Stamp duty (officially land transfer duty) is a state tax you pay when you buy property in Victoria. First home buyers pay no stamp duty on homes up to $600,000 and reduced duty on homes up to $750,000. Figures checked November 2026.
No duty on homes up to $600,000 and a sliding-scale reduction between $600,000 and $750,000. It applies to new and established homes, and you need to live in the home.
If you buy before or during construction, an off-the-plan concession may reduce the value duty is charged on. Eligibility rules and dates apply.
Eligible pensioners and concession card holders can get an exemption or concession on a home they'll live in, within value limits.
Buyers who aren't Australian citizens or permanent residents generally pay an extra foreign purchaser duty of 8% on top of standard duty.
The buyer pays stamp duty. In practice your conveyancer or solicitor arranges payment as part of settlement, so you need the funds ready by then.
Duty is calculated on the price you pay, or the property's market value if that's higher. On a home of around $800,000, standard duty runs to tens of thousands of dollars, so it's usually the biggest cost after your deposit.
Commercial and industrial property is moving to an annual tax instead of stamp duty under reforms that started in July 2024. Homes you live in or rent out as residential property still attract stamp duty.
1
Duty rises with the price, so it changes your real budget.
2
First home buyer, off-the-plan and pensioner concessions can make a big difference.
3
Use our stamp duty calculator for an estimate on a specific price.
4
We'll factor duty and other costs into your pre-approval so there are no surprises.
Usually it's paid from your savings. Some lenders will lend enough to cover costs if you have a strong deposit or equity, often with lenders mortgage insurance. We'll tell you what's possible.
Yes. Duty applies to land too, and first home buyer concessions can apply if you build a home to live in.
The first home buyer concession requires you to live in the home. Investors generally pay standard duty, although off-the-plan concessions can apply in some cases.
The State Revenue Office Victoria publishes current rates and eligibility rules. We check our figures against them, and our calculator uses current rates.
This information is general in nature and is based on Victorian rules as at November 2026. It doesn't take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Duty rates, thresholds and eligibility are set by the State Revenue Office Victoria and can change; check your situation with the SRO or your conveyancer.
We'll include stamp duty, fees and any concessions in your pre-approval plan.
