What is stamp duty and who pays it?
Stamp duty is a tax charged by state and territory governments when property changes hands. It is paid by the buyer at or before settlement.
How stamp duty varies by state in 2025
On a $600,000 property purchase:
- New South Wales: ~$22,490 (3.75%)
- Victoria: ~$31,070 (5.18%)
- Queensland: ~$17,325 (2.89%)
- Western Australia: ~$20,895 (3.48%)
- South Australia: ~$21,330 (3.55%)
- Tasmania: ~$21,060 (3.51%)
- ACT: ~$15,160 (2.53%)
- Northern Territory: ~$29,400 (4.90%)
First home buyer concessions
NSW: Full exemption for properties up to $650,000. Partial concession to $800,000.
Victoria: Full exemption for properties up to $600,000. Partial concession to $750,000.
Queensland: A rebate of up to $7,175 for eligible first home buyers on properties up to $700,000.
Western Australia: Full exemption for properties up to $430,000. Partial concession to $530,000.
Foreign purchaser surcharge
- NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania: 8% surcharge
- South Australia, Western Australia: 7% surcharge
- ACT and NT: No current foreign purchaser surcharge
When must stamp duty be paid?
Stamp duty is typically due on settlement day in most Australian states — it must be available as cleared funds and generally cannot be added to your mortgage.