Stamp Duty Calculator

Understanding stamp duty in Australia

Stamp duty (also called transfer duty) is a state government tax charged when you purchase property. Each state and territory sets its own rates, thresholds, and concessions. For a $750,000 residential property, stamp duty can range from around $20,000 to $40,000 depending on the state - a significant addition to your purchase costs that needs to be factored into budgeting.

First home buyers in most states are eligible for either full exemptions or concessions that can reduce or eliminate stamp duty entirely. NSW exempts purchases up to $800,000, Victoria up to $600,000, and Queensland up to $700,000 for eligible first home buyers. These thresholds change frequently, so always verify the current rules with your state revenue office.

How to use this stamp duty calculator

1. Select the state or territory where the property is located.
2. Enter the property purchase price or market value (whichever is higher applies for duty purposes).
3. Choose the property type - residential, investment, commercial, or vacant land.
4. Indicate whether you are a first home buyer, foreign purchaser, or standard buyer to apply concessions or surcharges.
5. Review the calculated stamp duty amount and total acquisition cost including the duty.

Stamp duty rates and concessions by state

Australian stamp duty rates are progressive, meaning higher-value properties attract higher marginal rates. In NSW, rates range from 1.25% on the first $100,000 to 7% on the portion above $3 million. Victoria applies rates from 1.4% to 6.5% and also charges a foreign purchaser additional duty of 8%. The ACT is unique in phasing out stamp duty entirely over a 20-year period, replacing it with higher annual land tax rates. Queensland charges no stamp duty on properties under $500,000 for first home buyers and applies a 2% foreign acquirer surcharge. For commercial property and business asset transfers, different scales apply - and in some states, duty is also payable on the transfer of business goodwill, intellectual property, and mining tenements.

How does AP automation relate to property transactions?

For property development and investment businesses, stamp duty is one of many acquisition costs that must be accurately captured and allocated. Settlement statements, conveyancing fees, legal invoices, and duty payments all need to be coded to the correct asset or project from day one. Automating accounts payable ensures these costs are captured as they arrive, matched to the correct property, and reflected accurately in your accounting system for CGT cost base calculations down the track.