Eligible first home buyers will be able to ditch upfront stamp duty from today in favour of a smaller annual fee on properties purchased up to $1.5 million, while those whoโ€™ve bought in the last two months can now apply for a refund.

First Home Buyer Choice begins today and eligible first home buyers who bought after November 11 2022, when the initiative became law, can opt in to the annual fee and will receive a stamp duty refund within 10 business days.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said First Home Buyer Choice will help thousands of NSW families achieve the benefits of home ownership sooner.

โ€œThe new year brings a new choice for first home buyers. Our plan means first home buyers will shave years off the time needed to save for a property and will help them achieve their home ownership dreams,โ€ Mr Perrottet said.

โ€œThis will be a game-changer for first home buyers. The Liberal and Nationals are backing first home buyers to get the keys to their first home sooner.

 

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โ€œThis national first will significantly reduce upfront costs, reduce the time needed to save for a deposit and will see most first home buyers pay less tax overall.

โ€œThe wide scope of First Home Buyer Choice means it is now assisting first home buyers to get the keys to their first home, whether it is an apartment in Holsworthy, a townhouse in Kellyville or a large freestanding home in Orange.โ€

Treasurer Matt Kean said interest in First Home Buyer Choice was strong with more than 56,000 calculations made online comparing the smaller annual fee to upfront stamp duty.

โ€œEligible first home buyers can now opt out of stamp duty in favour of a smaller annual fee while those who have bought since November 11 2022 can get a refund of stamp duty within 10 business days and pay the annual fee instead,โ€ Mr Kean said.

โ€œThis new choice is empowering first home buyers to get a foot on the property ladder.

โ€œThis important reform means 97 per cent of first home buyers will get a leg up under the Liberal National Governmentโ€™s policies, allowing them to buy the type of home they want, where they want to live.โ€

The property sector has been engaged and briefed on the program and is ready to help potential buyers choose what will work best in their circumstances.