NSW Stamp Duty 2026-27: Rates, First Home Buyer Exemptions & Foreign Surcharge

NSW Stamp Duty 2026-27: Rates, First Home Buyer Exemptions & Foreign Surcharge HEHomeLoanAI Editorial·2 July 2026 NSW stamp duty 2026-27: how much you pay on every property price point NSW has the steepest stamp duty in Australia for higher-value properties, and its thresholds are indexed to CPI each July. The 2026-27 rates are now confirmed. For a median-priced Sydney home, stamp duty can exceed $50,000 — but first home buyers have meaningful relief if they buy below the price caps. Here is the direct answer. NSW transfer duty for 2026-27 uses the following marginal rate schedule. All figures are for the dutiable value of the property — typically the purchase price or market value, whichever is higher. 2026-27 NSW transfer duty rates These are the general rates for residential property, applicable to both owner-occupiers and investors (NSW does not differentiate by occupancy type in the rate schedule): Up to $18,000: 1.25% of the dutiable value $18,001–$38,000: $225 plus 1.5% of the excess over $18,000 $38,001–$103,000: $525 plus 1.75% of the excess over $38,000 $103,001–$387,000: $1,662 plus 3.5% of the excess over $103,000 $387,001–$1,290,000: $11,602 plus 4.5% of the excess over $387,000 $1,290,001–$3,870,000: $52,237 plus 5.5% of the excess over $1,290,000 Above $3,870,000 (premium residential): $194,137 plus 7% of the excess over $3,870,000

What you pay at common Sydney price points

$600,000 property: $11,602 + 4.5% × ($600,000 – $387,000) = $11,602 + $9,585 = $21,187 $800,000 property: $11,602 + 4.5% × ($800,000 – $387,000) = $11,602 + $18,585 = $30,187 $1,000,000 property: $11,602 + 4.5% × ($1,000,000 – $387,000) = $11,602 + $27,585 = $39,187 $1,500,000 property: $52,237 + 5.5% × ($1,500,000 – $1,290,000) = $52,237 + $11,550 = $63,787 $2,000,000 property: $52,237 + 5.5% × ($2,000,000 – $1,290,000) = $52,237 + $39,050 = $91,287 $4,000,000 property: $194,137 + 7% × ($4,000,000 – $3,870,000) = $194,137 + $9,100 = $203,237 First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme (FHBAS) NSW offers significant stamp duty relief for eligible first home buyers through the FHBAS. The scheme covers both new and existing homes, but the exemption is only full below the threshold — above it, a concessional (partial) rate applies on a sliding scale. For 2026-27: New or existing homes valued up to $800,000: full stamp duty exemption Homes valued between $800,000 and $1,000,000: concessional (partial) rate, phasing down as value increases Vacant land valued up to $350,000: full exemption The FHBAS applies to both new and established homes. To qualify, you must be a first home buyer (you or your spouse/partner must not have previously owned residential property in Australia), you must move into the home within 12 months of settlement, and you must live in it continuously for at least 12 months. First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) NSW also provides a $10,000 First Home Owner Grant for eligible first home buyers purchasing or building a new home. The price cap for the FHOG is $600,000 for new homes (or $750,000 for building a new home on land you own). The FHOG is separate from the stamp duty exemption — you can potentially receive both. Foreign purchaser surcharge Foreign buyers purchasing residential property in NSW pay an additional 9% surcharge duty on top of the standard transfer duty. This surcharge is in addition to the general rates above, not instead of them. For example, a foreign buyer purchasing an $800,000 Sydney apartment pays approximately $30,187 in standard transfer duty plus $72,000 in foreign surcharge — a total of $102,187 in duty. Data sources All NSW transfer duty rates, FHBAS thresholds, and FHOG details above are verified against Revenue NSW as at July 2026, covering the 2026-27 financial year. NSW duty thresholds are CPI-indexed each July, so the figures above reflect the indexed 2026-27 thresholds. The foreign surcharge rate of 9% is additional to standard duty. Frequently Asked Questions Q: Does the FHBAS cover established (existing) homes? A: Yes. The NSW first home buyer stamp duty exemption covers both new and existing homes up to $800,000, with a concessional rate phasing out to $1,000,000. This is more generous than many other states which restrict stamp duty concessions to new homes only. Q: What happens if I buy with a partner who has owned property before? A: Both purchasers must be first home buyers to qualify for the FHBAS. If one partner has previously owned residential property, neither of you will qualify for the exemption or concession. Q: Do I pay stamp duty on off-the-plan purchases in NSW? A: Off-the-plan purchases may qualify for a deferral of stamp duty for up to 12 months after the contract date, or until settlement — whichever is earlier. The deferral applies if the property is your principal place of residence. Stamp duty is calculated on the contract price (not the land value) for off-the-plan purchases in NSW. Q: Is the $10,000 FHOG available for existing homes? A: No. The NSW First Home Owner Grant applies only to new homes (or building a new home). It is not available for the purchase of an existing dwelling. Next steps Stamp duty is often the single largest upfront cost after the deposit, and the difference between paying full duty and qualifying for the FHBAS can be $30,000 or more. An Arrivau licensed adviser can walk you through your eligibility for both the FHBAS and the FHOG, and calculate your total upfront costs including duty, legal fees, and LMI if applicable. An adviser will respond within one business day. Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. NSW stamp duty rates, thresholds, and concessions may change. Always verify current rules with Revenue NSW or a qualified professional before relying on this information. #stamp-duty#nsw#first-home-buyer#2026-27 Not sure what rate you'd get? Ask the AI — free, unbiased, and no sign-up required. It knows current Australian lending rules and can run the numbers for you. Ask the AI assistant → Keep reading Stamp Duty NT Stamp Duty 2026-27: Rates, HomeGrown $50K Grant & No Foreign Surcharge