Last updated: July 2026
First Home Buyer Australian Capital Territory 2026
The ACT does not have a First Home Owner Grant but makes up for it with the most generous stamp duty concession in the country. From 1 July 2026, the Home Buyer Concession Scheme removed both its property price cap and its income test — eligible first home buyers now pay zero stamp duty at any price. Here is how to maximise your benefits.
Grants Available in Australian Capital Territory
- The ACT does not offer a First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)
- Instead, the Home Buyer Concession Scheme (HBCS) provides unlimited stamp duty relief
- From 1 July 2026, the HBCS has no property price cap and no income test — eligible first home buyers pay zero stamp duty regardless of purchase price
- This makes the ACT the only jurisdiction with no price limit on its first home buyer stamp duty concession
Stamp Duty Concessions
- Home Buyer Concession Scheme (HBCS): full exemption on all property types at any price (the cap was removed from 1 July 2026)
- No other state or territory offers an uncapped first home buyer duty exemption
- Applies to new builds, established homes, and vacant land
- There is no income test — it was also removed from 1 July 2026
Use the ACT stamp duty calculator
Federal Schemes in Australian Capital Territory
- FHBG property price cap: $1,000,000 for the entire ACT (no regional split)
- Help to Buy property price cap: $1,000,000 for the entire ACT. Income cap $103,000 single / $165,000 couple or single parent. Citizens only
- FHSS: salary sacrifice up to $50,000 into super with tax advantages
- FHBG and Help to Buy cannot be used together. All other schemes stack
FHBG guide | Help to Buy guide | FHSS guide
Stacking Your Benefits in Australian Capital Territory
Example: buying a $1,200,000 established home in Canberra with a couple earning $140,000 combined.
Learn more about stacking schemes
Schemes at a Glance
| Scheme | Benefit | Note |
|---|---|---|
| FHOG | Not available | ACT uses HBCS instead |
| Stamp duty (HBCS) | $0 duty, any price | Cap removed 1 July 2026 |
| FHBG | No LMI, 5% deposit | Cap $1M Canberra |
| Help to Buy | 30-40% equity | Cap $1M Canberra. Citizens only |
| FHSS | Up to $50,000 from super | Tax advantage on contributions |
See which schemes you qualify for
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the ACT have a First Home Owner Grant?
No. The ACT abolished the FHOG in 2019. Instead, the Home Buyer Concession Scheme (HBCS) provides full stamp duty exemption at any price — the property price cap was removed from 1 July 2026.
Is there a price cap on the ACT stamp duty exemption?
No. From 1 July 2026, the ACT removed the HBCS property price cap entirely. Eligible first home buyers pay $0 duty regardless of purchase price.
Is there an income test for the ACT HBCS?
No. The income test was also removed from 1 July 2026. There is no income limit for the HBCS.
What is the FHBG price cap for Canberra?
$1,000,000 for the entire ACT. There is no regional split.
Sources:
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Calculations are estimates only and may not reflect your exact circumstances. Eligibility criteria and dollar amounts may change without notice. Always verify with the relevant government authority, your mortgage broker, or a licensed financial adviser before making decisions.