Find out how much stamp duty Victorians have to pay, calculate your own costs and work out if you're eligible for land transfer duty exemptions and concessions.
Find out how much stamp duty Victorians have to pay, calculate your own costs and work out if you're eligible for land transfer duty exemptions and concessions.Stamp duty is an Australian tax on certain purchases, including real estate. When buying or otherwise taking possession of homes or land, it’s referred to as the land transfer duty. A typical home purchase will often include tens of thousands of dollars in land transfer duties.
Fortunately there are concessions and exemptions to help keep costs down. In many cases, you won’t have to pay any stamp duty on property purchases at all.
How is stamp duty calculated in Victoria?
The amount of duty payable is calculated on a sliding scale, starting at 1.4% for properties whose dutiable value is $25,000 and going up to 5.5% for properties with a dutiable value of $960,000 and above.
The dutiable value of the home is the greater of either the purchase price (including any non-monetary obligations), or the home’s value on the open market.
| Dutiable value range | Duty payable |
|---|---|
| Up to $25,000 | 1.4% of the dutiable value of the property |
| $25,001 to $130,000 | $350 plus 2.4% of the dutiable value in excess of $25,000 |
| $130,001 to $960,000 | $2,870 plus 6% of the dutiable value in excess of $130,000 |
| $960,001 and above | 5.5% of the dutiable value |
Figures correct at time of publication and subject to change. Source: State Revenue Office of Victoria
Rates may vary depending on:
- If you’re a foreign buyer or an Australian resident
- If you’re a first home buyer, or not
- Whether it’s going to be your primary residence or an investment property
- Whether you’re buying land or a building
- Whether you’re buying the property, or taking possession of it in another way
- Any other exemptions and concessions you’re entitled to, such as for pensioners
You can use a stamp duty calculator to find out how much duty may be payable.
VIC stamp duty calculator
Use this calculator to get an estimate of your stamp duty costs on property in Victoria. Select VIC in the input box to ensure you get the right calculation.
First home buyer? Learn how to find the right home loan here
Are there stamp duty concessions for first home buyers?
There’s a range of land transfer duty concessions and complete exemptions, especially for first home buyers in Victoria.
Stamp duty exemption for first home buyers
As of 1 July 2017, first home buyers in Victoria may be exempt from stamp duty on eligible purchases.
You, and your partner if applicable, must both qualify as first home buyers and be Australian citizens or permanent residents. New Zealanders on a special category visa are also eligible.
Eligible purchases
The full exemption only applies to homes with a dutiable value up to $600,000. For homes valued at $600,000 to $750,000, you can still get partial exemption.
You must be buying your principal place of residence. This means you need to live in it for at least 12 continuous months, starting within 12 months of taking possession.
If you’re eligible for stamp duty exemption, there may also be other, additional concessions or benefits available.
One example is the first home owner’s grant, or the off-the-plan concession explained below.
Are there any other stamp duty concessions or exemptions in Victoria?
Land transfer duties are also exempt for:
- Land transfers from deceased persons to their beneficiaries
- Transfers between spouses and partners, including transfers after breakups such as part of a divorce settlement
- Certain corporate consolidations or reconstructions
Other concessions include:
- The principal place of residence (PPR) concession
- Off-the-plan purchase concessions
- Pensioner duty exemption or concession
- Charity and friendly society concessions
- Young farmer exemptions or concessions
Learn more about each exemption:
How do I claim a stamp duty concession or exemption in Victoria?
You can apply for a duty or concession through Victoria’s State Revenue Office.
Hi,
Just wondering what happens if you don’t move in to your property for the entire 12 months as required, to have claimed the stamp duty exemption? Or is it fine as long as you haven’t gained taxable income/rent from the property?
Hi Cassie,
Thank you for getting in touch with finder.
You need to live continuously in the property for 12 months to get the concession.
From the Vic government website: “You must live in your property as your principal place of residence for a continuous period of 12 months, commencing within 12 months of settlement, to maintain your eligibility for the duty exemption or concession. In limited circumstances, we may vary this requirement.”
I hope this helps.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other enquiries.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
Hi I’m a first home buyer my house will be 420000 there about when I first applied for my home loan I was told no stamp duty was to be paid but 5 days out from settlement of land got told to stamp duty up front of 7000 was to be paid but will be returned when the house is done, is this correct or wrong?
Hi Stephen,
Thanks for your question.
Is your property located in Victoria? If you’ve met the eligibility criteria for the first home owner grant in Victoria you’ll also be exempted from paying the stamp duty and will not pay $7000. I would suggest that you contact your local revenue office to confirm this and your eligibility for the stamp duty exemption.
Cheers,
May