First Home Buyer Conveyancing Sydney
Buying your first property is a major milestone filled with complex legal requirements. Get solicitor guidance on NSW Revenue's FHBAS rules, contract risk, settlement steps, and protecting your 10% deposit.
FHBAS Safeguards (NSW)
- ✓ $0 Stamp Duty on Homes under $800k
- ✓ Discounted Duty up to $1 Million Limit
- ✓ $0 Stamp Duty on Land under $350k
- ✓ Same-Day Urgent Contract Audits
Your First-Home Buying Roadmap (NSW)
From browsing homes to moving day. We translate complex legal definitions into a clear pathway, protecting you against hidden property risks.
Pre-Purchase Vetting
Before bidding at auction or signing a contract, send us the draft Contract for Sale PDF. We perform an exhaustive audit of easements, zoning bylaws, and strata building funds.
The Exchange Security
We manage the exchange of contracts and coordinate your cooling-off period (usually 5 business days). If buying at auction, we ensure your finances are fully unconditional prior to bidding.
Exemption Applications
We prepare and submit your official applications for FHBAS (First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme) stamp duty exemptions or concessions directly with Revenue NSW.
Seamless Settlement
We coordinate with your home loan lender to run electronic settlement on the PEXA workspace, register your name on the NSW land registry, and clear funds securely.
FHBAS Thresholds & Savings in NSW
The First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme (FHBAS) provides substantial tax savings. Check how much stamp duty you can save based on your purchase price:
| Property Status & Type | Purchase Price Range | Stamp Duty Rate Payable | Max. Savings Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| New & Existing Homes | Under $800,000 | Complete Exemption ($0 Duty) | Save up to $31,010 |
| New & Existing Homes | $800,000 to $1,000,000 | Concessional Rate (Graduated scale) | Reduced tax scale |
| Vacant Residential Land | Under $350,000 | Complete Exemption ($0 Duty) | Save up to $10,410 |
| Vacant Residential Land | $350,000 to $450,000 | Concessional Rate (Graduated scale) | Reduced tax scale |
Note: Thresholds correspond to current Revenue NSW parameters for First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme. You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident to qualify.
The First-Home Buyer's Safeguard Checklist
Avoid high-risk pitfalls that can trap first-time buyers in the competitive Sydney market.
1. Crucial Contract Due Diligence
- ✓Check Special Conditions: Look out for aggressive late penalty interest clauses or 'Release of Deposit' special terms.
- ✓Strata Capital Audits: Verify if the building has active levies or cladding litigation that could cost you thousands later.
- ✓Identify Easements: Verify where sewer mains cross the property. Make sure there are no unapproved buildings on top of sewer corridors.
2. Funding & Legal Safeguards
- ✓Formal Unconditional Approval: Do not sign a Section 66W waiver unless your home loan lender has issued a written, formal unconditional approval letter.
- ✓Verify FHB Concessions: Ensure you are registered as a FHBAS beneficiary with Revenue NSW. We prepare all forms to avoid standard stamp tax.
- ✓Final Inspection Checklist: Walk through the property 1-2 days before settlement day to verify that appliances, fixtures, and structures are in perfect condition.
Request Your Free FHB Quote & Review
Submit your property details. If you have a Contract of Sale, you may include its filename as metadata; share the document contents through an approved secure channel.
FHB Request Received
Thank you, . Your first-home buyer enquiry has been sent to Aquarius Lawyers for .
An expert NSW property solicitor will review your suburb details and contact you at or within 2 hours.
First Home Buyer Questions & Answers
Learn about your legal protections and Revenue NSW stamp duty entitlements as a first home buyer.
Who qualifies as a first home buyer in NSW?
To qualify for FHBAS, you must: (1) be an individual over 18, (2) be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, (3) have never owned or co-owned residential real estate in Australia, and (4) move into the property as your primary place of residence within 12 months of settlement and live there for a continuous period of at least 12 months.
What is the maximum purchase price to get zero stamp duty?
For eligible first home purchases in NSW, the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme may remove stamp duty on properties up to $800,000. For properties between $800,000 and $1,000,000, a graduated concessional stamp duty rate may apply.
Do you help me apply for the stamp duty exemptions?
Yes. We prepare the mandatory Revenue NSW declaration forms and lodge them on your behalf in the PEXA digital portal, then monitor the exemption or concession status before settlement.
Further Purchaser Context
Let our experienced solicitors protect your first real estate transaction. Select another conveyancing practice area to learn more.