Even the Australian Bureau of Statistics has problems getting the right data! They’ve recently revised their First Home Buyers numbers based on finance data and the graph below paints a clearer picture. The 2012 drop followed the State Newman Government’s first budget when the $7000 First Home Buyer Grant was canned. Those starting out still benefit from free stamp duty under $500,000 (and a $15,000 hand out if they buy new property only).

Graph courtesy The REIQ