Unlocking grants & incentives for off‑the‑plan buyers

How state and national support can help you step into your off‑the‑plan home with confidence.

Buying off‑the‑plan offers many advantages - but pairing your purchase with the right incentives can make a real difference. 

Australia’s states and territories offer a variety of grants, duty concessions and schemes designed to assist eligible buyers. If you’re considering an off‑the‑plan apartment, townhouse or new‑build home, here’s a clear breakdown of key incentives in Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, with notes on how off‑the‑plan purchases often qualify.

What to know first

Before diving into the specifics, a couple of important points:

• Most grants and concessions are designed for first home buyers or owner‑occupiers - not always for investors.
• Off‑the‑plan properties frequently qualify (apartments, units, townhouses, new builds) but always check the exact eligibility criteria for your state.
• Value caps, property types, residency requirements and timelines may apply and are subject to change - so always verify the current terms.

These incentives are most useful when seen as assistive, not the whole basis of your purchase decision. They complement good financial planning.

State‑by‑state overview

Queensland (QLD)

• The First Home Owner Grant (Queensland) offers up to $30,000 for eligible buyers of new homes, including off‑the‑plan units or townhouses, provided contracts or foundations are signed by certain cut‑off dates. 
• Stamp duty (transfer duty) concessions are also available for first home buyers on homes under certain thresholds. 
• The key: off‑the‑plan/new build definitions matter, price caps apply and you must meet owner‑occupier requirements.

Victoria (VIC)

• In Victoria, the First Home Owner Grant (Victoria) provides a grant of $10,000 for eligible new or off‑the‑plan homes. 
• Off‑the‑plan purchasers in Victoria may also benefit from stamp duty concessions - for example, paying duty only on the land value at contract time in some cases. 
• Be sure your contract, property type and timing align, as the off‑the‑plan stamp duty rules can differ from established‑home rules.

New South Wales (NSW)

• The First Home Owner Grant (New South Wales) gives eligible buyers of new homes - including off‑the‑plan apartments/townhouses - a grant of $10,000 under certain property value thresholds. 
• The First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme (NSW) provides stamp duty exemptions or concessions for first home buyers up to a value threshold. 
• Off‑the‑plan buyers must check that the property qualifies as “new” for the grant and that residency requirements are met.

South Australia (SA)

• South Australia offers the First Home Owner Grant (South Australia) of up to $15,000 for purchases of new homes (including off‑the‑plan) under certain conditions. 
• Importantly: for contracts on or after 6 June 2024, SA has abolished stamp duty for eligible first home buyers purchasing or building a new home, including off‑the‑plan units.
• This means off‑the‑plan buyers in SA should check current legislation carefully, as this presents a strong incentive.

Western Australia (WA)

• The First Home Owner Grant (Western Australia) provides up to $10,000 for eligible first home buyers of new homes or off‑the‑plan properties under certain value thresholds.
• Additionally, WA offers concessional duty rates for first home buyers on properties under certain values. 
• Make sure the property meets the definition of “new home” or “off‑the‑plan” as required.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The Home Buyer Concession Scheme (ACT) offers stamp duty concessions for eligible first home buyers, particularly for new homes or off‑the‑plan units/apartments in some cases. 

Note: The traditional First Home Owner Grant is not currently available in the ACT, making the duty concession scheme especially relevant.

Why off‑the‑plan buyers should pay special attention

• Many of these incentives explicitly include off‑the‑plan properties (new apartments/townhouses not yet built). That means the benefits apply to your purchase model.
• Off‑the‑plan purchases often require settlement further in the future - so your eligibility window and residency conditions must be well‑planned.
• Grants and concessions reduce up‑front costs, which can help you allocate more of your deposit, reduce stress, or afford better finishes.
• Programs differ significantly from state to state - so your personal strategy should consider which state you're buying in, and what incentives align.

Steps to take now

1. Check eligibility: Are you a first home buyer or owner‑occupier? Have you owned property before? Are you buying new/off‑the‑plan?
2. Review state rules: Each state has different value caps, timelines, and definitions - especially for “new build” or “off‑the‑plan”.
3. Ask your developer/agent: Confirm the property qualifies (new/off‑the‑plan) and check when settlement occurs, as this may affect eligibility.
4. Budget accordingly: Use the potential incentives as a boost - not the sole reason to buy. Having strong savings and loan preparation remains essential.
5. Apply early: Some grants require application within a timeframe, sometimes before or shortly after settlement or completion of the home.

Final thought

Incentives won’t replace careful planning - but they can make the difference between a good move and a smart one. For off‑the‑plan buyers, the combination of new build longevity, modern design and timing flexibility is already strong. Add the right state‑based incentives and you could start your home‑ownership journey with greater certainty, lower costs and better alignment to life goals.

Want me to turn this into a downloadable comparison table by state, or support copy for each state’s landing page? Happy to help shape either.

For more off-the-plan buying guides, click here.