Is stamp duty the only upfront cost for a NSW apartment?
No. Buyers should also allow for legal costs, lender fees, inspections, moving costs, strata checks, and settlement adjustments.
Property guide
Stamp Duty and Buying Costs for New Apartments in NSW
A buyer planning guide for stamp duty and upfront costs when considering new apartments in NSW.
Quick answer
Stamp Duty and Buying Costs for New Apartments in NSW
NSW apartment buyers should budget for stamp duty, conveyancing, inspections, lender costs, moving costs, strata-related checks, and any settlement adjustments. First home buyer concessions may change the total cost, so buyers should verify eligibility with official guidance.
Last updated 28 April 2026
- Region
- NSW
- Property type
- New apartments
- Costs
- Duty, legal, lender, inspection, moving, strata checks
Can first home buyer concessions reduce the cost?
They may, depending on eligibility, property value, and current NSW rules. Buyers should confirm details with official state guidance and their adviser.
Core upfront costs
The largest upfront cost is often stamp duty, but buyers should also budget for conveyancing, loan establishment costs, valuation fees, inspections, insurance, moving costs, and settlement adjustments.
New apartment checks
For apartments, review strata information, building details, estimated levies, inclusions, defects processes, and settlement timing. Off-the-plan purchases may also require additional contract review.
Use calculators as planning tools
Calculators help frame the budget, but official duty rules, concessions, and lender fees should be confirmed before exchange or settlement.