Victims of domestic, family and sexual violence will be eligible for full stamp duty relief and access to the First Home Owner Grant, even if they have previously bought a home, under a new State Government scheme aimed at helping victim-survivors rebuild their lives in safe, secure housing.
The new ex gratia scheme will be funded through the upcoming 2026-27 State Budget and is designed to remove some of the financial barriers faced by people leaving violent homes and relationships.
Under the scheme, eligible applicants may receive 100 per cent stamp duty relief when buying a new or established home. Those purchasing a new home, or entering into eligible vacant land contracts, may also be able to access the First Home Owner Grant, which is worth up to $15,000 for eligible South Australians.
The support will apply to eligible new home, established home or vacant land contracts entered into on or after 4 June 2026. For established homes, only the full stamp duty relief will apply.
To qualify, applicants must have vacated a home because of domestic, family or sexual violence and must not have received a material financial benefit from that property. They must also meet the usual eligibility requirements that apply to first home buyer stamp duty relief or the First Home Owner Grant for the property they are buying or building.
This includes living in the new home as their principal place of residence for at least 12 continuous months from settlement or completion of construction. However, if domestic or family violence prevents an applicant from meeting that requirement, they may still be eligible for support.
The State Government says domestic, family and sexual violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women. According to the release, 45 per cent of all women and girls seeking homelessness assistance identify domestic, family or sexual violence as a cause.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the measure was about helping vulnerable women find stability and independence after leaving unsafe situations.
“It’s a sad reality that women escaping domestic, family and sexual violence often end up homeless,” he said.
“That’s why we are introducing this new support scheme to help vulnerable women set themselves up in their own secure, independent home.
“Now we’re going further and providing real financial assistance to ensure women leaving dangerous, threatening or violent situations have a better opportunity to re-establish themselves in the housing market.”
Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis said the change would help remove existing barriers.
“Domestic, family and sexual violence against women is a scourge of our society, and it is a tragedy often overlooked that escaping such a difficult environment can often mean financial and housing insecurity,” he said.
“This measure takes away some of the barriers currently in place for women escaping domestic, family and sexual violence.”
Minister for Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Alice Rolls said the scheme would reduce the tax burden for people trying to enter the housing market after leaving violence.
“Waiving stamp duty costs for those fleeing domestic, family and sexual violence will enable them easier access into the housing market by reducing the tax burden and easing financial pressure more generally,” she said.
“This, as well as a range of measures outlined in the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, are aimed at levelling the playing field for victims of violence and abuse.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, call 000 if there is immediate danger, or contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for free, confidential 24/7 support.
