Stamp duty is one of the most significant additional costs when buying property in Wagga Wagga, but many buyers are still unsure about how it works—and whether they’re eligible for any exemptions.

In New South Wales, stamp duty (officially known as “transfer duty”) is a tax based on the sale price of a property. For example, if you buy a $650,000 home in Wagga, your stamp duty will typically be around $24,000—unless you qualify for one of the state’s concessions.

Fortunately, there’s good news for first-home buyers. Under the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme, eligible buyers may pay no stamp duty on homes under $800,000—or receive a scaled discount up to $1,000,000. There’s also the option to opt into the annual property tax as part of the First Home Buyer Choice scheme, avoiding the upfront cost in favour of smaller yearly payments.

It’s crucial to speak with a conveyancer or financial advisor before making your offer. We also recommend factoring stamp duty into your budget from day one—so you’re not caught off guard when it’s time to finalise your deposit and settlement.

At PRD Wagga, we help buyers understand their options and connect them with professionals who can structure their purchase smartly. Stamp duty might be unavoidable, but with the right plan, it doesn’t have to be a barrier.