Understanding Stamp Duty Exemptions for First Home Buyers in South Australia

Purchasing your first home can be financially daunting, with numerous costs to consider. One of the largest expenses is stamp duty, a tax imposed by the government on property transactions. Fortunately, for first home buyers in South Australia, if you sign a contract on or after 6 June 2024, you may be eligible for a full exemption from stamp duty, provided you meet specific criteria.

This article will help you understand whether you qualify for stamp duty concessions, what types of properties are eligible, and why it’s important to take advantage of these savings as you step onto the property ladder in South Australia.

What Properties Qualify for Stamp Duty Relief?

From 6 June 2024 onwards, first home buyers in South Australia can potentially benefit from a full exemption from stamp duty if they are purchasing specific types of properties. These include:

• A new home: This refers to a house, flat, unit, townhouse, or apartment that has never been previously occupied or sold as a residence. Importantly, substantially renovated homes (where most of the property has been restored or rebuilt) may also qualify as a "new home."
• An off-the-plan apartment: Purchasing an apartment that hasn’t been built yet is another way to qualify for stamp duty relief.
• A house and land package: If you’re signing a comprehensive building contract to build a new home on a piece of land, you may also be eligible.
• Vacant land: If you’re purchasing vacant land with the intent to build your new home, you could receive a full exemption from stamp duty. However, it’s essential to start construction within a specific time frame to maintain eligibility.

However, it’s crucial to note that stamp duty relief is not available on the purchase of an established home, even if your intention is to knock down the house and rebuild. Subdividing a block of land and building on one of the pieces also does not qualify for stamp duty relief. So, if you’re planning to buy an older property or land with an existing home, you will not be eligible for these concessions.

Who is Eligible for Stamp Duty Concessions?

To be eligible for a full exemption from stamp duty as a first home buyer in South Australia, there are several criteria you must meet. You must be:

• An Australian citizen or permanent resident: Special provisions also apply to New Zealand citizens who hold Special Category Visas and are permanently residing in Australia. In cases where there are multiple applicants, only one person needs to meet this requirement.
• At least 18 years of age at the time of applying for the stamp duty relief.
• A natural person: This means the applicant must be an individual, not a company or trust.

Additionally, you or your spouse/domestic partner must not have:

• Previously occupied an Australian residential property in which you had a relevant interest for six months or longer.
• Previously received stamp duty relief for first home buyers in any state or territory of Australia. However, if you did receive stamp duty relief but later repaid it, you might be eligible to reapply.

To maintain your eligibility, at least one applicant must reside in the home as their principal place of residence for a continuous period of at least six months. This must commence within:

• 12 months from the settlement date if you are purchasing a new home.
• 12 months of the date the Certificate of Occupancy is issued, or within 36 months of settlement, whichever comes first, if you’re purchasing vacant land to build your new home.

Why You Should Take Advantage of Stamp Duty Concessions

Saving on stamp duty can make a significant difference when purchasing your first home. Stamp duty is one of the largest upfront costs associated with buying a property, and for first home buyers, reducing or eliminating this expense can offer several benefits:

• A larger deposit: With less money spent on stamp duty, you’ll have more funds available for your deposit. A larger deposit can reduce your loan amount and make your home purchase more affordable over the long term.
• Avoiding Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI): If you can put down a deposit of at least 20%, you may avoid paying LMI. This is a type of insurance that lenders require when your deposit is below 20% of the property’s value. stamp duty concessions could help boost your deposit and potentially avoid this costly insurance.
• Increased borrowing power: By reducing the upfront costs, such as stamp duty, you may be able to increase your borrowing capacity, giving you access to a wider range of properties.
• More competitive interest rates: Another advantage of a larger deposit is a lower loan-to-value ratio (LVR). Lenders view a lower LVR as less risky, which can lead to more competitive interest rates. This could mean long-term savings over the life of your loan, making your first home purchase more affordable in the long run.

In a competitive housing market, every dollar saved matters. By taking advantage of these concessions, you can make your dream of owning your first home more achievable.

Next Steps: Speak to a UNO Broker

Understanding whether you qualify for a full exemption from stamp duty as a first home buyer in South Australia is essential to making an informed decision. With the right guidance, you could save thousands of dollars on your home purchase.

If you’re ready to take the next step, or if you have more questions about how stamp duty relief applies to your situation, speak to a UNO broker today. Our team is here to help you navigate the process and ensure you’re maximising your savings while securing your first home. Let us guide you through the complexities of home buying so that you can move forward with confidence.

‍

Source: Government of South Australia