Just in from the budget news... The Rees government will provide a $64 million boost to people buying new homes, cutting their stamp duty by half - as the only surprise giveaway in a budget with a 2009-10 deficit of $990 million. Read more here This certainly looks interesting, as it's including other buyers besides the FHB's in this scheme. Obviously designed to continue to breathe life in the new build section of the market, paying half the normal SD will be a bonus for investors who are looking to purchase before the end of this year.