SA Stamp Duty 2026-27: Rates, First Home Buyer New Build Exemption & Foreign Surcharge

SA Stamp Duty 2026-27: Rates, First Home Buyer New Build Exemption & Foreign Surcharge HEHomeLoanAI Editorial·3 July 2026 South Australia stamp duty 2026-27: what Adelaide buyers pay and the first-home advantage South Australia's stamp duty schedule has one of the most granular rate structures in the country, with nine tiers. But since February 2025, the state has offered first home buyers a full exemption on new homes, off-the-plan purchases, and vacant land — with no dollar cap. For Adelaide buyers targeting new builds, this makes the maths dramatically different from existing homes. Here are the 2026-27 numbers. 2026-27 SA conveyance duty rates These rates apply to residential and primary-production land. Non-residential property has been duty-free in SA since 2018. Up to $12,000: 1% of the dutiable value $12,001–$30,000: $120 plus 2% of the excess over $12,000 $30,001–$50,000: $480 plus 3% of the excess over $30,000 $50,001–$100,000: $1,080 plus 3.5% of the excess over $50,000 $100,001–$200,000: $2,830 plus 4% of the excess over $100,000 $200,001–$250,000: $6,830 plus 4.25% of the excess over $200,000 $250,001–$300,000: $8,955 plus 4.75% of the excess over $250,000 $300,001–$500,000: $11,330 plus 5% of the excess over $300,000 Above $500,000: $21,330 plus 5.5% of the excess over $500,000

What you pay at common Adelaide price points

$400,000 property: $11,330 + 5% × ($400,000 – $300,000) = $11,330 + $5,000 = $16,330 $550,000 property: $21,330 + 5.5% × ($550,000 – $500,000) = $21,330 + $2,750 = $24,080 $650,000 property: $21,330 + 5.5% × ($650,000 – $500,000) = $21,330 + $8,250 = $29,580 $800,000 property: $21,330 + 5.5% × ($800,000 – $500,000) = $21,330 + $16,500 = $37,830 The structure means SA stamp duty rises more slowly at higher price points than in NSW or VIC — the top marginal rate is 5.5%, compared to 7% in the NSW premium band and 6.5% in VIC above $2 million. First home buyer stamp duty exemption: the new-home advantage From 13 February 2025, SA first home buyers purchasing a new home, an off-the-plan property, or vacant land to build on receive a full stamp duty exemption — with no upper price limit. There is no dollar cap. This represents a major structural advantage for first home buyers who choose new over existing.

The exemption applies to:

Newly constructed homes that have not been previously occupied or sold as a residence Off-the-plan purchases where the dwelling has not yet been built Vacant land purchased with the intention of building your first home It does not apply to existing homes (established dwellings). For an existing home purchase, the standard rates apply in full — there is no first-home concession for established property in South Australia. The calculus this creates: a first home buyer in Adelaide considering a $600,000 existing home pays $26,830 in stamp duty. The same buyer purchasing a $600,000 new home or house-and-land package pays zero. The $26,830 saving alone can shift the financial equation decisively in favour of a new build. The foreign surcharge is separate: even if you qualify for the first-home stamp duty exemption on the general duty, the foreign surcharge still applies if you are a foreign purchaser. First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) South Australia's FHOG is up to $15,000 for first home buyers purchasing or building a new home. Combined with the stamp duty exemption, a first home buyer purchasing a new $550,000 home saves $24,080 in duty and receives $15,000 — a combined benefit of $39,080. Foreign purchaser surcharge Foreign buyers in SA pay an additional 7% surcharge on top of the standard conveyance duty. This applies to the full dutiable value and is in addition to the general rates. For a foreign buyer purchasing a $500,000 Adelaide property, the surcharge adds $35,000 to the standard duty of $21,330 — for a total of $56,330. Data sources All SA conveyance duty rates, first-home exemption details, FHOG amounts, and foreign surcharge rates above are verified against RevenueSA as at July 2026. The first-home new build exemption was introduced from 13 February 2025 and remains in effect for 2026-27. Frequently Asked Questions Q: Can I get the first-home exemption on an existing home in SA? A: No. The full stamp duty exemption for first home buyers in SA applies only to new homes, off-the-plan purchases, and vacant land for building. Existing homes do not qualify for any first-home stamp duty concession. This is a more restrictive approach than NSW or VIC, where first-home exemptions and concessions cover both new and existing homes. Q: What counts as a "new home" for the SA exemption? A: A dwelling that has not been previously occupied or sold as a place of residence. This includes newly constructed homes, house and land packages with a new dwelling, and off-the-plan purchases. Substantially renovated homes may qualify in some circumstances. Check with RevenueSA for your specific situation. Q: How does SA compare to other mainland states for stamp duty cost? A: For standard-rate buyers, SA's duty is lower than NSW and VIC but slightly higher than WA and QLD at most price points below $1 million. For first home buyers purchasing new homes, SA is among the most competitive — the unlimited exemption puts it alongside QLD in offering the strongest first-home duty relief. Q: Does the first-home exemption cover the foreign surcharge? A: No. Even if you qualify for the first-home stamp duty exemption on the general duty component, the 7% foreign surcharge is assessed separately and must be paid by foreign purchasers regardless of first-home status. Next steps SA's bifurcation between new and existing homes for first-home buyer stamp duty makes the choice of property type a high-stakes financial decision. An Arrivau licensed adviser can calculate your exact stamp duty for both new and existing options, weigh them against the FHOG and other costs, and help you make an informed choice. An adviser will respond within one business day. Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. SA duty rates, thresholds, and concessions may change. Always verify current rules with RevenueSA or a qualified professional. #stamp-duty#sa#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