What is stamp duty in Australia?

Stamp duty (also called transfer duty) is a state government tax paid when you purchase property in Australia. Each state and territory sets its own rates and thresholds. Stamp duty is calculated as a percentage of the property's purchase price or market value (whichever is higher) and is usually paid at settlement. It is one of the largest upfront costs when buying a home.

How much is stamp duty in NSW?

In NSW, stamp duty is calculated on a sliding scale from 1.25% to 5.5%. For example, a $750,000 property in NSW incurs approximately $28,500 in stamp duty. First home buyers are exempt from stamp duty on properties up to $800,000, with a concessional rate applying to properties between $800,001 and $1,000,000.

Do first home buyers pay stamp duty?

Most states offer stamp duty exemptions or concessions for first home buyers. In NSW, first home buyers pay no stamp duty on properties up to $800,000. In VIC, the exemption applies up to $600,000. QLD offers concessions up to $700,000, and WA provides exemptions up to $430,000. The thresholds and concessions vary by state, so check your specific state's revenue office for current limits.

How much is stamp duty in Victoria?

Victorian stamp duty rates range from 1.4% to 6.0% depending on the property value. For a $750,000 property, stamp duty in Victoria is approximately $40,070. First home buyers in VIC are exempt on properties up to $600,000, with concessions available for properties between $600,001 and $750,000.

Can I add stamp duty to my mortgage?

Some lenders allow you to add stamp duty to your home loan (known as capitalising stamp duty), but this increases your total loan amount and the interest you pay over the life of the loan. You will also need to ensure your total borrowing (including stamp duty) stays within the lender's loan-to-value ratio (LVR) limits. It's generally cheaper to pay stamp duty upfront if you can afford to.

How much is stamp duty in Queensland?

In Queensland, stamp duty ranges from 0% (on the first $5,000) up to 5.75% for properties over $1,000,000. A $750,000 property in QLD attracts approximately $24,700 in stamp duty. First home buyers in Queensland receive concessions on properties up to $700,000, which can significantly reduce or eliminate stamp duty.

Stamp Duty Calculator

Calculate stamp duty for any property in NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT, and NT. Includes first home buyer exemptions and concessions for 2025-26.

Last verified: 1 July 2025

How much is stamp duty on an Australian property?

Stamp duty is a state-based transfer tax, typically 3-5.5% of the purchase price, calculated on a sliding scale. On a $750,000 home, it's roughly $28,500 in NSW, $40,070 in VIC, $24,700 in QLD, and $26,715 in WA. First home buyer exemptions and concessions exist in every state, with thresholds from $430,000 (WA) to $800,000 (NSW). Source: state and territory revenue offices.

First home buyer thresholds (full exemption). NSW: up to $800,000 (concession to $1,000,000). VIC: up to $600,000 (concession to $750,000). QLD: up to $700,000 (concession to $800,000). WA: up to $430,000 (concession to $530,000). Foreign buyers pay an additional surcharge of 7-8% in most states.

Frequently asked questions

How much stamp duty do first home buyers pay in NSW?

First home buyers in NSW pay no stamp duty on homes up to $800,000, a concessional rate on homes between $800,001 and $1,000,000, and full stamp duty above $1,000,000. The First Home Owner Grant adds $10,000 for new homes up to $600,000. Source: Revenue NSW.

How much stamp duty do first home buyers pay in Victoria?

First home buyers in Victoria pay no stamp duty on homes up to $600,000 and receive a sliding concession on homes between $600,001 and $750,000. A $10,000 First Home Owner Grant applies on new homes up to $750,000. Source: State Revenue Office Victoria.

Do foreign buyers pay extra stamp duty in Australia?

Yes. Foreign buyer surcharges apply in most states: 8% in NSW and Victoria, 7% in Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia. These are additional to the standard stamp duty and First Home Buyer concessions do not apply to foreign buyers.

Is stamp duty payable on off-the-plan purchases?

Off-the-plan concessions vary by state. Victoria removed the concession in 2017 for owner-occupiers. NSW retained an off-the-plan concession for principal places of residence under certain thresholds. Always check the current rules with the relevant state revenue office.

General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.

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