If you’ve been waiting to buy your first home, 2025 delivered two big policy moves that make getting into the market much easier, one from the Queensland Government and one from the Australian Government.
Queensland Stamp Duty Changes — From 1 May 2025
As of 1 May 2025, eligible first home buyers purchasing a new home, a substantially renovated home, or vacant residential land to build on may qualify for a full transfer duty (stamp duty) exemption — meaning no stamp duty payable on the residential portion, provided the contract is dated 1 May 2025 or later.
For established/used homes, the first home concession thresholds (full concession up to $700,000, phasing out to $800,000; vacant land concession up to $350,000, phasing out to $500,000) remain in place. Make sure your contract date and eligibility line up with the Queensland Revenue Office rules.
Federal Home Guarantee Expansion — From 1 October 2025
Separately, the Australian Government expanded the national Home/First Home Guarantee scheme, with key changes coming into force 1 October 2025. The expansion removes the previous numerical caps on places and lifts several restrictions — meaning many more eligible first home buyers across Australia can access a 5% deposit loan without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
The changes also relax some income and property price limits, making it easier for first home buyers to enter the market, particularly in growth regions like the Sunshine Coast.
What This Means in Practice
- New homes & vacant land (QLD): Contracts dated on or after 1 May 2025 may qualify for no transfer duty on the residential portion.
- Established homes (QLD): Concessions still apply under the existing thresholds (up to $700k full concession, phasing to $800k).
- Lower deposit options (AUS-wide): From 1 October 2025, eligible buyers can purchase with as little as 5% deposit and avoid LMI under the expanded Home Guarantee scheme.
Important Notes
- Contract dates matter: QLD exemption applies from 1 May 2025; Federal changes from 1 October 2025.
- Eligibility still applies: Buyers must meet first home buyer and owner-occupier requirements.
- “New home” definition: Off-the-plan, newly built, or substantially renovated homes qualify but knock-down/rebuild projects typically don’t.
Your First Home Journey Starts Here
At Laguna Real Estate, we’re passionate about helping first home buyers make the most of these new opportunities. Our experienced local team can guide you through every step from understanding which concessions you’re eligible for to finding the right property that fits your lifestyle and budget.
With our deep local knowledge and genuine focus on client care, we make navigating these new changes simple and stress free.
📞 Call Laguna Real Estate today on 1800 357 528 — and let’s turn your first home dream into a reality.
