Australia's hidden property tax — calculated for all 8 states & territories.
Stamp duty (also called transfer duty) is a state tax you pay when buying property in Australia. Rates vary dramatically — buying the same $800,000 home could cost you $31,335 in NSW, $43,070 in Victoria, or $0 in the Northern Territory.
Most states offer first-home buyer exemptions: NSW exempts properties under $800,000, VIC under $600,000, and QLD under $700,000. Investors face surcharges of 7–8% in most mainland states. Select your state and situation below for an accurate estimate.
Stamp duty (or transfer duty) varies by state and territory. In NSW, a $800,000 property costs approximately $31,335 in stamp duty. First-home buyers may be exempt on properties below $800,000 (NSW) or $600,000 (VIC). Each state has its own rates and thresholds — use a state-specific calculator for accurate figures.
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. Victoria exempts purchases under $600,000. Queensland exempts homes under $700,000. These thresholds change regularly — check your state's revenue office for current limits.
They're the same thing. 'Stamp duty' is the traditional name, while 'transfer duty' is the modern legal term used in most Australian states. Both refer to the state tax you pay when purchasing property.
The Northern Territory often has the lowest stamp duty for properties under $525,000 (0% up to that threshold). The ACT is transitioning away from stamp duty entirely in favour of higher land tax, meaning buyers there may benefit from reduced rates. Tasmania generally has lower rates for mid-range properties.
Most lenders don't allow you to add stamp duty to your mortgage directly. You typically need to pay stamp duty from your savings at settlement. However, some lenders offer 'capitalisation' of stamp duty for loans with higher LVRs, though this increases your loan amount and interest costs.
Stamp duty is due at settlement in most states — typically 30-90 days after exchange of contracts. In NSW, you must pay within 3 months of settlement. In Victoria, you have 30 days. Your conveyancer or solicitor will usually arrange payment on your behalf.