In the property market, many genuine financial shortcuts are scarce. Almost every region nationwide has experienced considerable growth over the last five, ten, or even fifteen years—driving affordability measures far above traditional standards.&nbsp;

One of the largest costs faced by buyers is stamp duty, especially when combined with mandatory deposits. A 10 per cent deposit typically triggers Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), and to avoid that additional cost, buyers usually need to provide a 20 per cent deposit.&nbsp;

However, there is one area of potential savings that’s often overlooked: stamp duty concessions.&nbsp;

In the established market, stamp duty exemptions are limited to specific buyer segments or price points. But in Melbourne’s off-the-plan apartment market, the Victorian Government is offering a significant incentive—abolishing stamp duty entirely until October 2026, regardless of purchase price.&nbsp;

While other costs still apply, the difference in stamp duty between buying off the plan and purchasing an established property in Melbourne is now substantial.&nbsp;

This difference is especially pronounced in house-dominated suburbs like Ivanhoe, located in Melbourne’s leafy north-east. Developer Salter Brothers has identified an opportunity in the local apartment market, where the median house price sits at approximately $1.8 million—up 10 per cent over the past 12 months.&nbsp;

Their latest project, <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/candela-ivanhoe-40-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe">Candela</a>, presents a compelling case for savvy buyers looking to take advantage of stamp duty savings only afforded in the off the plan development.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=324523]&nbsp;

Buyers of the $2,366,000 homes would pay around $51,854 in stamp duty. In contrast, the same priced home in the established market would cost around $133,790 in stamp duty, a difference of around $81,000.&nbsp;

A two-bedroom apartment priced just under $1 million would attract $16,270 in stamp duty at Candela, compared to nearly $55,000 in the established market—around $38,455 difference.&nbsp;

One-bedroom apartments, starting from $649,000, would incur stamp duty of just $9,350. An established property at that price would cost around $34,010 in stamp duty.&nbsp;

These figures reflect the benefit of how stamp duty is calculated on off-the-plan purchases (for owner occupiers), based only on the land component at the time of contract and point of construction —compared to established homes, where it is calculated on the full purchase price. Once construction is complete, however, these off the plan incentives are no longer available.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=336456]

It’s a technicality that has evolved into a smart strategy for those who know where to look. At Candela, these financial advantages come with the added bonus of thoughtfully designed, contemporary apartments in one of Melbourne’s most desirable postcodes.&nbsp;

<h2>Why Ivanhoe?&nbsp;</h2>

Ivanhoe remains one of Melbourne’s most established and sought-after suburbs, offering a strong mix of lifestyle and convenience. It boasts access to top-tier schools, well-developed transport infrastructure, and vibrant village-style retail and dining. The area’s enduring appeal lies in its leafy streetscapes, proximity to the CBD, and nearby Yarra River parklands.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=169551]&nbsp;

Candela is ideally located near Upper Heidelberg Road, offering residents seamless access to cafés, essential services, and public transport.&nbsp;

<h2>Design-led living at Candela&nbsp;</h2>

Salter Brothers partnered with architect John Demos to create four distinct apartment collections within Candela—Aurora, Brillante, Halo, and Lustre—with floorplans ranging from one to four bedrooms.&nbsp;

Apartments in the Brillante collection and beyond are well-suited to families. Curved walls in the master bedrooms create natural nooks, ideal for nursery corners or serene study spaces.&nbsp;

The one-bedroom Aurora apartments provide another thoughtful living solution: dual-key designs that allow for multi-generational living. These layouts enable grandparents or young adults to live close by while retaining privacy and independence. With just two of these apartments left, they represent a rare opportunity for proximity with autonomy.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=342 project_image_fid=169534]&nbsp;

Residents will benefit from access to commercial spaces designed to promote community connection, alongside private amenities including a resident lounge and rooftop terrace.&nbsp;

<h2>The long view on off the plan purchases&nbsp;</h2>

While buying off the plan involves some considerations—such as construction timelines and the need to thoroughly review plans and specifications—it also presents clear advantages. Chief among them is the ability to secure today’s prices while avoiding the higher upfront costs associated with established properties.&nbsp;

Construction at Candela, led by Ironside, is already underway, with completion expected by the end of September 2026.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=342]

Savings can be around $81,000 to buy in Ivanhoe's newest off the plan apartment development, Candela Ivanhoe

Joel Robinson

How off the plan can help a home buyer save thousands in Melbourne’s Ivanhoe

Homebuyers in Victoria are set to benefit from extended stamp duty savings, with the Allan Labor Government announcing a $61 million investment in the 2025/26 State Budget to continue the off the plan stamp duty concession until October 2026.

This move is part of the Victorian Government’s ongoing efforts to boost housing supply, make homeownership more affordable, and stimulate apartment and townhouse construction across the state.

<h3 data-end="798" data-start="743">What Is the off the plan stamp duty concession?</h3>

Introduced in October 2024, the expanded off the plan stamp duty concession allows buyers of new apartments, units, and townhouses to significantly reduce or eliminate stamp duty costs. Previously set to expire in October 2025, the initiative has now been extended for another 12 months.

Unlike earlier schemes, the concession is not limited to first home buyers or owner-occupiers. It is available to any buyer purchasing an eligible off the plan apartment or townhouse, with no price caps on the property value.

<h3 data-end="1369" data-start="1332">How much can homebuyers save?</h3>

Since the expanded concession launched, eligible buyers have saved an average of $24,517 in stamp duty. In some cases, savings can be even higher. For example, someone purchasing a $620,000 off the plan apartment may now pay just $4,000 in stamp duty, compared to the standard $32,000 — a saving of around $28,000.

The savings are calculated based on how much construction has occurred at the time of sale. The earlier a buyer purchases, the more they can save.

<h3 data-end="1892" data-start="1859">Which properties qualify?</h3>

Eligible properties include new apartments or townhouses in strata subdivisions, where common property like driveways or hallways is shared. The key criteria:

<ul data-end="2173" data-start="2057">
	<li data-end="2096" data-start="2057">
	The property must be off the plan
	</li>
	<li data-end="2125" data-start="2097">
	It must be a new build
	</li>
	<li data-end="2173" data-start="2126">
	It must form part of a strata subdivision 
	&nbsp;
	</li>
</ul>

<h3 data-end="2239" data-start="2175">Why the Victorian Government is extending the concession</h3>

The extended stamp duty relief is aimed at making it cheaper and faster to build new homes, especially for young people and first-time buyers struggling in the current housing crisis.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said the initiative is about supporting those locked out of the housing market.

“That’s why we’re slashing stamp duty for off the plan units and townhouses – to build more homes and make them cheaper to buy.”

Treasurer Jaclyn Symes said the measure responds directly to feedback from the property industry.

“This isn’t just great news for homebuyers trying to get into the market. It’s also a huge win for homebuilders.”

<h3 data-end="2945" data-start="2903">More homes near transport and jobs</h3>

The Budget also includes a $24 million investment to create 50 new ‘Train and Tram Zone’ Activity Centres in Melbourne’s inner and middle suburbs. This is designed to support the construction of more apartments and townhouses in high-demand areas close to public transport, jobs, and essential services.

Additionally, funding will support two new Precinct Structure Plans at Clyde South and Derrimut Fields, paving the way for 13,200 new homes and 8,600 jobs in Melbourne’s growth corridors.

<hr data-end="3468" data-start="3465" />
<h2 data-end="3516" data-start="3470">Key takeaways for buyers and developers</h2>

<ul data-end="3817" data-start="3517">
	<li data-end="3569" data-start="3517">
	Stamp duty savings extended until October 2026
	</li>
	<li data-end="3647" data-start="3570">
	Applies to all eligible off the plan homes – not just first home buyers
	</li>
	<li data-end="3689" data-start="3648">
	No price cap on eligible properties
	</li>
	<li data-end="3745" data-start="3690">
	Potential to save tens of thousands on stamp duty
	</li>
	<li data-end="3817" data-start="3746">
	Further government investment to accelerate new home construction
	</li>
</ul>

A Victorian using this concession who buys off the plan could pay around $28,000 less stamp duty on a $620,000 apartment – with duty slashed from around $32,000 to around $4,000

VIC Government extend stamp duty abolition for off the plan properties to October 2026

It's fair to say that the Melbourne property market has been the most challenging property market across Australia since onset of the pandemic.

Rolling lockdowns, more than any other state capital, and up there with one of the most locked down cities in the world, put the city back several paces.

This, combined with the lifestyle shift to regional areas driven by COVID, rapid interest rate increases, and ongoing tax hikes over several years, has left many demographics—who are typically eager to buy property—in a holding pattern.

Until now.

The Allan Government has introduced two key policies that they believe will stimulate the off the plan market.

The first was the announcement that they were encouraging new apartment development <a href="/news/vic/50-new-train-and-tram-zone-activity-centres-to-encourage-new-apartment-development-across-melbourne">around 50 train and tram stations</a>.&nbsp;

So far 25 of the 50 have been named, with a focus on stations that benefit from the Metro Tunnel and the well-serviced Frankston,&nbsp;<a href="/developments/sandringham-vic-3191">Sandringham</a>, Belgrave/Lilydale and Glen Waverley Lines. The rest of the stations will be announced before the end of the year.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/vic/50-new-train-and-tram-zone-activity-centres-to-encourage-new-apartment-development-across-melbourne">50 new ‘train and tram zone’ activity centres to encourage new apartment development across Melbourne</a>

The biggest announcement however came earlier this week when the government abolished stamp duty for anyone buying off the plan. What's more, unlike previous policies that saw stamp duty paused, this policy applies to every buyer, at every price point, across the whole of Victoria, for exactly 12 months starting from October 21 2024 to October 21 2025.

<a href="/">Apartments.com.au</a> CEO Mike Bird said the challenges of the market have been well documented in the last few years, but the effect of the stamp duty changes will be felt immediately

"The shackles are off and buyers are going to be able to save tens, if not hundreds of thousands, in the next 12 months," Bird says, adding that the market, both developers and buyers, have been waiting for this sort of stimulus for several years.

"The demands put on the VIC government from the sector has forced its hand to act. We're at a significant shortfall of housing across Victoria.

"Developers aren't developing, in part because a large section of buyers can't afford prices of new apartments, which have gone up due to the cost of labour and materials. The rapid increase in interest rates has pushed first home buyers and investors out of the market, while downsizers have proven slow to respond to new apartments because they have to pay the stamp duty tax and they're choosing to stay in their homes for longer.

“While this isn’t&nbsp;a silver bullet, when paired with upcoming interest rate cuts, it should have a material impact."

Bird says the next step is to apply the same policy&nbsp;in the house and land sector.

Scott Jessop, Head of Sales and Marketing at <a href="/developers/sunkin-property-group">Sunkin Property Group</a> who is developing <a href="/new-apartments/highett-common-37-graham-road-highett-vic-3190">Highett Common</a>, set to be the&nbsp;first Net Zero Community in Victoria, says that the upcoming changes will benefit all of Victoria, impacting anyone looking to purchase or rent a property in the future.

However, he emphasizes that this is just a small step toward restoring a normal housing supply environment. Over the past decade, various negative taxes and challenges have contributed to a significantly suppressed housing supply, which has played a major role in the current housing crisis.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=300063]

Jessop says the stamp duty will help the supply of rentals due to investors now more likely to get into the market.

"I've seen investors over nearly 20 years in the market as the fundamental backbone that brings the most affordable long-term rental properties to the market and essentially housing supply.

"For both local and foreign investors that I've previously seen, the majority of them want a return on their investment and it's these types of sales, when combined with first home buyers, downsizers, and rightsizers, allows developers to secure their pre-sales to bring a project out of the ground to deliver the supply of housing."

Jessop says despite the announcement only coming earlier this week, enquiry rates have already risen.

"People&nbsp;can see there is real value in Melbourne's off the plan apartment and townhouse market when you compare it to Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide and Perth's market values over the past couple of years. We also know that fundamentally Melbourne is still a great market overall and may have struggled a bit post-COVID, however good quality real estate and a good quality city will always prevail long term and a shift in interest rates and population growth will certainly assist with this."

After great success of the first two stages, Sunkin recently released the third stage of Highett Common. The Mews Collection comprises a trio of buildings with 185 one, two and three-bedroom apartments. The Mews Collection also includes the first luxury apartments within the precinct.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/vic/sunkin-reveal-the-mews-collection-highett-commons-latest-release">Sunkin reveal The Mews Collection, Highett Common's latest release</a>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108019 project_image_fid=300057]

Developer <a href="/developers/sma-projects">SMA Projects</a>&nbsp;accidentally timed the launch of their newest apartment project to perfection. It was earlier this month that they launched <a href="/new-apartments/the-regent-fitzroy-340-fitzroy-street-fitzroy-vic-3065">The Regent Fitzroy</a>, their new development of 64 one two and three-bedroom apartments on the site of the former Regent Theatre on Fitzroy Street. Now buyers can take full advantage of stamp duty savings across each of the configurations.

Emily Shaddick at SMA Projects said those&nbsp;spending $2.5 million on an apartment at The Regent will save well over $100,000 in stamp duty for the next 12 months.

"The savings will encourage downsizers out of their homes where previously they were looking at a hefty bill to do so," Shaddick says, adding that&nbsp;even buyers of the one-bedroom apartments at The Regent will save more than $30,000.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24824 project_image_fid=304614]

Shaddick expects that, with no cap on the purchase price to receive a saving, downsizers will act swiftly on the savings.

"Downsizers and rightsizers now have an opportunity to secure a quality off the plan apartment with a floorplan that really suits their needs, and whilst developers are constructing the property, the purchaser has the flexibility to sell their current home in a future market when inevitably interest rates fall and the established market has responded."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24824 project_image_fid=304611]

Marshall White Director, Leonard Teplin, who is working across several developments across Melbourne, particularly in the downsizer space, has seen a marked uptick in enquiry in a few short days since the announcement.

"This is a game-changer for downsizers," Teplin says.

"They can now purchase high-end apartments&nbsp;or townhouses without the hefty stamp duty, making the transition more financially appealing. I expect to see a surge in downsizer activity, especially in premium inner-city and Bayside locations. This also has a dual benefit of encouraging downsizers to transition from the family home, and therefore, making more established housing available for family buyers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=109908 project_image_fid=221811]

Teplin believes there will be a&nbsp;significant boost in off the plan sales over the next 12 months, however, the VIC Government hitting its full-year target of delivering around 80,000 homes might still be challenging due to construction industry capacity constraints and planning approval timelines.

"If the scheme proves successful, there could be a strong case for extending it beyond the initial 12 months to maintain momentum and address long-term housing supply issues."

Noorden Projects Director Dave Lamond says he's already&nbsp;received "quite a few calls" from potential purchasers looking to make the most of the stamp duty savings they may be eligible for.

"The opportunity can certainly help the higher-end apartment buyers to make the figures work&nbsp;and developers to encourage purchasers to put pen to paper," Lamond says.

"Now is the&nbsp;hustle to get the figures through the quantity surveyors to help give people the confidence around their potential stamp duty."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5366 project_image_fid=61084]

He says the savings have opened up an opportunity at some of the more premium developments he's marketing, like Duke in Collingwood which is under construction.

"It’ll be a busy 12 months in the luxury market."

"The shackles are off": What the abolition of stamp duty really means for the Melbourne new apartment market

Following news of Victoria abolishing stamp duty for 12 months,&nbsp;Federal Housing Minister Clare O’Neil has suggested the time is right to phase out stamp duty all together.

Speaking to ABC RN, Minister O’Neil expressed the Albanese Government’s support for greenfield development and infill of higher-density suburbs, as well as backing calls for stamp duty - a “bad tax”, to be phased out.

Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) CEO, Antonia Mercorella, said this publicly stated position opened the door for the State Government to work with the Federal Government to phase out Queensland’s outdated stamp duty regime to encourage a higher rate of home ownership.

“Stamp duty presents a considerable barrier to those wanting to buy their first home, and to retirees seeking to downsize their family home,” Mercorella said.

“It also hinders job mobility which affects the productivity of the entire economy, as well as impacting significant life decisions such as starting a family and moving homes."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=108747 project_image_fid=284864]

Mercorella says phasing out stamp duty has the potential to drive a significant trend in ‘rightsizing’ to appropriately sized and located homes, substantially increasing the supply of housing into the market.

“Now is the time for the State Government to start that conversation and begin to negotiate a better GST outcome and incentive fund with the Federal Government in return for stamp duty reform.

“It is a long-standing policy direction of the REIQ to see a phased transition to a land tax-based model starting with first home buyers, as well as abolishment of stamp duty for downsizers aged over 55 moving to a home with fewer bedrooms.

“We appreciate that stamp duty is worth nearly $30bn over the forwards on the Queensland State Budget and that’s why a phased-out approach is best to avoid placing additional pressure on the state’s finances.”

The Allan Government in Victoria has just announced it is&nbsp;<a href="/news/vic/vic-government-slashes-stamp-duty-for-off-the-plan-property-buyers-savings-available-immediately-oct-2024">removing stamp duty in full for off the plan buyers for 12 months</a>.

Mercorella says phasing out stamp duty has the potential to drive a significant trend in ‘rightsizing’ to appropriately sized and located homes, substantially increasing the supply of housing into the market

VIC abolishes stamp duty for off the plan apartments - could QLD be next?

The Malinauskas Labor Government will officially abolish stamp duty for all first homebuyers who buy or build a new home, and extend the First Home Owner Grant to all eligible first homebuyers as part of the 2024-25 Budget.

To further boost housing supply and help more South Australians into home ownership, the 2024-25 Budget will abolish property value thresholds for both the stamp duty exemption and First Home Owner Grant at a cost of $30 million over four years.

With the abolition of property value limits, a first homebuyer who purchases a new dwelling broadly in line with the median house price of $750,000 will receive a benefit of over $50,000, including the First Home Owner Grant of $15,000.

The stamp duty exemption will be available to all first home buyers who buy a new home (including a house, flat, unit, townhouse or apartment), an off-the-plan apartment, a house and land package or vacant land to build a new home.

The initiative builds on the tax relief announced as part of the 2023-24 Budget, which saw the Malinauskas Labor Government abolish stamp duty for first home buyers purchasing a new dwelling up to a property value of $650,000 while also aligning the property value cap for the $15,000 First Home Owner Grant to this limit.

South Australian Premier, Peter Malinauskas, said we are amid a national housing crisis borne of successive governments failing to do enough to build new homes.

"In the last budget, we abolished stamp duty for some first home buyers who build new homes. Now we are making that tax relief available to all of them.

"Every new home built in our state benefits the rest of the housing market. Every first homebuyer that can move into a new home means one less buyer or renter competing for existing stock."

First home buyers building a home can also save thousands with a two per cent deposit home loan available through HomeStart, a Malinauskas Government election commitment delivered this year.

Stephen Mullighan, South Australia's Treasurer, says the&nbsp;Malinauskas Government is acutely aware of the barriers facing young people who are looking to enter the housing market, and are determined to do all they can to assist young people into homeownership.

"That is why we have taken the step to abolish the property value cap on the stamp duty exemption for first home buyers who buy or build a new dwelling to ensure all first home buyers who choose this option no longer have to pay stamp duty."

Master Builders SA CEO Will Frogley said it&nbsp;is a great day for any South Australian who dreams of owning their own home.

"It’s also a great day for builders, tradies, suppliers, apprentices and all of the more than 80,000 South Australians directly employed in our industry. As house prices have risen over the years so too has stamp duty.

"This vital policy change by the Malinauskas Labor Government will incentivise South Australians to build their own home, fuel job creation and keep our economy strong."

South Australia scraps stamp duty for first home buyers who buy off the plan or new builds

Local builder developer CBD Core is breaking the mould in the Hills Shire.

They're set to be the first developer with a project in market in the local area to offer free stamp duty for first home buyers at their Castle Hill apartment development, Astrid.

Currently the threshold for full stamp duty concessions in New South Wales is $800,000 and under, which is limited to first home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22748 project_image_fid=204930]

The offer, which will run until April 30, shortly before the building is complete, will apply to their two-bedroom apartments up to $950,000.

First home buyers will save about $30,000 on the $950,000 apartments. There are some two-bedroom apartments left priced at $895,000 and some at $915,000.

Astrid comprises just 94 apartments as well as a suite of resident amenity including a resort-style swimming pool, state of the art gym, and the Astrid Lounge.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22748 project_image_fid=204938]

CBD Core has been a Hills Shire developer for the last 11 years. It's run by the Harb family, who have called Castle Hill home for decades.

Turner Wolfe Director Matt Wolfe, who is handling sales at Astrid, says the fact CBD Core is a builder developer, as well as a local, is an attractive proposition for buyers.

"The Harb family have been entrenched in creating quality places to live in Castle Hill for a number of years," Wolfe says.

"They're a local first and developer second. Their kids go to school in Castle Hill, they dine in the local cafes. They're not here to get in and get out, they're here to contribute to the growing community, hiring local trades, and be at the forefront of the best developments in the area."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22748 project_image_fid=204931]

CBD Core is also preparing their next project, another in Castle Hill, following the successful completion of Oriel, just behind Astrid and their first development in the rezoned $1 billion Hills Showground precinct.

On the incentive, Wolfe says the developer wants to help first home buyers in a tough market.

"Prices have gone up significantly in Castle Hill in the last few years, which has made it even tougher for local first home buyers to get on the ladder. Paired with significant interest rate rises, first home buyers have all but disappeared from the market. This offer however will give them the opportunity to buy something other than a one-bed."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=22748]

Exclusive: CBD Core to cover stamp duty for first home buyers at Astrid Castle Hill

Off the plan buyers in the ACT are set to save even more on stamp duty following another government amendment to the threshold.

From November 27, the stamp duty threshold will move to $800,000, from $700,000.

The government estimates that on an $800,000 purchase, buyers could save nearly $23,000 in stamp duty. It's only for the owner-occupier, so to be eligible for the stamp duty waiver, at least one buyer must live in the home continuously for 12 months within a year of settlement.

The raise is part of the government's strategic plan to phase out stamp duty in the territory, replacing it with higher general rates.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=212887]

&nbsp;

With Canberra currently holding the position as the nation's third-most expensive unit market with a median price of $567,059, the adjustment is a timely measure to enhance affordability for potential home buyers—especially for those looking to transition to higher-density living options like apartments and townhouses.

Property Council ACT executive director Shane Martin welcomes the move, describing stamp duty as an "inefficient tax" that hinders home purchases and discourages downsizing. The expectation is that removing this barrier will motivate older Canberrans to put their existing homes on the market, thereby increasing the housing supply and freeing up stand-alone properties for growing families.

However, concerns are also raised about the need for more land release. Experts argue that apartments and detached homes require additional land supply to meet the growing demand. The Property Council suggests exploring the sale of smaller blocks, offering a potentially more affordable entry point for developers and buyers alike.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139989 project_image_fid=218009]

The ACT's stamp duty concession stands out compared to similar schemes in other Australian states. In Victoria, first-home buyers are exempt from stamp duty for properties valued at $750,000 or less. In New South Wales, buyers have a generous 15-month window to pay the levy on off-the-plan purchases. Meanwhile, Western Australian buyers can secure a stamp duty exemption for off-the-plan deals valued at $650,000 or under until June 2025.

This adjustment is poised to shape buyer behaviour and preferences in the Canberra real estate market. As the city continues to evolve, the government's proactive measures aim to create a more accessible and appealing property market for a diverse range of home buyers.

The government estimates that on an $800,000 purchase, buyers could save nearly $23,000 in stamp duty



Staff Writer

Stamp duty threshold for off the plan buyers in Canberra jumps

Off the plan buyers rarely get the opportunity to take advantage of stamp duty savings on a completed apartment.

However that opportunity has presented itself at Omnia, the recently completed apartment development in Moorabbin in Melbourne's City of Kingston area.

While the 34 apartments have been completed, titles are a few weeks away from being registered, which means prospective purchasers are still subject to stamp duty concessions as if the apartment is off the plan.

Buyers can save around $28,000 on stamp duty if they buy the apartment before titles are issued, while first home buyers could save up to around $50,000.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29048 project_image_fid=228840]

The development by Shenfield Property Group was designed by Roger Brayshaw Architect so the apartments were larger than anything on the market in the local area.

There's just one two-bedroom and one three-bedroom apartment remaining. The two-bedroom, spanning over 200 sqm with two car spaces, is asking $925,000, while the three-bedroom apartment is priced at $1.15 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=29048]

It's been around an 18-month build at Omnia. Construction kicked off on the project in early 2022.

Noorden Property Director David Lamond, who has been in charge of sales at Omnia since it launched, said almost all of the buyers in the project have been owner-occupiers due&nbsp;to the larger than standard floorplans on offer.

Some buyers have even bought side by side apartments and amalgamated.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=29048 project_image_fid=228840]

There was also a boost halfway through the marketing when the&nbsp;City of Kingston Council announced they were to expand&nbsp;the current&nbsp;Healey Street Reserve pocket park to a larger space, after recently securing 2 Horscroft Place, literally next door to Omnia.

The new green space features open lawn areas, murals, tables with seating, and extensive landscaping with canopy trees. The new design&nbsp;incorporates water-sensitive Urban design principles&nbsp;and will also see the council plant new street trees.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=29048]

The development by Shenfield Property Group was designed by Roger Brayshaw Architect so the apartments were larger than anything on the market in the local area

Final opportunities for stamp duty savings at Omnia, Moorabbin apartments

In a move aimed at stimulating housing supply and spurring new development, the Western Australian government has introduced sweeping changes to their stamp duty rules.

Under the proposed laws, purchasers of off-the-plan apartments in multi-storey developments across WA stand to benefit from significant stamp duty discounts, signalling a shift in the way property transactions are taxed in the state.

The cornerstone of the reform is an immediate stamp duty discount, potentially worth up to $50,000, for homebuyers and investors acquiring off-the-plan apartments.

Unlike the traditional approach of offering rebates post-purchase, this discount will provide tangible savings right at the contract stage, making property acquisition more financially palatable for a broader range of buyers.

The WA government has also earmarked a substantial $33 million for extending the off-the-plan transfer duty discount until June 2025. This move comes hand-in-hand with an upward revision of concession thresholds, alongside the expansion of exemptions for foreign developers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138320 project_image_fid=214056]

The recalibrated threshold structure offers enhanced incentives to prospective property buyers. For properties valued at up to $650,000, the discount will be a full 100 per cent superseding the previous limit of $500,000.

As property values increase, the discount tapers down, with properties priced between $650,000 and $750,000 receiving a 50 per cent reduction, compared to the previous threshold of $600,000.

WA Housing Minister John Carey underscored the government's commitment to leveraging every available means to invigorate housing supply across the state.

"By extending the off-the-plan duty assistance and revising concession thresholds, more individuals would be enticed to purchase off-the-plan properties, contributing to the realisation of new apartment developments and an overall expansion of housing supply," Carey said.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=8266 project_image_fid=207256]

Cath Hart, CEO of the Real Estate Institute of WA (REIWA), praised the adjustments for their potential to drive housing diversity and supply.&nbsp;

“This will increase housing diversity and supply, providing more opportunities for people to buy a home either as a residence or investment, which will help to address the housing shortage in the rental market,” Hart said.

“Housing supply is the greatest challenge facing the market at the moment and we welcome actions that boost supply and also provide more housing diversity.”

Tanya Steinbeck, CEO of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) WA, suggested that further measures are warranted.&nbsp;In particular, she proposed the elimination of the foreign buyer surcharge and the expansion of the off-the-plan stamp duty concession to projects already in progress.&nbsp;

“These added measurements will assist in building much needed consumer confidence and attract investors in apartment projects thereby improving the availability of rental properties for West Australians,” Steinbeck said.

WA Shadow Housing Minister Steve Martin emphasised the necessity for broader reforms to tackle the ongoing housing crisis. Martin pointed to a range of issues spanning social housing shortages, low rental vacancy rates, and affordability challenges, indicating the need for comprehensive solutions.

The cornerstone of the reform is an immediate stamp duty discount, potentially worth up to $50,000, for homebuyers and investors acquiring off-the-plan apartments

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Immediate stamp duty concessions for off the plan apartment buyers in Western Australia

It's been a month since the Minns Government moved to change the stamp duty exemption criteria for first home buyers in New South Wales.

Concessions for stamp duty,&nbsp;one of the largest hurdles in buying property, <a href="/news/nsw/nsw-stamp-duty-the-july-1-2023-change-that-will-affect-first-home-buyers">has changed significantly</a> to encourage more property seekers to get a foot on the ladder.

Previously, first home buyers under $650,000 would pay no stamp duty across the state. That cap has now risen to $800,000, while there will be staggered concessions for property up to $1 million.

According to the New South Wales government, a first home buyer purchasing an $800,000 property will save up to $31,090 under the new changes.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="/news/nsw/the-best-nsw-off-the-plan-apartments-first-home-buyers-can-buy-with-0-stamp-duty">The best NSW off the plan apartments first home buyers can buy with $0 stamp duty</a>

While the new changes will make it easier for first home buyers, there are still prevailing issues of availability and cost in and around the city.&nbsp;

The latest Home Value Index from property data analytics firm CoreLogic showed both houses and units, rose by 1.8 per cent in Sydney, with units, which incorporates apartments and townhouses, rose by 1.1 per cent across May, following 1.2 per cent gains in April.

Diversified property developers Poly Global have already seen first home buyer demand pick up since the changes at their <a href="/developments/bankstown-nsw-2200">Bankstown off the plan apartment development</a>, Spring Square by Poly.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7054 project_image_fid=47627]

Both one and two-bedroom apartments fall under the $800,000 stamp duty cap at the Kitchener Parade precinct, while even first home buyers of the three-bedroom apartments, priced from $902,000, will see a percentage of their stamp duty covered.&nbsp;

Designed by Scott Carver, each of the residences feature floor-to-ceiling windows providing views over Spring Square's landscaped plaza below, with a&nbsp;through site link traversing the development, providing residents with&nbsp;access to both sides of the precinct.&nbsp;

With sustainability no longer an optional extra for residential design, Poly Australia also implanted a raft of measures at the Bankstown precinct to follow suit, including greywater recycling, central hot water system, solar panels, and air-conditioning with high energy efficiency ratio. The project is also BASIX rated for water efficiency.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7054]

According to the New South Wales government, a first home buyer purchasing an $800,000 property will save up to $31,090 under the new changes

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