Stamp Duty in Australia — How Much Will You Pay?
Last updated: June 2026
What is Stamp Duty?
Stamp duty (officially called "transfer duty" in most states) is a state and territory government tax payable when you purchase property. It is calculated as a percentage of the property's purchase price or market value (whichever is higher) and must be paid at or around settlement.
Stamp duty rates vary significantly by state and territory and are one of the largest upfront costs of buying property.
Stamp Duty Rates — Approximate Figures
Rates are progressive (the higher the purchase price, the higher the rate). For a $700,000 property:
| State/Territory | Approx. stamp duty |
|---|---|
| NSW | ~$26,290 |
| VIC | ~$37,070 |
| QLD | ~$19,549 |
| WA | ~$24,015 |
| SA | ~$31,830 |
| TAS | ~$25,935 |
| NT | ~$33,775 |
| ACT | ~$23,740 |
These are approximate figures only — use your state revenue office's online calculator for accurate amounts.
First Home Buyer Concessions
Most states offer stamp duty concessions or exemptions for first home buyers:
NSW:
- Full exemption for homes up to $800,000
- Concession for homes $800,001–$1,000,000
VIC:
- Full exemption for homes up to $600,000 (principal place of residence)
- Concession for homes $600,001–$750,000
QLD:
- First home concession reduces duty significantly; thresholds apply
WA:
- Concession for homes up to $430,000
SA:
- Off-the-plan apartments: concession for new builds
ACT:
- No stamp duty for first home buyers (instead, an annual land value tax applies under the ACT rates system)
Check your state's revenue office for current thresholds, as they change regularly.
First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)
Separate from stamp duty concessions, the First Home Owner Grant provides a cash payment for eligible first home buyers purchasing or building a new home. Amounts vary:
- NSW: $10,000
- VIC: $10,000 (regional: $20,000)
- QLD: $30,000
- WA: $10,000
- SA: $15,000
- TAS: $30,000
- NT: $10,000
- ACT: No FHOG (different concession structure)
When is Stamp Duty Paid?
Stamp duty must generally be paid within 3 months of signing the contract (NSW 3 months, VIC 30 days after settlement, QLD 30 days after liability arises). In practice, it is usually paid at settlement.
Foreign Purchaser Surcharges
Foreign persons purchasing residential property in Australia pay an additional surcharge stamp duty on top of standard rates:
- NSW: 8% surcharge
- VIC: 8% surcharge
- QLD: 7% surcharge
- SA: 7% surcharge
- WA: 7% surcharge
Stamp Duty on Investment Properties
Investment properties do not receive first home buyer concessions. The full standard rate of stamp duty applies. Stamp duty on an investment property can be claimed as a capital cost, which affects your cost base for capital gains tax purposes (not as an immediate tax deduction).
ACT Land Value Tax
The ACT has progressively abolished stamp duty and replaced it with an annual rates surcharge on property value. This means lower upfront costs but ongoing annual charges for all property owners.