Government Incentives Every Canberra Buyer Should Know About

Whether you are buying your first home or considering downsizing into a more manageable property, there has never been a better time to understand the assistance available.

Both the Federal Government and ACT Government now offer a range of schemes designed to help buyers enter, re-enter, or move within the property market.

First Home Buyers

Federal Government Support

Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme

Buy your first home with as little as a 5% deposit and avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).

Key benefits:

• Buy with a 5% deposit

• No Lenders Mortgage Insurance

• No income caps

• Unlimited places available

• Single parents may qualify with just a 2% deposit

Help to Buy Shared Equity Scheme

The Federal Government contributes towards the purchase price of your home.

Key benefits:

• Buy with as little as a 2% deposit

• Government contributes up to:

  • 40% of a new home

  • 30% of an existing home

• Lower mortgage repayments

• Designed to improve affordability

First Home Super Saver Scheme

Save for a deposit through your superannuation fund.

Key benefits:

• Up to $15,000 per year can be contributed

• Up to $50,000 can be withdrawn for a deposit

• Potential tax advantages while saving

100,000 Homes Program

A national housing initiative aimed at increasing the supply of homes available to first home buyers.

Key benefits:

• Increased housing supply

• More opportunities to purchase new homes

• Additional support for housing affordability

Foreign Buyer Restrictions

The Federal Government has extended restrictions on foreign buyers purchasing established homes.

Potential benefit:

• More housing stock available to Australian buyers

• Reduced competition in some market segments

ACT Government Support

No Stamp Duty for First Home Buyers

From 1 July 2026, eligible ACT first home buyers will pay no stamp duty.

Potential saving:

• Tens of thousands of dollars depending on the property price

Home Buyer Concession Scheme

For eligible purchases prior to the new arrangements.

Key benefits:

• Concessions of up to $35,238

• Eligible homes valued up to $1,020,000 may attract no duty

Re-Entering the Market

The ACT Government is expanding concessions to buyers who have not owned property in the previous five years.

May assist:

• Previous home owners

• Separated buyers

• Long-term renters returning to ownership

Why This Matters

A first home buyer in Canberra may now be able to:

Purchase with as little as a 2–5% deposit
Avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance
Potentially pay no ACT stamp duty
Access superannuation savings for a deposit
Benefit from new housing supply initiatives

The combined savings can amount to many tens of thousands of dollars.

Downsizers & Older Australians

Federal Government Support

Downsizer Super Contribution

One of the most valuable incentives available.

Key benefits:

• Available from age 55+

• Contribute up to $300,000 each into super

• Couples may contribute up to $600,000

• Does not count towards normal contribution caps

Age Pension Asset Test Protection

Key benefits:

• Sale proceeds intended for a replacement home may be exempt from the assets test for up to 24 months

• Possible extension to 36 months in some circumstances

Reduced Deeming on Sale Proceeds

Key benefits:

• Lower deeming rate applies while searching for a replacement home

• Helps protect pension entitlements

Home Equity Access Scheme

Key benefits:

• Government-backed loan secured against real estate

• Can supplement retirement income

• Available even to some people who do not receive the Age Pension

Rent Assistance

May be available for eligible pensioners who move into:

• Retirement villages

• Lifestyle communities

• Rental accommodation

• Over-55s developments

Pensioner Concession Card

Provides assistance with:

• Healthcare costs

• Prescription medicines

• Utilities

• Transport

• Other concessions

ACT Government Support

Pensioner Duty Concession Scheme

The ACT’s most significant downsizer incentive.

Potential benefits:

• Reduced or eliminated stamp duty

• Available for eligible pensioners purchasing a new principal residence

• Concession value up to $35,238

Pensioner Duty Deferral Scheme

Key benefits:

• Defer payment of stamp duty

• Preserve savings and retirement capital

• Useful for asset-rich, income-constrained retirees

Expanded Pensioner Concessions

From 1 July 2026, the ACT Government is expanding stamp duty relief for pensioners.

Expected benefits:

• Broader eligibility

• Greater stamp duty savings

• Additional support for downsizers

New Apartments & Townhouses

Additional concessions apply to eligible newly constructed homes.

Ideal for downsizers seeking:

• Lower maintenance living

• Better accessibility

• Modern energy-efficient homes

Off-the-Plan Unit Concessions

Potential duty savings for buyers purchasing before completion.

Suitable for:

• Future planning

• Retirement relocation

• Accessible housing options

Disability Duty Concessions

Additional assistance may be available through:

• Disability Duty Concession Scheme

• Severe Disability Duty Exemption

• Special Disability Trust Exemptions

Pensioner Rates Assistance

Eligible pensioners may receive:

• 50% rates rebate (up to the annual cap)

• Fire and Emergency Services Levy rebate

• Rates deferral options

Why This Matters

For many Canberra homeowners aged 55 and over, downsizing can provide:

Significant ACT stamp duty savings
Up to $600,000 transferred into superannuation for couples
Protection of Age Pension entitlements during the transition
Lower ongoing housing costs
Access to modern, low-maintenance housing

For some households, the combination of Federal and ACT incentives can improve retirement finances by tens of thousands of dollars while also creating a simpler and more manageable lifestyle.

Need More Information?

Every buyer’s circumstances are different. Eligibility rules, income thresholds, property values and ownership history can all affect which concessions apply.

If you’re considering buying your first home, downsizing, or re-entering the market, contact us for a confidential discussion about your options and the incentives that may be available to you.