Stamp duty explained: How to save thousands buying off the plan in South Australia

Imagine saving $20,000–$30,000 before you even move in.
That’s the power of understanding how stamp duty works, and why so many smart South Australian buyers are choosing to purchase off-the-plan.

If you’re a first home buyer or upgrading to a new property, this guide shows how to cut costs, access government support and even tailor your future home to your style, all by buying off-the-plan.

What is stamp duty and why is it so expensive?

Stamp duty is a state government tax on property purchases. In South Australia, it’s calculated based on the purchase price of your home, and it’s paid upfront at settlement.

For a $750,000 home, stamp duty can cost around $33,000, a major financial hurdle for buyers.

If you are a first home buyer use this calculator to calculate the duty payable.

Why off-the-plan buyers pay less in stamp duty

When you buy off the plan, you’re purchasing a property before construction is complete. In many cases, you’re only required to pay stamp duty on the land value, not the total contract price. This is because the dwelling hasn’t physically been built yet at the time of contract.

This legal technicality creates a big financial win, you pay tax on a smaller number.

Real example: Off-the-plan vs established homes in SA

Let’s say you’re buying a new home worth $750,000. Here’s how stamp duty costs compare:

SCENARIO	TOTAL PURCHASE PRICE	STAMP DUTY PAYABLE
Established Home	$750,000	$33,330 (on full contract)
Off-the-Plan (Land $260,000)	$750,000	$9,255 (on land only)*
Potential Saving	–	Up to $24,075

*Based on RevenueSA stamp duty calculator, assuming early-stage off-the-plan contract.

Key tip: The earlier you buy in the construction timeline, the greater your stamp duty saving.

First-home buyers: You could pay zero stamp duty

Thanks to South Australia’s stamp duty exemption for first home buyers, you might pay nothing at all if you qualify.

If you’re buying:

• A new home under $650,000, or
• Vacant land under $400,000,
  you may be eligible for full exemption from stamp duty.

And that’s on top of the $15,000 First Home Owner Grant, which applies to new builds and off-the-plan homes.

Example First Home Buyer Savings:

• Stamp duty exemption: Up to $30,000
• First Home Owner Grant: $15,000
• Total saving: Over $45,000

More than just savings — Other buyer benefits

Beyond the financial incentives, buying off the plan gives you flexibility and future upside:

More time to prepare

You typically pay a 10% deposit now, with settlement due once the property is complete, often 12–18 months later. That gives you time to save more, budget carefully and plan your move.

Potential equity growth

If the property market grows during construction, your home may be worth more than you paid by the time it’s finished, giving you instant equity before moving in.

Customisation of finishes

Most developers allow you to select finishes, colours, flooring, benchtops and cabinetry. That means you move into a home that already feels like yours, without needing to renovate.

Discover more benefits of buying off the plan here: Off-the-plan property vs existing homes: Pros, cons & what to know

Who should consider buying off the plan?

• First-home buyers looking to maximise grants and exemptions
• Upgraders who want time to sell or save
• Rentvestors wanting to secure a new property while continuing to rent
• Long-term planners seeking value in a rising market

Off-the-plan it’s a strategy

Buying off the plan in South Australia isn’t just about finding a home, it’s about using timing, tax rules and incentives to your advantage.

With the right strategy, you can:

• Save tens of thousands in upfront costs
• Secure a better quality home with your personal style
• Enter the market on your terms, and potentially with equity already growing

Want to see which off-the-plan projects qualify?

We’ll guide you through eligible properties, explain your stamp duty options and show you how to make the most of government support.

Contact us today to learn how much you could save and which upcoming developments are right for you.

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Discover off-the-plan opportunities with SY Luxury Real Estate

At SY Luxury Real Estate, we specialise in connecting discerning buyers, savvy investors and developers with exclusive off-the-plan opportunities across South Australia.

Whether you’re seeking capital growth, tax advantages or your dream brand new home, our curated selection of premium developments offers something exceptional for every lifestyle.

Now Selling – Construction Underway:

1. Glen Osmond Executive Townhouses: Five executive townhouses just 12 minutes from the CBD, zoned to Glenunga International High School and moments from the new Burnside Village retail transformation.
2. CALIBRE – Glenelg: An ultra-luxury coastal development with only 11 exclusive residences, offering expansive ocean views, world-class design and unbeatable walkability to Glenelg’s iconic Jetty Road.

Both developments are already under construction, meaning you can buy with confidence and watch your future home take shape.

Let’s Talk

Ready to secure your place in one of South Australia’s most exclusive new builds? Contact our team for tailored guidance, project insights, and early access opportunities:

• Sharyn Yelland – 0417 867 383
• Brett Coombs – 0421 323 699