Stamp Duty
A state-government tax on property transfers — the single biggest upfront cost after the deposit.
Stamp duty (legally called transfer duty in NSW, QLD and TAS) is a tax charged by state and territory governments when property ownership changes hands. The rate is progressive and varies by state — typically around 3% to 5.5% of the purchase price for an average home. First home buyer concessions or exemptions can reduce or eliminate stamp duty entirely depending on the state and property value.
How is stamp duty calculated in Australia?
Stamp duty in Australia is calculated by each state and territory using a progressive scale of the property's dutiable value (usually purchase price or market value, whichever is higher). Rates differ by state — most start around 1.25% for lower-value homes and reach 5.5%+ for properties above $1 million. First home buyer concessions can substantially reduce or eliminate stamp duty.
More from Stamp Duty & Property Tax
See the full glossary → 91 Australian first home buyer + homeowner terms, organised by category