First home buyers in NSW get land tax option - how does it work?

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NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has confirmed that eligible first-time borrowers will have the option of paying stamp duty or an annual land tax, starting 16 January, 2023.

Under this new arrangement, a first-time buyer purchasing a property up to $1.5m can opt to pay an annual fee of $400 plus 0.3 per cent of the land value. This can mean an overall saving is made, compared to the upfront cost of stamp duty.

For example, if a buyer holds their property for say, 20 years, they might be better off paying the land tax option instead of stamp duty - but it’s always important to do the numbers on such an equation to compare.

“We want to lower the barriers to owning a home for first home buyers seeking a place of their own,” said Perrottet.

"Lifting home ownership is part of this government's efforts and ambition to help families who are feeling the squeeze."

More about the new property buying rules

First-time buyers must also move into their house within 12 months of buying and live in it for six continuous months. 

First-time buyers will also have access to stamp duty exemptions for properties up to $650,000 and concessions for properties between $650,000 and $800,000.

As mentioned, first home buyers will annually pay $400 plus 0.3% of the land value for as long as they own the property.

In this annual tax option, an owner would be paying the new land tax on top of local council taxes. And moving forward, stamp duty payment would not be required if the property was sold in the future.

So far, in the newest state budget announcement, $728 million has been allocated for housing affordability and to cover a potential shortfall of revenue. 

If you’re looking to buy for the first time, check out Mozo’s first time home buyer guides. Alternatively, if you’re ready to buy you can start comparing home loans below.

Home loan comparisons on Mozo

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Last updated 27 July 2024 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*
  • Basic Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR 90-95%
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    7.19 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    7.22 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $4,747
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  • OMG Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • >80% LVR
    Interest rate
    6.29 % p.a.
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    6.32 % p.a.
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    BCU Bank’s OMG owner occupied home loan offers a variety of great low rates depending on your deposit. Save with no ongoing annual fees. Access your extra payments when you need to through the redraw facility. Pre-approval valid for 3 months.

  • Basic Home Loan

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    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR 80-95%
    Interest rate
    6.75 % p.a.
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    Comparison rate
    7.09 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $4,540
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    Get a flexible loan structure with up to six loan accounts with different rate types. Make free extra repayments. Enjoy free redraw facility. No upfront or ongoing fees. Option to earn Qantas points.

  • Offset Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR 80-95%
    Interest rate
    6.75 % p.a.
    Fixed 3 years
    Comparison rate
    7.30 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
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  • Special Real Deal Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR 80-95%
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    Refinancers or first home buyers pay no monthly or annual fees. Up to $3,000 cashback when you complete your home loan application online. $2,000 cashback on loans ≥$250K; or $3,000 cashback on loans ≥$500K. LVR ≤80%. T&Cs and credit criteria apply.

  • Basic Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR 90-95%
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    7.19 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    7.22 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $4,747
    Go to site

  • Offset Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR 90-95%
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    7.19 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    7.43 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $4,747
    Go to site

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* WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. The comparison rate displayed is for a secured loan with monthly principal and interest repayments for $150,000 over 25 years.

** Initial monthly repayment figures are estimates only, based on the advertised rate. You can change the loan amount and term in the input boxes at the top of this table. Rates, fees and charges and therefore the total cost of the loan may vary depending on your loan amount, loan term, and credit history. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes.

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