Key takeaways
- Eligible first home buyers pay no stamp duty in SA on a new home, off-the-plan home or land to build on, with no value cap.
- The $15,000 First Home Owner Grant applies to new homes only, also with no value cap for contracts from 6 June 2024.
- Buying an established home? There's no SA grant or stamp duty relief, but the federal 5% Deposit Scheme can still remove LMI.
- Since October 2025 the federal scheme has no income test or place limit. The Adelaide price cap is $900,000; the rest of SA is $500,000.
Planning to buy? See how we help buyers find the right home loan.
What help is available for SA first home buyers?
There are three main forms of support: the state's First Home Owner Grant, the state's stamp duty relief, and the federal 5% Deposit Scheme (previously the First Home Guarantee). The first two apply only to new homes. The federal scheme applies to new and established homes within a price cap.
At a glance
| New home, off the plan or build | Established home | |
|---|---|---|
| First Home Owner Grant | Up to $15,000 | Not available |
| SA stamp duty | Full relief, no value cap | Standard duty applies |
| Federal 5% Deposit Scheme | Available within price cap | Available within price cap |
How does the First Home Owner Grant work in SA?
The grant is a one-off payment of up to $15,000 for eligible first home buyers who buy or build a new home that hasn't been lived in before. That includes a house-and-land package, a new off-the-plan apartment, a substantially renovated home, or a contract to build. Buying vacant land on its own doesn't qualify, but signing a building contract for that land can.
For contracts signed on or after 6 June 2024 there's no property value cap. You'll generally need to live in the home as your principal residence for at least 12 continuous months, starting within 12 months of settlement or completion. Ownership history rules tightened from 13 February 2025, and your spouse or partner's history counts too, so check eligibility with RevenueSA before you sign.
Do first home buyers pay stamp duty in SA?
Not on an eligible new home, off-the-plan home or vacant land to build a home on. For contracts from 6 June 2024 the relief is uncapped. On a $650,000 new home, that's a saving of close to $30,000 compared with standard duty.
There's no first home buyer relief on established homes in South Australia. If you buy an existing house, you pay the same duty as any other buyer. Our SA stamp duty calculator shows the figure for any price.
What is the federal 5% Deposit Scheme?
The scheme lets eligible first home buyers purchase with a deposit from 5% without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance. The government guarantees part of the loan instead. Eligible single parents and guardians can buy with a deposit from 2%.
From 1 October 2025 the income test and the annual cap on places were removed. Property price caps still apply: $900,000 in Adelaide and $500,000 in the rest of South Australia. You apply through a participating lender, which is where a broker helps. See the First Home Guarantee explained.
Can you combine the grants and schemes?
Yes. A first home buyer building or buying new in Adelaide can potentially receive the $15,000 grant, pay no stamp duty and use the 5% Deposit Scheme to avoid LMI, all on the same purchase, provided the price is within the scheme cap. That combination can reduce the upfront cash needed by tens of thousands of dollars.
Buying established, the federal scheme is usually the main lever. The trade-off between a new home with full state support and an established home in a preferred location is one of the biggest decisions SA first home buyers make, and it's worth running the numbers on both.
What should you check before signing?
- That you and your partner meet the ownership history rules for each program.
- That the property qualifies as "new" under the grant and duty rules.
- That the price is under the federal scheme cap for the area, if you're using it.
- That your lender participates in the federal scheme.
- When each benefit is paid. The grant is paid at settlement or at a building stage, not upfront.
Check what you're eligible for
We'll check every grant, scheme and concession against your situation, then compare lenders so the loan is as sharp as the plan.
Book your free game plan callGeorge Karpathakis, Co-Founder & DirectorYour enquiry comes straight to our team. We usually reply within one business day.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get the First Home Owner Grant on an established home in SA?
No. The SA grant applies only to new homes, including off-the-plan and substantially renovated homes, and contracts to build.
Is there a price cap on SA first home buyer stamp duty relief?
Not for contracts signed on or after 6 June 2024. Eligible new homes, off-the-plan homes and land to build on are fully exempt regardless of value.
What is the 5% Deposit Scheme price cap in Adelaide?
$900,000 in Adelaide and $500,000 in the rest of South Australia, since 1 October 2025.
Does my partner's previous property ownership affect eligibility?
Yes. RevenueSA considers your spouse or domestic partner's ownership history, even if they aren't buying with you.
The 7 things every lender checks before they say yes
A one-page checklist to get your application lender-ready. Free and instant.
This guide is general information only and does not take your personal circumstances into account. It is not financial, credit, tax or legal advice. Examples are illustrative only. Government schemes, lender policies and rates change over time and eligibility criteria apply. Speak with us for advice tailored to your situation. LendQuest Pty Ltd is a credit representative (555514) of BLSSA Pty Ltd, Australian Credit Licence 391237.