{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location {{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationOpposition pledge to remove stamp duty for first home buyers welcomed (Vic)
Opposition pledge to remove stamp duty for first home buyers welcomed (Vic)
Member and guest login
Enter your email and password to access secured content, members only resources and discount prices.
Did you become a member online? If not, you will need to activate your account to login.
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
Forgotten password
Need some help?
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
If the email address you have entered is registered, you will receive an email with further instructions.
Become part of the HIA community
Enables quick and easy registration for future events or learning and grants access to expert advice and valuable resources.
Create a guest account
Enter your details below and create a login
“HIA has long called for measures that will help first home buyers overcome the financial barrier to purchasing a new home.
“The rate at which stamp duty is charged is most punitive in Victoria: equivalent to 5.3 per cent of the property’s value.
“With the median house price in Melbourne nudging $1 million, Victorian first home buyers face the prospect of paying almost $55,000 in stamp duty - that’s $55,000 most home buyers would rather put towards their new home than see vanish into the state’s coffers.
“For first home buyers, stamp duty is a significant barrier to home ownership. It is one of the biggest upfront costs when purchasing a home.
“Not only are first home buyers paying more than they should to purchase a new home, but their housing choices are being compromised. Unless they borrow more to cover the cost of stamp duty they are forced to search for and purchase a less expensive home in a potentially less optimal location, than if stamp duty was not levied.
“The benefits of removing stamp duty for first home buyers extends beyond financial savings. It expands the choice of housing options to meet the needs of growing families and the pursuit of education and employment opportunities.
“The outlook for home building in Victoria can’t rely on a few interest rate cuts from the RBA and will only improve if policymakers reduce the direct and indirect costs on home buyers, investors and builders,” concluded Mr Wojtkiw.
For more information please contact:
What’s new for workplaces in 2026?
Workplace laws are set for more changes in 2026.
Small business confidence falters in residential building sector
Australia’s residential building industry has entered the new year with confidence still on shaky ground for small businesses as rising costs and policy uncertainty continue to cloud the outlook.
Tasmania’s Building Approvals Dip in November – But Quarterly Growth Shows Signs of Recovery
Tasmania’s housing market slowed in November, with building approvals falling sharply compared to October. Approvals for new homes dropped almost 20 per cent, and even after seasonal adjustment, the decline was 5.8 per cent.
Home building to lift in 2026, but interest rates will determine how far and how fast
Australia’s home building industry is expected to strengthen through 2026, supported by gradually improving building approvals and a recovery in demand, but the pace of growth will ultimately depend on how quickly interest rates can fall further, according to the Housing Industry Association.