Calculate the stamp duty (transfer duty) payable on a property purchase in any Australian state or territory. Includes first home buyer concessions, foreign buyer surcharges, and investor rates.
Stamp duty (also called transfer duty) is a state government tax paid when you purchase property. It is calculated as a percentage of the property's purchase price or market value (whichever is higher), using a tiered rate structure that increases with property value. Each state and territory sets its own rates, exemptions, and concessions, which means the same property can attract very different duty amounts depending on where it is located.
Stamp duty is typically due at settlement, though some states allow payment within 30 days. Unlike ongoing costs such as council rates, stamp duty is a one-off payment at the time of purchase. It cannot be added to your mortgage unless you specifically negotiate this with your lender (which increases your loan amount and total interest).
Every state offers some form of stamp duty relief for first home buyers, though the thresholds and structures vary significantly. NSW offers full exemption on properties up to $800,000. Victoria exempts properties up to $600,000. Queensland provides a concession on homes up to $550,000. Other states have their own thresholds — use the calculator above to see the exact benefit in your state.
These concessions can save first home buyers tens of thousands of dollars. On a $600,000 property in NSW, a first home buyer pays zero stamp duty, while a standard buyer pays approximately $22,490. Understanding these thresholds is critical when setting your property budget.
All states except the Northern Territory impose an additional stamp duty surcharge on foreign (non-resident) buyers. This surcharge ranges from 7% to 8% of the property price — a very significant additional cost. On a $750,000 property, foreign buyer surcharges add $52,500 to $60,000 on top of standard stamp duty.
For detailed stamp duty schedules, worked examples, and state-specific FHB concessions, see our dedicated state pages:
Tip: If stamp duty is a barrier, consider states with more generous FHB concessions, or look at properties just below your state's exemption threshold. Also check whether your state offers a choice between stamp duty and annual land tax (NSW has this option for FHBs).