If you own a home that was destroyed in a specified bushfire area, relief from stamp duty on the transfer of the purchase of a replacement home is available.

Stamp duty relief is also available on the transfer of the purchase of vacant land on which a replacement home will be built within 3 years from the date of purchase.

What is the specified bushfire area?

Anywhere affected by bushfires in the Local Government Areas of Adelaide Hills, Kangaroo Island, Mount Barker, Murray Bridge, Mid-Murray, Yorke Peninsula and Kingston District.

How much is the relief?

Relief is capped at the stamp duty payable on a $1 million home or vacant land. This means relief is available up to $48,830.

The Registrar-General will provide similar relief as to that provided by RevenueSA in regards to Stamp Duty for eligible transfers of land. For information on other documents and searches that are eligible in this program of relief we ask that you contact Land Services SA via email customersupport@landservices.com.

When does the relief end?

The relief is available up to and including 20 January 2024.

What if I purchase a home or vacant land valued at more than $1 million?

If you purchase a home or vacant land which is valued over $1 million, you will still be eligible for relief to the capped amount.

Example

A replacement home is purchased for $1.1 million. Stamp duty on the transfer is $54,330.

Relief of $48,830 will be available, with the purchaser required to pay the $5,500 difference.

Does the replacement home or vacant land have to be in the same area as the destroyed home?

No, the replacement home or vacant land can be anywhere in South Australia.

Do I have to be the owner of the home that was destroyed, to get the stamp duty relief?

Yes, relief is only available if you own a home in the specified bushfire area that was destroyed.

Is the relief available on any properties?

No. Relief is only available on:

  • the purchase of a home or
  • the purchase of vacant land on which a replacement home will be built within 3 years from the date of purchase

to replace your existing home that was destroyed by the bushfire.

What if I don’t build a home on the vacant land within 3 years from the date of purchase?

The relief is subject to the requirement that a replacement home will be built on the vacant land within 3 years from the date of purchase. RevenueSA reserves the right to recover the relief, such that you would then be liable to pay the stamp duty, if you do not build a home on the vacant land within 3 years from the date of purchase.

How do I apply for relief?

Your conveyancer can apply for relief on your behalf at the time they are processing the Transfer. This means you will not be charged stamp duty at settlement.

You will need to provide them with a copy of the police report or insurance claim evidencing that the home has been destroyed. If you do not have a police report or insurance claim, other evidence or a declaration may be provided.

I’m a conveyancer – what do I need to do?

The Transfer must be lodged with RevenueSA for assessment through RevenueSA Online.

In the note section please ensure you provide the following information:

  • Advise why bushfire relief is requested
  • Details of the destroyed property (for example, Certificate of Title reference, property address)

You must also upload supporting evidence for the relief. This must be either a copy of the police report or insurance claim evidencing that the home has been destroyed. If your client does not have a police report or insurance claim, other evidence or a declaration may be provided.

I’ve already purchased a replacement home and paid stamp duty. Can I get a refund?

If you have already purchased a replacement home or vacant land on which a replacement home will be built and settlement has been finalised, please email RevenueSA at stamps@sa.gov.au, providing the following information:

  • Advise why bushfire relief is requested
  • Details of the destroyed property (for example, Certificate of Title reference, property address)
  • Details of the replacement home
  • Evidence of stamp duty paid (for example, settlement statement)
  • Bank account details (BSB, account number and account name) for refund

You will need to provide a copy of the police report or insurance claim evidencing that the home has been destroyed. If you do not have a police report or insurance claim, other evidence or a declaration may be provided.

Is other relief available?

Yes. Relief is also available for:

My home was destroyed by bushfire that is not in a specified bushfire area?

If your home has been destroyed by a bushfire, which was not within a specified bushfire area and you have purchased a replacement home or vacant land on which a replacement home will be built, you can request for relief to be considered.

Please email stamps@sa.gov.au with details of your home or vacant land on which a replacement home will be built, the location of the home was destroyed, supporting evidence and reasons why relief should be provided.

These instances will be considered on a case-by-case basis for ex gratia relief outside of this relief program.

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