Your Finance GuideAustralian finance education
NSW · Sydney

Buying or refinancing in New South Wales?

The schemes, stamp-duty thresholds and journey paths that apply to New South Wales buyers, current as of May 2026. Median dwelling value: $1,160,000 (-2.4% year-on-year).

Stamp duty (transfer duty)
$800,000
FHB full exemption up to

Stamp (transfer) duty steps from 1.25% to 5.50% on standard purchases. Foreign-buyer surcharge of 8% applies.

Calculate stamp duty
First Home Owner Grant
$10,000
Cap $600,000

New homes only.

Read the FHB grant guide
Median dwelling value
$1,160,000
-2.4% YoY

Sydney median dwelling value softened in early 2026 after the RBA hike cycle resumed.

New South Wales home loans
New South Wales schemes

Every New South Wales scheme that actually moves the maths.

Federal + state schemes that New South Wales first-home buyers and owner-occupiers can stack. Confirm eligibility against the relevant revenue office before signing a contract.

First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme
Full or concessional stamp duty up to $1,000,000 for FHBs.
Shared Equity Home Buyer Helper
NSW shared-equity for eligible single parents, key workers, older single women.
First Home Guarantee
Federal scheme: 5% deposit with no LMI. Sydney price cap $1.5M (2026).
Sydney & beyond

Where New South Wales borrowers are buying.

Sub-markets vary widely on price-to-income, rental yield and growth. Use the regions below as starting points; the journey paths below cover the structural decisions.

  • Sydney metro
  • Newcastle
  • Wollongong
  • Central Coast
  • Regional NSW

Sydney median dwelling value softened in early 2026 after the RBA hike cycle resumed. Detached houses have held value better than apartments in inner-ring postcodes; outer-ring growth corridors (north-west, south-west) saw the steepest correction.

WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the example given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees, or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Comparison rates are based on a secured loan of $30,000 over 5 years for vehicle finance and $50,000 over 5 years for equipment finance, as required under the National Credit Code.