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
    leeSeptember 16, 2014

    could you tell me is it true as a married couple as a one of time you can change a property from two names to one at no cost or for a dollar without paying stamp duty

      AvatarFinder
      ShirleySeptember 16, 2014Finder

      Hi Lee,

      Thanks for your question.

      Generally if you’re transferring a property from two names to one because of a relationship breakdown, then stamp duty isn’t payable. If it’s for another reason, stamp duty is usually payable.

      For more information, please visit your local Office of State Revenue’s website to see what exemptions could apply to you.

      Cheers,
      Shirley

    Default Gravatar
    BiancaSeptember 12, 2014

    Hi If I purchase a block of land but won’t begin to build on it for a year will I need to pay stamp duty on the block then on the build? Im in SA

      AvatarFinder
      ShirleySeptember 15, 2014Finder

      Hi Bianca,

      Thanks for your question.

      On the SA Office of State Revenue website it states that, “all transfers of land are subject to duty on the instrument of transfer based on the value of the land (including improvements) or the consideration (including GST) whichever is greater (unless an exemption or concession applies).”

      ‘Including improvements’ refers to the construction that you may intend to build on the land. For more information, please speak to your local Office of State Revenue.

      All the best,
      Shirley

    Default Gravatar
    JanineSeptember 11, 2014

    Do I have to pay stamp duty, when I buy into a house with the owner of the home.
    We are not a partnership, however, it is my home, and I paid off the mortgage (which is 50/50) now.
    I want my name on deeds too, but not if I have to pay $9-10,000, stamp duty.

    Please advise.
    I am also now on Newstart Allowance.
    Age 63

      AvatarFinder
      ShirleySeptember 12, 2014Finder

      Hi Janine,

      Thanks for your question.

      If you’re sharing titles on a property and the property is to be your matrimonial home, then stamp duty is generally exempt.

      However, in other cases, stamp duty is most likely payable. If you’d like, you can check your local Office of State Revenue’s website to see if any concessions apply to you.

      Cheers,
      Shirley

    Default Gravatar
    kiaraSeptember 11, 2014

    can my sisters disclaim a property and leave it all to me. without me having to pay stamp duty on the inheritance?

      AvatarFinder
      ShirleySeptember 12, 2014Finder

      Hi Kiara,

      Thanks for your question.

      Generally if your transferring property ownership to a family member, the person obtaining the property is required to pay stamp duty.

      Cheers,
      Shirley

    Default Gravatar
    JoelSeptember 9, 2014

    Not sure if this question has been asked or answered yet.

    I’m looking to buy a property shortly for between 450-500,000 and it appears we meet all eligible requirements for FHOG and Stamp Duty Reductions etc.

    With the 50% reduction in duty payable which has just come into VIC, can this be applied prior to settlement or do I have to front up to settlement with the full amount of duty and lodge the form afterwards to get a refund?

      AvatarFinder
      ShirleySeptember 10, 2014Finder

      Hi Joel,

      Thanks for your question.

      You’ll need to submit a declaration to your local Office of State Revenue to be eligible for the discount. I’d assume that the discount is upfront, but it’s good to confirm this with your conveyancer.

      Please see the page that I’ve emailed you, towards the bottom.

      Cheers,
      Shirley

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