Stamp duty (officially called transfer duty) is a state tax payable when you buy property in Northern Territory. Rates, exemptions, and concessions are set by Territory Revenue Office and updated each financial year. This page covers the 2025–26 rates, first home buyer concessions, foreign buyer surcharges, and includes a calculator pre-set to NT.
Stamp duty is levied by the Northern Territory government on the transfer of property. It is calculated on the greater of the purchase price or the property's market value, and must be paid by the buyer — usually within 30 days of settlement. It is one of the largest upfront costs in a property purchase and can significantly affect your required deposit and total funds to complete.
In Northern Territory, the median house price in Darwin is approximately $510,000. At that price, a standard owner-occupier would pay approximately $23,287 in stamp duty — equivalent to 4.6% of the purchase price.
2026 key fact: NT uses a formula-based calculation for properties under $525K. Stamp duty concessions available for first home buyers on properties up to $650,000.
Transfer duty in Northern Territory is calculated using a tiered (progressive) schedule administered by Territory Revenue Office. Each tier specifies a base amount plus a marginal rate on the amount exceeding the lower threshold.
| Property Value Band | Base Amount | Marginal Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 – $525,000 | $0 | 4.566% |
| $525,000 – $3M | $23,928 | 5.45% |
| $3M – $5M | $158,753 | 5.95% |
| Over $5M | $277,753 | 5.95% |
These rates apply to residential properties purchased by Australian citizens and permanent residents for owner-occupier or investment purposes. Different rates may apply for commercial property, primary production land, or off-the-plan purchases.
Use the calculator below to estimate stamp duty on any property price in Northern Territory. Results are indicative only — consult Territory Revenue Office or a licensed conveyancer for exact figures.
Northern Territory does not offer a full stamp duty exemption for first home buyers but provides a concession on properties up to $650,000. NT uses a formula-based calculation for properties under $525K. Stamp duty concessions available for first home buyers on properties up to $650,000.
First home buyers should also consider the federal First Home Guarantee, which allows eligible buyers to purchase with a 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). See the full Northern Territory First Home Buyer guide for all available assistance.
Northern Territory does not currently impose a foreign buyer stamp duty surcharge. Standard transfer duty rates apply to all purchasers regardless of residency status. Foreign investors should still check FIRB requirements at the federal level before purchasing residential property.
The table below shows the stamp duty payable at common purchase prices for standard, first home buyer, and foreign buyer scenarios in Northern Territory. All figures are based on 2025–26 rates.
| Purchase Price | Standard Duty | First Home Buyer | Foreign Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500,000 | $22,830 | $22,830 | $22,830 |
| $750,000 | $36,190 | $36,190 | $36,190 |
| $1M | $49,816 | $49,816 | $49,816 |
| $1.5M | $77,066 | $77,066 | $77,066 |
Stamp duty in Northern Territory is administered by Territory Revenue Office. Payment is typically handled by your conveyancer or solicitor at settlement, who will lodge the transfer and arrange payment on your behalf. You will usually need to pay within 30 days of the contract becoming unconditional (or at settlement, whichever comes first).
You can verify current rates and exemption thresholds directly with Territory Revenue Office before finalising your purchase. Rates can change each financial year and the figures above are based on the 2025–26 year.
Stamp duty is rarely the only upfront cost when buying property in Northern Territory. Other common costs include:
As a rough guide, budget for total upfront costs (including stamp duty) of 4–6% of the purchase price for existing properties, and 2–4% for new builds (which may qualify for duty reductions in some states).
Buyers of off-the-plan apartments or house-and-land packages in Northern Territory may be eligible for a stamp duty concession calculated on the land value component only — not the completed construction value. This can significantly reduce the duty payable at the time of contract. However, rules vary and concessions may be subject to holding periods and owner-occupier requirements. Confirm eligibility with Territory Revenue Office or a licenced conveyancer before proceeding.
Compare stamp duty rates across all Australian states and territories:
NSW | VIC | QLD | WA | SA | TAS | ACT
Or use the national stamp duty calculator to compare all states side by side.