Stamp Duty Calculator​

What is stamp duty?

Stamp duty, also known as land transfer duty, is a tax that all state and territory governments charge home buyers when they purchase a property. 

• The way stamp duty is calculated and the date it is due will vary between different states and territories.
• Stamp duty applies to everyone, whether you're a first home buyer or a seasoned property investor. 
• Stamp duty can be enforced almost anytime you acquire property, even if you got the home as a gift and no money has changed hands.
• As the buyer, you need to pay stamp duty directly to the revenue office of the state or territory the property is located. You can do this yourself or use a conveyancer to handle this on your behalf.

How is stamp duty calculated?

Each state and territory has its own way of calculating stamp duty, so what you pay will always vary depending on where you are. Stamp duty is ultimately determined by the value of the property you are purchasing, also known as its dutiable value.

As with most types of taxation, stamp duty is calculated on a sliding scale relative to the amount of money you are spending. This means that the cheaper the property, the less tax you will be required to pay.

For example, if you bought a home in New South Wales between $300,000 and $1,000,000, then you would be required to pay a lump sum of $8990 + $4.50 for every $100 over $300,000 you paid. Because this can get a little confusing, it helps to use a stamp duty calculator to get an estimate of what your transfer duty fee will look like.

When do I need to pay stamp duty?

When you are required to pay stamp duty also varies between different states and territories. For example, in New South Wales stamp duty must be paid within three months of settlement, while in South Australia it must be paid on or before the day of settlement.

Because of the various state and territory policies concerning stamp duty, it can be confusing to understand what you're obligated to pay and how/when you need to pay it. This is why it's recommended to discuss stamp duty with your conveyancer prior to purchasing a property so that you're prepared for the expense.

Can I avoid paying stamp duty?

Stamp duty is a mandatory tax payable to each state and territory government and you can't avoid paying it, but there are some exemptions and concessions that apply in particular circumstances. For example, if you are a first home buyer then some jurisdictions may waive or reduce your stamp duty fee depending on the value of the property you are purchasing.

How accurate is this stamp duty calculator?

This stamp duty calculator takes into account the policies of each state and territory in Australia, allowing you to estimate stamp duty costs for a property anywhere in the country. As you select different states and territories, you'll notice that the details you are required to enter change, and this reflects the different factors that go into calculating stamp duty across each state and territory.

Because the rules for calculating stamp duty are public knowledge, this calculator can give you a precise estimation of how much stamp duty you'll be required to pay. If the details you provide are accurate, this stamp duty calculator will give you an accurate answer.