Buying Your First Home in South Australia: Grants and Stamp Duty Relief Explained
By Altus Realty · 16 Sep 2026 · 3 min read
Buying your first home is a big milestone, and in South Australia there is meaningful government support available, particularly if you are buying or building a new home. Here is a plain-English overview of what’s on offer and what to think about.
The First Home Owner Grant
The South Australian Government’s First Home Owner Grant is a one-off payment of up to $15,000 for eligible first home owners who are buying or building a new home that will be their principal place of residence.
According to RevenueSA, eligible transactions can include:
- buying a new home that hasn’t been lived in before
- an off-the-plan apartment
- a substantially renovated home
- a contract to build a new home, including house and land packages
- owner builders
Eligibility rules apply, including requirements around previous property ownership and living in the home for at least six continuous months. Applications must generally be made within 12 months of settlement or completion of the build.
Stamp duty relief for new homes
Stamp duty can be one of the largest upfront costs of buying a home. In South Australia, eligible first home buyers pay no stamp duty when they buy or build a new home. The property value thresholds have been removed, so the exemption applies to eligible new homes, off-the-plan apartments, house and land packages and vacant land for building a new home.
The eligibility criteria for stamp duty relief are similar to those for the grant, but you need to apply for each separately.
What about established homes?
The grant and the stamp duty exemption described above are aimed at new homes. If you are buying an established home, you will generally need to budget for stamp duty. It’s worth checking the current rules with RevenueSA, as well as any federal schemes that may be available through participating lenders.
Budget for the full cost of buying
Beyond your deposit, remember to allow for:
- conveyancing and legal fees
- building and pest inspections
- loan establishment costs and, where relevant, lenders mortgage insurance
- home and contents insurance
- moving costs
With the Reserve Bank lifting rates during 2026, it’s also wise to make sure your budget allows for the possibility of higher repayments in the future.
Get pre-approval early
Talking to a lender or mortgage broker before you start seriously house hunting will help you understand your borrowing capacity and give you confidence when the right property comes along.
New estates around Gawler
Gawler and the surrounding growth areas, including Springwood in Gawler East, offer a range of new homes and house and land options that may suit first home buyers looking to make the most of the available support.
We’re here to help
If you’re starting your first home search, the Altus team is always happy to answer questions, explain the buying process and keep an eye out for properties that suit what you’re looking for.
This article provides general information only. Grant and stamp duty rules can change. Check current eligibility with RevenueSA and obtain independent financial and legal advice before purchasing.
