Question 1

What is stamp duty in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Stamp duty (also called transfer duty) is a state government tax charged when you purchase or acquire property in Australia. Each state and territory sets its own rates and thresholds. The amount you pay depends on where the property is located, its value, the type of property, and your buyer status.

Question 2

Do first home buyers pay stamp duty in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Most Australian states and territories offer stamp duty concessions or full exemptions for eligible first home buyers. NSW offers full exemption up to $800,000, VIC up to $600,000, QLD up to $700,000, WA up to $500,000, SA up to $650,000, TAS up to $600,000, NT up to $650,000, and ACT up to $1,000,000.

Question 3

How much stamp duty do I pay in NSW?

Accepted Answer

In NSW, stamp duty ranges from 1.25% for properties under $17,000 up to 7% for properties over $3.736 million. For a $750,000 home, the stamp duty is approximately $29,125. First home buyers pay no stamp duty on properties up to $800,000.

Question 4

How much stamp duty do I pay in Victoria?

Accepted Answer

In Victoria, stamp duty ranges from 1.4% for properties under $25,000 up to 6.5% for properties over $2 million. First home buyers pay no stamp duty on properties up to $600,000, with concessions up to $750,000.

Question 5

Do foreign buyers pay more stamp duty?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most Australian states impose a foreign buyer surcharge on top of standard stamp duty. NSW, VIC, QLD and TAS charge 8%, while SA and WA charge 7%. The Northern Territory has no foreign buyer surcharge.

Question 6

When do I have to pay stamp duty?

Accepted Answer

Stamp duty is generally payable at settlement or within 30 to 90 days after the contract date, depending on the state. Your solicitor or conveyancer will handle this as part of the settlement process.

Question 7

Is stamp duty tax deductible?

Accepted Answer

For your principal place of residence, stamp duty is generally not tax deductible. For investment properties, stamp duty forms part of the cost base and can reduce capital gains tax when you eventually sell.

Question 8

Which Australian state has the lowest stamp duty?

Accepted Answer

Stamp duty rates vary significantly by property value and buyer type. The ACT has no stamp duty on commercial properties up to $2,000,000 (from 1 July 2025). For residential property, ACT, NT and WA tend to have lower effective rates for mid-range purchases. Use our calculator to compare all states for your specific property value.