deposit Scheme is available through 31 participating lenders, and applications are made through your broker or lender, not directly through Housing Australia.
Help to Buy in the ACT
Help to Buy allows the Australian Government to contribute up to 40% of the purchase price for a new home and up to 30% for an established home, in exchange for an equivalent equity share. You need a minimum 2% deposit. Income limits apply at $100,000 for individuals and $160,000 for joint applicants or single parents. Property price caps vary by location.
You cannot combine Help to Buy with the 5% Deposit Scheme, but you can use it alongside the ACT's stamp duty concessions. A single buyer earning $95,000 annually might find the 2% deposit requirement more achievable than saving 5%, even with the equity trade-off. Whether that trade-off suits you depends on your income, savings timeline, and how you value full equity from day one versus entering the market sooner.
No First Home Owner Grant in the ACT
The ACT closed its First Home Owner Grant on 1 July 2019 and replaced it with the Home Buyer Concession Scheme. Unlike other states where grants of $10,000 to $50,000 apply to new builds, the ACT focuses its support on removing stamp duty entirely. This structure benefits buyers across all property types, not just new construction.
If you're comparing interstate options, be aware that states like Queensland and South Australia offer grants of $15,000 for new builds, but those grants come with property price caps and may not include the same level of stamp duty relief available in the ACT. For buyers targeting established homes in Canberra, the removal of stamp duty delivers more value than a capped grant on a limited property type.
What You'll Still Need to Cover
Even with full stamp duty exemption and a 5% deposit, you'll need to budget for settlement costs including conveyancing, building and pest inspections, and loan establishment fees. These typically add up to $3,000 to $6,000. If you're using a gifted deposit or savings from the First Home Super Saver Scheme, make sure you account for these costs on top of your deposit.
We regularly see buyers who assume the 5% deposit is the only upfront cost and are caught short at settlement. Set aside a buffer that covers settlement, moving costs, and initial maintenance or strata fees. Lenders assess your genuine savings as part of the application, so demonstrating a buffer beyond your deposit strengthens your position and gives you breathing room once you've moved in.
Who to Talk to Before You Apply
If you're weighing up which combination of schemes suits your situation, speaking with a broker who understands both federal and territory programs will save you time and confusion. Eligibility rules vary, and not every lender participates in every scheme. Getting pre-approval before you start searching gives you clarity on your budget and shows sellers you're a serious buyer.
The ACT's concessions and the federal deposit schemes open doors that weren't there even a year ago. With the right structure, home ownership in Canberra is more accessible now than it has been in years.
Call one of our team or book an appointment at a time that works for you. We'll walk you through the options that fit your deposit, income, and the type of property you're looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do first home buyers in the ACT pay stamp duty?
Eligible first home buyers in the ACT pay no conveyance duty regardless of property value or income. You must occupy the property as your principal place of residence for at least one year starting within 12 months of settlement.
Can I use the 5% Deposit Scheme in the ACT?
Yes. The Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme is available in the ACT and can be used alongside the full stamp duty exemption. You avoid lenders mortgage insurance and can purchase with a 5% deposit through participating lenders.
Is there a First Home Owner Grant in the ACT?
No. The ACT closed its First Home Owner Grant on 1 July 2019 and replaced it with the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, which provides full stamp duty exemption instead of a cash grant.
What is the property price cap for the ACT stamp duty exemption?
There is no property price cap. From 1 July 2026, eligible first home buyers in the ACT pay no conveyance duty regardless of the property's value.
Can I combine Help to Buy with the 5% Deposit Scheme?
No. You cannot combine Help to Buy with the 5% Deposit Scheme. However, you can use Help to Buy alongside the ACT's stamp duty concessions if you meet the income and property price requirements.
