Women escaping domestic, family and sexual violence in South Australia will be eligible for full stamp duty relief and access to the First Home Owner Grant under a new government scheme aimed at helping survivors secure safe and independent housing.
The ex gratia scheme, to be funded through the 2026-27 State Budget, will allow eligible applicants to receive 100 per cent stamp duty relief when purchasing a new or established home. They may also qualify for the First Home Owner Grant on eligible new homes or vacant land contracts entered into on or after 4 June 2026.
The initiative removes a key barrier faced by many women leaving violent relationships, particularly those who have previously owned property and would normally be excluded from first-home buyer assistance.
Domestic, family and sexual violence remains the leading cause of homelessness among women. Government figures show that 45 per cent of women and girls seeking homelessness assistance identify domestic, family or sexual violence as a contributing factor.
Australian Bureau of Statistics data from the 2021-22 Personal Safety Survey suggests nearly two in three women who experienced intimate partner violence while living with a previous partner were forced to leave their home when the relationship ended. Nationally, that equates to about 867,000 women.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said housing insecurity often follows domestic violence.
“It’s a sad reality that women escaping domestic, family and sexual violence often end up homeless.
“That’s why we are introducing this new support scheme to help vulnerable women set themselves up in their own secure, independent home.”
Under the scheme, applicants must have left a home because of domestic, family or sexual violence and must not have received a material financial benefit from that property
Under the scheme, applicants must have left 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 eligibility requirements that apply to stamp duty relief for first-home buyers and the First Home Owner Grant in relation to the property they are purchasing or building.
Recipients are generally required to live in the new property as their principal place of residence for at least 12 continuous months after settlement or completion of construction. Provisions have been included for circumstances where domestic or family violence prevents an applicant from meeting the residency requirement.
The South Australian Government said the measure builds on broader reforms stemming from the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence.
“The State Government last year committed to spend $674 million across the next decade responding to a suite of recommendations from the Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, including doubling the number of public housing properties to be specifically set aside for those escaping domestic, family and sexual violence,” Mr Malinauskas said.
“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 financial consequences of domestic violence often continued long after victims left abusive situations.
“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.
“This measure takes away some of the barriers currently in place for women escaping domestic, family and sexual violence.”
Alice Rolls welcomed the initiative, saying reducing upfront housing costs would help survivors rebuild their lives.
“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.
“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.
“This measure along with the $674 million we’re also spending on the Royal Commission recommendations will have a significant impact in protecting South Australians from the scourge of domestic, family and sexual violence.”
The scheme is expected to commence for eligible contracts entered into from 4 June 2026 and forms part of the state’s broader response to domestic violence, homelessness and housing insecurity among women.
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