Your Guide to Queensland’s 2025 Duty Break
Making Sense of Transfer Duty in Queensland
What is Transfer Duty and Why Does It Matter?
When you buy property in Queensland, one of the biggest additional costs is transfer duty—often referred to as stamp duty. It’s a tax levied by the state government each time ownership of a property changes hands. The cost can vary, typically based on the value of the property and the details of the transaction.
If you’re a first-time buyer, this tax can feel like an insurmountable hurdle. But that’s where Sunstate Conveyancing comes in—to help you navigate the system and potentially eliminate this cost entirely with the latest government concession.
First Home Buyers Rejoice: A Duty-Free Opportunity
Introducing the First Home (New Home) Transfer Duty Concession
From May 1, 2025, the Queensland Government is rolling out a game-changing initiative—the First Home (New Home) Transfer Duty Concession. In simple terms? First homebuyers who purchase a brand-new or substantially rebuilt home could be completely exempt from paying transfer duty.
It’s a golden opportunity for first-timers looking to secure a home without the added financial pressure of stamp duty. At Sunstate Conveyancing, we’re ready to help you qualify and make the most of this incentive.
Who’s Eligible? Here’s What You Need to Know
Conditions to Claim the Concession:
To benefit from this full duty exemption, buyers must meet all of the following criteria:
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You must be purchasing the property as an individual (not via a company or trust).
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The property contract must be dated on or after May 1, 2025.
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You must be buying a new home or one that’s been extensively renovated.
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You must never have owned a residential property—anywhere in the world.
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You must be at least 18 years old.
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The home must be your primary residence within 12 months of settlement.
Sounds straightforward, right? But the specifics—especially around “new” and “substantially renovated” properties—can get tricky, and that’s why our team is here to guide you through it all.
Understanding Property and Buyer Requirements
Eligible Properties Under the Concession
The concession applies to:
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Brand-New Homes: Properties that have never been lived in or sold before as residences.
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Extensively Renovated Dwellings: Homes that have undergone major renovations, meeting strict federal GST criteria for what counts as “substantial.”
Purchasing an older, lived-in property or one with only minor upgrades? Unfortunately, those won’t qualify.
Buyer Requirements: No Prior Property Ownership Allowed
To claim this duty waiver, you must not have previously owned any residential real estate, whether alone or jointly, in Australia or overseas. Even partial ownership or inherited property could disqualify you. This is strictly for true first-timers.
Moving In & Staying In: What the Rules Say
Residency Rules That Matter
Once your new keys are in hand, you’ll need to:
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Move in within 12 months of settlement.
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Live in the property as your main residence.
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Avoid renting out or leasing the property—or any part of it—before you’ve moved in.
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If you plan to rent a portion of the home, you can only do so after September 10, 2024 and only after you’ve already moved in.
Failure to follow these rules could cost you the entire concession—so play it safe, and get professional guidance.
How Much Can You Actually Save?
Massive Financial Benefits for First-Time Buyers
Let’s break it down: on a $700,000 home, the typical transfer duty would be around $17,350. With the concession? You pay nothing. That’s a life-changing amount, especially for young buyers trying to break into the property market.
Wider Benefits for Queensland’s Market
Besides putting money back in buyers’ pockets, this policy is expected to:
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Spur growth in new housing developments
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Boost construction jobs and housing availability
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Encourage renters to become homeowners
In short, it’s a win for everyone—and Sunstate Conveyancing is here to help you make it yours.
Applying for the Concession: Step-by-Step with Sunstate Conveyancing
The Application Process Made Easy
Claiming your concession is a process, but with Sunstate’s experts, it’s smooth and stress-free. Here’s what to expect:
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Confirm your eligibility with our team.
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Collect and complete the required forms.
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Submit everything to the Queensland Revenue Office or through our self-assessment system.
Required Documents:
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Form D2.1 (Concession claim form)
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Form 1 Transfer & Form 24 (Property registration documents)
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Vendor confirmation (That the property is new or extensively renovated)
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Proof of ID for all applicants
We’ll guide you through each document so nothing gets missed.
Why Work with Sunstate Conveyancing?
Your Trusted Partner in Property Transactions
At Sunstate Conveyancing, we’re not just here to fill out forms. We’re your dedicated guide through one of life’s biggest milestones—buying your first home. With decades of experience across Queensland’s property landscape, we know the ins and outs of government policies like this new concession.
Here’s how we make the difference:
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Expert advice tailored to your situation
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Fast, stress-free paperwork processing
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Clear guidance on eligibility, deadlines, and conditions
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Local knowledge that ensures you don’t miss out
With so many variables in the property world, having a specialist in your corner ensures peace of mind—and that you don’t miss a cent of savings.
Avoid These Common Pitfalls
What Could Go Wrong—and How to Prevent It
Even well-intentioned buyers can make costly mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:
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Incorrectly assuming eligibility: Thinking you qualify without checking every requirement is a common trap.
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Missing the deadline: If your contract is signed before May 1, 2025, you’re out of luck—no matter how perfect the property is.
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Ineligible property type: A quick kitchen reno doesn’t count as “substantially renovated.” Confirm with experts.
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Not moving in on time: You must make the property your primary home within 12 months of settlement—no exceptions.
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Renting too early: Leasing out even a single room before you move in voids your concession.
Sunstate Conveyancing helps you sidestep all these risks by keeping your application airtight and your strategy aligned with legal expectations.
How Queensland Stands Out Compared to Other States
What Makes This Concession Unique?
While every Australian state has support for first home buyers, Queensland’s 2025 concession is particularly generous:
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Full exemption on duty (not a sliding scale or partial discount)
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Applies to both new and extensively renovated homes
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Focused on real affordability, not just urban centers
Compare this with other states:
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NSW: Stamp duty reductions phase out as prices rise.
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VIC: Location and house value are key filters.
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SA: Removed duty for new builds under a set cap.
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WA, TAS, NT, ACT: Each has a different formula for assistance, but none with the same clear-cut advantage for new property purchases as Queensland.
Queensland’s new concession puts the power back in first homebuyers’ hands—especially those who partner with savvy conveyancing professionals.
What It Means for the Housing Market
Short-Term Surge, Long-Term Growth
There’s no question this policy will ignite buyer interest across the Sunshine State. We expect:
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A boom in demand for new builds
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An uptick in construction and trades
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More homeowners entering the market earlier than expected
Builders may shift focus to homes that meet “concession eligibility,” while real estate agents will see a spike in enquiries around new properties.
But with demand comes competition. That’s why starting your process early—with guidance from Sunstate Conveyancing—will give you an edge.
Building Your Future, Starting Now
Why This Isn’t Just About Duty—It’s About Your Life
Saving $15,000 to $20,000 on a home purchase is powerful. But even more impactful is what it enables:
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Paying down your mortgage faster
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Making improvements to your new home
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Increasing your borrowing power with less upfront cost
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Investing in your long-term financial stability
This concession gives first-time buyers a rare chance to gain equity early and escape the rental cycle sooner. It’s a step towards freedom, wealth-building, and control over your lifestyle.
FAQs – Sunstate Conveyancing Answers Your Top Questions
Q1: Can I still qualify if I inherit property after buying my first home?
Yes. Eligibility is determined at the time of contract signing. Inheriting a home later won’t affect your current concession.
Q2: What if my spouse owned property before, but I haven’t?
If you’re buying together, both parties must be eligible. One person’s prior ownership disqualifies the whole application.
Q3: Is there a limit on how expensive the house can be?
There’s no strict value cap mentioned in the current guidelines, but it’s wise to confirm details with our team based on your chosen property.
Q4: Can I apply for the concession after I’ve already settled?
Generally, no. But you may be able to request a reassessment and refund within five years if you forgot to apply and meet all criteria.
Q5: Does this impact my eligibility for other first home grants?
Not at all! In fact, many buyers use this alongside the First Home Owner Grant for even more financial benefit.
Ready to Buy Your First Home in Queensland? Let’s Make It Happen
The First Home (New Home) Transfer Duty Concession is your ticket to owning a new home in Queensland without the burden of stamp duty. At Sunstate Conveyancing, we specialize in turning complex property laws into clear opportunities.
Don’t leave money on the table. Get expert help, file the right paperwork, and step confidently into your future.
This is general advice only.
