ACT Government Becomes First Australian Jurisdiction to Abolish Stamp Duty for All First Home Buyers
The ACT Government has announced that it will remove stamp duty for all first home buyers as part of its 2026–27 Budget, becoming the first jurisdiction in Australia to introduce such a measure.
The reform is designed to reduce the upfront cost of purchasing a home and improve housing affordability for Canberrans entering the property market. In addition to first home buyers, stamp duty exemptions will be expanded to support pensioners, eligible National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants, and individuals who have not owned a property during the previous five years.
The government has also outlined a series of tax and planning reforms aimed at increasing the supply of medium-density housing through its “Missing Middle” housing strategy. Key measures include the removal of stamp duty on newly constructed unit-titled homes purchased by owner-occupiers and the extension of concessions to newly built units that were not sold off-the-plan.
To support the delivery of more diverse housing options, the ACT Government will launch the Canberra House Pattern Book, which will provide pre-approved designs for medium-density homes. The initiative is intended to streamline planning processes and encourage the development of housing that better meets community needs.
According to the government, these housing initiatives form part of a broader strategy to improve access to home ownership and increase the availability of housing across the ACT.
The reforms are expected to assist home buyers, encourage new housing construction, and support the long-term growth of Canberra’s housing market.
Source: ACT Government 2026–27 Budget Announcement
Read more: https://bit.ly/4dWVBdt
