Key takeaways
- Stamp duty is one of the biggest additional costs you'll have to pay when buying property in Australia.
- It's a form of tax charged by the state government and only applies when you buy property, not sell.
- First home buyers in most states and territories qualify for one-off exemptions or discounts.
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.
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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.
Stamp duty rates 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 costs where you live.
How do I pay my stamp duty?
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?
Typically your stamp duty is an upfront cost, not rolled into your home loan. However, if you're not using your full borrowing power to buy the property, you may be able to use your loan to pay stamp duty. This is known as having your stamp duty capitalised into the principal of the loan.
It will depend on your borrowing power and the size of your deposit. But because you're borrowing money to pay for the duty, you'll be paying 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.
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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My son wants to add my name in his principal home. Do I need to pay stamp duty?
Hi Cathy,
Thanks for your question.
It’s likely that you may be liable for stamp duty. Unfortunately Stamp duty is generally exempt if the property is to be a matrimonial home.
However, you can confirm this with your local Office of State Revenue.
Cheers,
Shirley
I’m looking to buy my first home and get the 40% reduction on stamp duty. However, my dad will be helping with the purchase (50/50). It won’t be his first home, will I still be eligible for the reduction on my portion of the loan?
Hi Kitty23,
Thanks for your question.
It’s likely that you won’t be eligible, as the terms state that the both of you can not have previously owned a home before.
Cheers,
Shirley
If i transfer the title of my house (myself and wife on title at the moment) to my wife only , what stamp duty will need to be paid if the property is worth $600000.
Hi Mo,
Thanks for your question.
Stamp duty is generally not payable if there was a relationship breakdown. Otherwise, stamp duty is usually payable when transferring to another family member.
Cheers,
Shirley
I reside in Western Australia and have bought and sold properties before therefore my next property purchase is subject to a high level of stamp duty. ($530,000 purchase price).
My sister has never bought a property and probably never will.
Is there any way she can buy my house on my behalf to take advantage of govt subsidiary for first time buyers?
Hi Maree,
Thanks for your question.
The fact sheet for the WA FHOG states that she needs to be buying a property for herself or with a spouse. I’ve emailed you this PDF for your reference.
Cheers,
Shirley
do i get a discount on stamp duty as a person on a pension
Hi Corinne,
Thanks for your question.
Please contact your local Office of State Revenue for an application form.
Cheers,
Shirley