Understanding Stamp Duty Concessions for Off-the-Plan in the ACT

Stamp duty (formally 'conveyance duty') is one of the largest upfront costs when purchasing property. In the ACT, the government offers concessions for off-the-plan purchases that can significantly reduce this cost — particularly for first-home buyers and owner-occupiers.

The ACT's off-the-plan duty concession allows eligible buyers to pay duty on the land value only (rather than the full purchase price including the building component). For a typical apartment, this can reduce stamp duty by 50% or more compared to an equivalent established property.

First-home buyers in the ACT may also access the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, which provides full duty exemption for properties below certain thresholds. Combined with the off-the-plan concession, the total savings can be substantial — often $20,000 to $40,000 or more depending on the purchase price.

Eligibility for duty concessions typically requires you to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, purchasing as an individual (not a company or trust), and intending to live in the property as your principal place of residence for a minimum period. Investors may still benefit from the off-the-plan land-only concession but won't access the first-home buyer scheme.

We recommend consulting with your solicitor and the ACT Revenue Office to confirm your eligibility and calculate your expected duty. At Apartment Collective, we can provide general guidance on likely concessions for specific projects and connect you with experienced conveyancers.