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With housing affordability remaining a major concern across New South Wales, a range of government incentives and financial supports are designed to help buyers enter the property market or reduce the cost of purchasing a home.
From stamp duty concessions to shared equity schemes and grants for new builds, these measures can make a meaningful difference, particularly for first home buyers and families in growth areas such as the Hawkesbury.
Understanding what assistance is available, and who is eligible, is an important first step for anyone considering buying a home in the current market. Here are the key incentives and financial supports available to home buyers in NSW including the Hawkesbury area.
1. First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme (Stamp Duty Relief)
Eligible first-home buyers can pay no transfer duty (stamp duty) on a new or existing home valued up to $800,000, a major upfront saving. Buyers of homes between $800,000 and $1,000,000 may get a reduced rate of stamp duty. The same kind of relief also applies for vacant land up to set thresholds if you intend to build. (NSW Government)
2. First Homeowner (New Homes) Grant
If you’re buying or building your first newly built or substantially renovated home, you may be eligible for a $10,000 grant. This applies to houses, townhouses, apartments or land with a building contract, subject to value limits on property or land + build costs. (Revenue NSW)
3. First Home Super Saver Scheme
This allows you to use voluntary contributions made into your superannuation to save for a home deposit, potentially with tax advantages. You can withdraw up to $50,000 of your voluntary contributions under the scheme. (NSW Government)
4. Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme
Eligible buyers can purchase with as little as 5% deposit without needing costly Lenders’ Mortgage Insurance (LMI). There’s also a Family Home Guarantee that can let eligible single parents buy with even lower deposit. Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme
5. Australian Government “Help to Buy” Shared Equity Scheme
Australian Government shared-equity scheme will assist eligible first home buyers by contributing a portion (up to ~30–40%) of the purchase price so buyers can enter the market with just a 2% deposit though eligibility caps and property price limits still apply. Australian Government Help to Buy Scheme
Many buyers combine these incentives (e.g., stamp duty relief + new home grant + deposit support) to significantly lower upfront costs and help bridge the deposit gap.
