ACT First Home Buyers: Stamp Duty Abolished in 2026 Budget
18 Jun, 2026
Updated: 18 Jun, 2026
Are you looking to buy your first home in Canberra? As of 1 July 2026, the ACT Government has officially abolished stamp duty for all first-home buyers. This historic policy change removes the biggest upfront barrier to property ownership in the Australian Capital Territory.
What is the New ACT Stamp Duty Policy?
From 1 July 2026, first home buyers in the ACT will pay no stamp duty. Unlike previous schemes, this is a universal exemption with:
- No Price Limits: You do not pay stamp duty regardless of the property’s purchase price.
- No Income Limits: Your household income does not affect your eligibility for the exemption.
- Broadened Criteria: The exemption now applies to first home buyers, those who haven’t owned property in the last five years, eligible NDIS participants, and pensioners looking to downsize.
“From 1 July 2026, that barrier [stamp duty] is gone for first home buyers in the ACT. We made this commitment, and this Budget delivers it in full.” — Chief Minister Andrew Barr
How Much Can You Save?
For a property valued at $890,000, you could save an estimated $28,000 in stamp duty, when buying your first home in Canberra.
Stamp duty has historically been the “hidden cost” of buying a home. Because this tax must be paid in cash, it often requires buyers to delay their savings by months or years. By eliminating this, you can immediately redirect those funds toward your deposit or other moving costs.
Boosting Supply: The "Missing Middle" Reforms
The ACT Government is not just making it cheaper to buy; they are making it easier to find homes. A significant portion of the 2026-27 Budget is dedicated to the “Missing Middle” Housing Reforms:
- Zero Stamp Duty on New Units: Owner-occupiers buying new unit-titled properties (off-the-plan or “turn-key”) are now exempt from stamp duty.
- The Canberra House Pattern Book: To slash building costs, the government has launched a collection of high-quality, pre-approved architectural designs. Builders can access these plans for $1,000, allowing projects to bypass lengthy development application (DA) processes.
- Lease Variation Charge Reductions: A 50% reduction in the Lease Variation Charge for “missing middle” projects is incentivising developers to build more townhouses and terraces.
What Should You Do Next?
If you are planning to buy, the path to home ownership in Canberra is more accessible than ever.
- Consult a Professional: Speak to a mortgage broker or financial advisor to update your budget now that you no longer need to account for stamp duty. You can call us on 1300 889 743 or enquire online.
- Check Eligibility: While the exemption is universal, always verify your status via the official ACT Revenue Office website.
- Explore New Builds: With the new “Missing Middle” incentives, look at upcoming townhouse developments, as these now offer the combined benefit of zero stamp duty and modern, sustainable living.
