Stamp Duty in Australia: State-by-State Guide for Homeowners

What is Stamp Duty?

Stamp duty (officially called transfer duty or land transfer duty in most states) is a state government tax levied when property changes hands. Rates are progressive — higher property values pay higher rates. In most states, stamp duty on a median-priced house ($700,000–$1,200,000) amounts to $25,000–$60,000.

NSW Stamp Duty Rates (2024–25)

• 1 Up to $16,000: $1.25 per $100
• 2 $16,001 – $35,000: $200 + $1.50 per $100 over $16,000
• 3 $35,001 – $93,000: $485 + $1.75 per $100 over $35,000
• 4 $93,001 – $351,000: $1,500 + $3.50 per $100 over $93,000
• 5 $351,001 – $1,168,000: $10,530 + $4.50 per $100 over $351,000
• 6 Over $1,168,000: $47,295 + $5.50 per $100 over $1,168,000
• 7 Note: from July 2023, many first home buyers can opt for annual land tax instead of upfront stamp duty

First Home Buyer Concessions

• 1 NSW: Duty exemption for homes under $800,000; concession to $1,000,000
• 2 VIC: Duty exemption for homes under $600,000; concession to $750,000
• 3 QLD: First Home Concession on homes under $700,000; full exemption under $500,000
• 4 WA: Duty exemption for first homes under $430,000; concession to $530,000
• 5 SA: No stamp duty on new homes for first home buyers — significant saving

Foreign Investor Surcharges

Foreign investors (non-residents or temporary visa holders) pay additional stamp duty surcharges in most states: 8% surcharge in NSW and VIC, 7% in QLD, 7% in SA, 7% in WA. These are in addition to standard duty and represent a significant additional cost.