What Is Stamp Duty?

Stamp duty (officially called "transfer duty" in most states) is a state government tax paid when you purchase a property. It's one of the largest upfront costs of buying a home in Australia — often second only to the deposit itself.

The amount you pay depends on: the property's purchase price, which state or territory you're buying in, whether you're a first home buyer, whether the property is your primary residence, and (in some states) your residency status.

🏠 Calculate Stamp Duty Instantly

Get the exact stamp duty amount for your state, including first home buyer concessions and foreign purchaser surcharges.

Stamp Duty Calculator — All States →

Stamp Duty Rates by State (2025)

New South Wales (NSW)

Property ValueStamp Duty
Up to $16,000$1.25 per $100 (minimum)
$16,001 – $35,000$200 + $1.50 per $100 over $16,000
$35,001 – $93,000$485 + $1.75 per $100 over $35,000
$93,001 – $351,000$1,500 + $3.50 per $100 over $93,000
$351,001 – $1,168,000$10,530 + $4.50 per $100 over $351,000
Over $1,168,000$47,295 + $5.50 per $100 over $1,168,000

NSW First Home Buyer: Stamp duty exemption for homes under $800,000. Concession for homes $800,001–$1,000,000. Alternatively, first home buyers can choose to pay an annual land tax instead (First Home Buyer Choice).

Victoria (VIC)

Property ValueRate
Up to $25,0001.4%
$25,001 – $130,0002.4%
$130,001 – $960,0006.0%
Over $960,0005.5% (dutiable value)

VIC First Home Buyer: Full exemption for homes under $600,000. Concession for homes $600,001–$750,000.

Queensland (QLD)

Property ValueTransfer Duty
Up to $5,000Nil
$5,001 – $75,000$1.50 per $100 over $5,000
$75,001 – $540,000$1,050 + $3.50 per $100 over $75,000
$540,001 – $1,000,000$17,325 + $4.50 per $100 over $540,000
Over $1,000,000$38,025 + $5.75 per $100 over $1,000,000

QLD First Home Buyer: Concession available for homes under $550,000 (owner-occupied). First Home Concession reduces duty significantly.

Western Australia (WA)

WA uses a sliding scale from 1.9% to 5.15% depending on property value. First home buyers receive an exemption for homes under $430,000 and a concession up to $530,000.

South Australia (SA)

SA stamp duty ranges from 1% to 5.5%. There is no specific first home buyer concession on transfer duty, but the First Home Owner Grant may apply.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

The ACT has a unique system — it is progressively replacing stamp duty with an annual land tax (Rates) for all property owners. Stamp duty still applies to most purchases but has been reduced over time. The ACT has no first home buyer stamp duty concession as the land tax replacement program covers this.

Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmania's stamp duty ranges from 1.75% to 4.5%. First home buyers receive a 50% concession on stamp duty for homes under $600,000.

Real Examples: How Much Stamp Duty Will I Pay?

Property ValueNSWVICQLD
$500,000$17,990$21,970$15,925
$750,000$29,240$40,070$25,350
$1,000,000$40,490$55,000$38,025
$1,500,000$67,990$82,500$66,775

Approximate figures for owner-occupiers who are not first home buyers. Use our calculator for exact amounts.

First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)

Separate to stamp duty concessions, the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is a one-off payment for first home buyers purchasing or building a new home. Amounts vary by state:

🏠 Total Upfront Cost Calculator

Calculate stamp duty, LMI, conveyancing, and all upfront buying costs for your state.

House Affordability Calculator →