To receive duty relief, do I have to buy in the same area as the destroyed property?
No, you may purchase a replacement property anywhere within NSW.
Can I get the duty relief if I purchase vacant land?
Yes, bushfire duty relief is available for residential vacant land on which you intend to build your replacement property. Construction and residence requirements apply.
My property was destroyed by the bushfires in another state. Can I get duty relief if I purchase my replacement property in NSW?
Duty relief is only available to residents of NSW whose homes were destroyed by the 2019-20 NSW bushfires.
My property was destroyed in the bushfires, and I lived in it from time to time as my holiday home. Can I get the duty relief?
Duty relief is only available for replacement homes where the destroyed property was the principal place of residence of the owner(s), and where the replacement home will be used as the principal place of residence.
I have already purchased a property to replace my destroyed property. Can I get a refund of the duty paid?
Yes, if eligible you'll receive a refund of transfer duty paid up to a maximum of $55,000. To apply for a refund, lodge the full stamped original contract and supporting evidence as described above.
My house was not destroyed, but suffered substantial damage. Can I apply for this relief when I purchase a replacement property?
The scheme is intended to provide relief for those whose homes were destroyed and they choose to purchase a home elsewhere.
My business property was destroyed. Can I get relief for a replacement business property?
The NSW Government has committed to providing duty relief for people who lost their homes during the bushfires. This doesn't include business property.
My principal place of residence was destroyed in the 2019/20 NSW bushfires and I am a permanent resident of Australia but have been offshore since the disaster. Will I need to pay surcharge purchaser duty on my purchase of the replacement property?
The relief is available to transfer duty only. If you're classified as a foreign person, the surcharge purchaser duty provisions will apply to the purchase of a replacement property.
I'm not ready to purchase a replacement property. Is there a time frame for access to this relief?
The bushfire duty relief scheme application period is open until 2 March 2022.
I purchased a replacement property as my principal place of residence for $500,000 and the duty payable is $17,952 (including duplicates and transfers). As the duty relief being offered is up to $55,000, will I receive a payment for the difference between $17,952 and $55,000?
No, the duty relief is limited to a reduction of your transfer duty only.
I purchased a replacement property as my principal place of residence for $1,500,000. How much duty do I pay?
Duty on $1,500,000 = $67,822
Duty relief provided = $55,000
Duty to be paid = $12,822 (including duplicates and transfers).
I purchased a replacement property and received the bushfire duty relief. However my circumstances have changed and I can no longer live in the property as my principal place of residence in order to meet the residence requirement. What should I do?
Advise us as soon as possible, as repayment of the duty relief may be required. Matters will be considered on a case-by-case basis.