Quick answer: The FHOG in NSW is $10,000 for eligible first home buyers purchasing or building a new home. Value cap: $600,000 for existing new homes, $750,000 for homes you build. Plus full stamp duty exemption up to $800,000.
NSW has some of the most generous first home buyer concessions in Australia — especially the stamp duty exemption threshold of $800,000, which is higher than Victoria’s $600,000.
Eligibility
To qualify for the NSW FHOG:
- First home buyer — never owned residential property in Australia
- Over 18, Australian citizen or permanent resident
- New home — must be brand new (never lived in) or a home you build
- Value cap — $600,000 for purchasing new, $750,000 for building
- Live in it — must move in within 12 months and stay for 12 consecutive months
How Much Can You Save?
| Benefit | Amount | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| FHOG | $10,000 | New home ≤ $750,000 (building) |
| Stamp duty exemption | Up to ~$31,000 | Property ≤ $800,000 (full exemption) |
| Stamp duty concession | Reduced rate | $800,001 – $1,000,000 |
| Stamp duty on land only | Saves $15K–$30K | Separate land + build contracts |
Example: Building in Western Sydney
| Item | Buying Established $650K | Building (Land $300K + Build $350K) |
|---|---|---|
| FHOG | $0 | $10,000 |
| Stamp duty | $0 (under $800K exemption) | $0 (land under $800K) |
| Total saving from building | — | $10,000 + new home |
For properties under $800,000, NSW first home buyers pay zero stamp duty whether buying established or building. The advantage of building is the $10,000 FHOG + getting a brand-new home.
NSW Stamp Duty for First Home Buyers
| Property Value | First Home Buyer Stamp Duty |
|---|---|
| Up to $800,000 | $0 (exempt) |
| $800,001 – $1,000,000 | Concessional rate |
| Over $1,000,000 | Full rates apply |
Calculate your total build cost in NSW
Free estimate including FHOG savings, stamp duty, and suburb-specific construction costs.
How to Apply
- Building: Your builder or solicitor lodges the application when you sign the building contract
- Buying new: Your conveyancer lodges at settlement
- Apply via: Revenue NSW (ServiceNSW) — online or through your legal representative
- Documents needed: 100 points of ID, contract, statutory declaration
Common Questions
What’s the difference between the $600K and $750K caps?
- $600,000 — applies when you’re buying an existing new home (never lived in)
- $750,000 — applies when you’re building a new home (land + build contracts)
The higher cap for building is designed to encourage new housing construction.
Can I get the FHOG and stamp duty exemption together?
Yes — they are separate benefits. A first home buyer building a $650K home (land $280K + build $370K) gets: $10,000 FHOG + $0 stamp duty = $10,000 cash + ~$25,000 in stamp duty savings.
What about the First Home Buyer Guarantee (federal)?
The FHBG (formerly First Home Loan Deposit Scheme) allows you to buy with as little as 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance. It’s a federal scheme that works alongside the NSW FHOG. Limited places available — check NHFIC for eligibility.
Information current as of April 2026. Based on Revenue NSW guidelines.
Related Guides
- Cost to Build in Sydney — Full Sydney cost breakdown
- Stamp Duty NSW — Detailed stamp duty guide
- First Home Owner Grant VIC — Victorian comparison
- Build vs Buy — Should you build or buy?
