A First Home Buyer’s Guide to Property in NSW
Buying your first home is a huge milestone, and one that comes with plenty of paperwork, pressure, and property jargon. If you're a first home buyer in NSW, it’s important to understand your legal obligations, your entitlements (like stamp duty exemptions), and how to avoid common missteps. Here’s our legal guide to buying your first home with confidence.
Start With Solid Legal Advice
Whether you’ve just been pre-approved or you’re attending your first auction, the best thing you can do is engage a qualified property solicitor early.
A property lawyer will help you:
- Review the contract before signing and proceeding to an exchange of contracts
- Check for hidden clauses or risks
- Advise you on your legal rights and cooling-off periods
- Liaise with your lender and agent to ensure smooth settlement
At ClickLaw, we work with first home buyers across NSW to remove legal jargon and make the process feel simple and stress-free.
Stamp Duty Exemptions & First Home Buyer Schemes
There are several NSW Government incentives designed to help first home buyers:
First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme
If you're buying a new or existing home under a certain value, you may be eligible for a full or partial stamp duty exemption.
From 1 July 2023, thresholds are:
- Full exemption for homes under $800,000
- Concessional rates for homes between $800,000–$1,000,000
Visit the official Revenue NSW guide to check your eligibility.
First Home Owner Grant (New Homes)
If you're buying or building a new home, you could receive a $10,000 grant under this program.
- Applies to new homes up to a purchase price of $600,000
- Applies to vacant land on which a house is built provided the house and land does not exceed $750,000
- You must occupy your first home as your principal place of residence within 12 months of construction or purchase of your new home and the minimum period of occupancy is 12 continuous months
See Revenue NSW’s First Home Owners (New Homes) Grant page for more information.
What Legal Steps Are Involved in Buying?
Here’s a simplified version of what happens behind the scenes:
- Make an offer or bid at auction
- Receive and review the contract of sale (with your solicitor)
- Exchange contracts and pay your deposit
- Apply for any government grants or stamp duty relief
- Settlement occurs: your lender transfers funds, and the title is registered
- You get the keys!
ClickLaw handles the legal process end-to-end and keeps you updated at every stage.
Things First Home Buyers Often Overlook
- Pre-settlement inspections: You’re entitled to inspect the property before settlement. Don't skip it!
- Hidden strata issues: If buying an apartment, get a strata report reviewed.
- Building & pest inspections: Even for new homes, they’re worth doing.
- Future plans: Think long-term; will this property still suit you in five years?
Can I Use Online Conveyancing as a First Home Buyer?
Absolutely. At ClickLaw, we specialise in fully online conveyancing, which means:
- No in-person appointments
- Secure document exchange via our platform
- Online settlements via PEXA
- Fast, responsive communication from real solicitors
It’s ideal for busy buyers or those purchasing interstate or from regional NSW.
Buying your first home in NSW? Make sure you’re legally protected from day one. At ClickLaw, our fixed-fee conveyancing includes contract reviews, stamp duty guidance, and settlement support, backed by real solicitors.
Contact us today to get started on your first home with confidence.
