Stamp Duty Calculator

Our stamp duty calculator can help you estimate your costs and find out if you're eligible for an exemption or discount in your state or territory.

Stamp duty is one of the biggest costs you'll pay when buying property in Australia. Stamp duty is a form of tax charged by the state government, and it applies when you buy a property, but not when you sell. Our stamp duty calculator can help you work out how much stamp duty you'll pay when buying a home or investment property.

Luckily, first home buyers in most states and territories can qualify for one-off discounts or concessions, depending on the type of property you buy and the purchase price.

Stamp duty calculator

To use this calculator select your state or territory, enter the value of your property (the full value, not your loan amount), choose the type of purchase (home to live in, investment or land) and select yes or no if you're a first home buyer or not.

Stamp duty exemptions and concessions by state/territory

Your stamp duty cost varies depending on where you live. Governments update these costs every few years, depending on state budgets and tax policy.

Click your state or territory below to find out about stamp duty exemptions.

Your stamp duty is determined by several factors beyond where you live. These are:

  • The cost of the property. The more you pay for your property the higher your stamp duty cost will be.
  • Whether you're a first home buyer. If you've never owned a property before then you may quality for a concession (discount) on your stamp duty or even a full exemption. Pensioners and seniors may also qualify for a discount or exemption.
  • The type of home you buy. The amount of stamp duty that you will be charged may depend on the type of property you purchase, with concessions or exemptions for buying new or off-the-plan properties.

What is stamp duty?

Stamp duty in Australia is a state/territory level tax levied on large transactions such as property purchases, cars or other assets. Historically, stamp duty was levied on the signing of various legal documents, hence the word stamp. Stamp duty is sometimes referred to as transfer duty.

How do I pay my stamp duty?

Open door in a house.

Many buyers pay stamp duty at settlement. Depending on your state or territory, it may be due on settlement day, and in other states you have around 30 days from settlement to organise the payment.

Your lawyer or conveyancer can help you with the logistics of paying stamp duty and will advise you of deadlines. Your conveyancer can also help you organise your paperwork when applying for a concession or exemption.

Can I borrow stamp duty with my loan?

Depending on your borrowing power and the size of your deposit, you may be able to have the amount of stamp duty added to your loan. This is known as having your stamp duty capitalised into the principal of the loan.

This means you are borrowing the money to pay stamp duty, so you'll pay interest on that amount for 30 years.

Keep in mind that this may increase your loan to value (LVR) ratio, which could require you to pay a higher Lenders Mortgage Insurance premium, if your loan is above 80% of the property's overall value.

Stamp duty in unique cases

Do I have to pay stamp duty on vacant land?

All transfers of land come with these costs, which you see by using the stamp duty calculator above. The exception to this is through the various concessions and exemptions available from each state, particularly for first home buyers.

Do I have to pay stamp duty on off-the-plan property?

Yes, stamp duty is still payable on off-the-plan property, but keep in mind there are concessions and exemptions available in different states.

Do I have to pay stamp duty on a loan I am refinancing?

In most cases you will have to pay stamp duty again even if you are refinancing. However, there are situations in which you can avoid paying stamp duty. For example, if the names of the borrowers are the same and the amount of the loan is the same, there might be a chance you could avoid paying stamp duty. In some cases, you might also have to refinance with the same lender to avoid this cost.

If you're borrowing more when refinancing (say, a home loan top up) you may have to pay stamp duty on any amount above the original loan.

Note that in some situations you may have to pay the fees but you can then apply for a refund from the lender. Thus, it pays to make sure you do your research before deciding to refinance because any savings you incur from a lower rate might be completely obliterated if you have to pay stamp duty again. In this case, refinancing may simply not be worth the hassle.

Divorce and stamp duty

Stamp duty isn’t payable if one of you is transferring the title to a home or land to another. However, you can only save on stamp duty if the transfer is done so you can obey a court order. The court must be able to know what assets are owned by each of the parties. This includes all of your assets like land, bank accounts and superannuation. It may be necessary to hire an expert to value an asset.

It’s important to know that parenting is seen as a very important contribution. If the marriage has been a long one, it is often seen as equal to financial contributions. Usually, the court gives the party whose financial future is not as good as the other some extra part of the property owned by the parties.

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Minimum Loan Amount$10,000
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337 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    jenniferFebruary 16, 2015

    how much stamp duty will I pay if I buy off the plan after the building has started? I live in NSW.

      AvatarFinder
      ShirleyFebruary 17, 2015Finder

      Hi Jennifer,

      Thanks for your question.

      The amount of stamp duty payable depends on the value of the land. Please get in touch with the NSW Office of State Revenue or your trusted solicitor to enquire how much you are liable to pay. If you’re currently a first home buyer, there are concessions available as well.

      Stamp duty is payable on an off the plan contract when completed or 15 months from the date of the contract of sale, whichever is earlier.

      Cheers,
      Shirley

    Default Gravatar
    BellaFebruary 12, 2015

    I own my home in NSW outright with no finance at all and wish to add my partners name?
    Could you please explain the process.
    Is stamp duty payable?

      AvatarFinder
      ShirleyFebruary 12, 2015Finder

      Hi Bella,

      Thanks for your question.

      You’ll need to approach the NSW Office of State Revenue (OSR) to get started. If the property is to be used your matrimonial home then generally stamp duty is generally not payable.

      During this time it may be handy to have a solicitor to assist with the paperwork.

      You’ll need to communicate this to the OSR and they will be able to provide the relevant forms for you.

      Cheers,
      Shirley

    Default Gravatar
    MikeFebruary 9, 2015

    Hi,

    I was wondering if you are removing one persons name from a title in WA do you have to pay stamp duty. Original purchase was for two people.

      AvatarFinder
      ShirleyFebruary 9, 2015Finder

      Hi Mike,

      Thanks for your question.

      Generally you don’t need to pay stamp duty when removing someone off the title of the property. However, there may be legal and government fees involved.

      Cheers,
      Shirley

    Default Gravatar
    DarylFebruary 9, 2015

    If you over 60 years old do you still pay stamp duty?

      Default Gravatar
      DarylFebruary 10, 2015

      Thank you

      AvatarFinder
      ShirleyFebruary 9, 2015Finder

      Hi Daryl,

      Thanks for your question.

      Please note that rules and regulations regarding stamp duty vary according to the state or territory that holds the property. For example, in Victoria, the stamp duty concession provides a full exemption from stamp duty for cardholders purchasing property up to $330,000 in value if you hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.

      You can confirm what benefits are available for your situation by contacting your local Office of State Revenue.

      Cheers,
      Shirley

    Default Gravatar
    leahFebruary 6, 2015

    Hi there. I would like to know if your previously own a home in another country but you are a first home buyer in Australia, do you have to pay stamp duty? Thanks

      AvatarFinder
      ShirleyFebruary 6, 2015Finder

      Hi Leah,

      Thanks for your question.

      This depends on the rules and regulations set out by your local Office of State Revenue and the nature of the property that you’re purchasing.
      Generally as a first home buyer you are eligible for a concession or exemption for stamp duty depending on the state or territory you live in.

      Cheers,
      Shirley

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