Stamp Duty Calculator: Every State Compared

Q: Which state has the highest stamp duty?

Stamp duty (transfer duty) rates and brackets differ by state. Generally NSW and Victoria can be among the higher costs for expensive properties; the ACT has been moving toward lower rates. Use our stamp duty calculator and check your state revenue office for exact figures.

Q: Is stamp duty the same as transfer duty?

Yes. Transfer duty is the formal name used in most states; it is the same tax paid on the transfer of property. Rates and rules are set by each state and territory.

Q: How do I calculate stamp duty for my state?

Use our free Australian stamp duty calculator: enter your property value, type (residential etc.), and whether you are a first home buyer or investor. For state-specific rates and caps, always confirm with your state revenue office.

Stamp duty (also called transfer duty or conveyance duty) is a state and territory tax you pay when you buy property in Australia. Rates and brackets are different in every jurisdiction—NSW, Victoria, Queensland, WA, SA, Tasmania, ACT and the NT each set their own rules and first home buyer concessions. This article compares how stamp duty works across the states and how to estimate what you’ll pay. For a quick figure, use our free stamp duty calculator; for full purchase costs, pair it with our mortgage calculator.

Why stamp duty differs by state

Stamp duty is state and territory revenue. There is no single “Australian” rate. Each government sets its own brackets, rates, and concessions. So the same $600,000 home can attract different duty in Sydney (NSW), Melbourne (Victoria), Brisbane (Queensland), Perth (WA), Adelaide (SA), Hobart (Tasmania), Canberra (ACT), or Darwin (NT). First home buyer schemes also vary: some states offer full exemptions up to a cap, others a discount or concessional rate. When you’re comparing locations or budgeting to buy, use a stamp duty calculator and your state’s revenue site for exact numbers.

NSW (New South Wales)

In NSW, transfer duty (stamp duty) uses progressive rates on the property value. First home buyers may be eligible for exemptions or concessions on homes up to a certain value (e.g. new or existing homes below the cap). There are also concessions for new homes and vacant land. Rates and caps are updated by Revenue NSW—always check the current financial year. Use our stamp duty calculator for an estimate, then confirm with Revenue NSW.

Victoria

Victoria uses a tiered duty structure; rates increase with property value. First home buyer concessions and exemptions apply for eligible purchases below the cap (principal place of residence). There may be different rules for new versus established homes and for regional Victoria. The State Revenue Office (SRO) publishes the current rates and thresholds. Our calculator gives you a ballpark; the SRO site has the exact duty for your scenario.

Queensland

In Queensland, transfer duty (stamp duty) is calculated on a sliding scale. The First Home Concession can significantly reduce or eliminate duty for first home buyers under the value cap. There are also concessions for vacant land and for moving to the regions. Queensland Treasury publishes the current rates and first home buyer rules. Pair our stamp duty calculator with the official tables for accuracy.

WA, SA, Tasmania, ACT and NT

Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory each have their own duty scales and first home buyer or home buyer concessions. The ACT has been phasing in a different approach (e.g. lower rates over time). In every case, the state or territory revenue office is the source of truth for rates, thresholds and eligibility. Use our stamp duty calculator to get an idea of the order of magnitude, then plug your numbers into your jurisdiction’s calculator or tables.

How to estimate stamp duty: use a calculator

To compare stamp duty across states or to budget for your purchase: (1) know your property value (or likely range), (2) check whether you’re a first home buyer or investor, (3) use a stamp duty calculator that lets you choose state or apply general rates. Our Australian stamp duty calculator lets you enter property value, type and buyer status for an estimate. For state-specific results, use your state revenue office’s calculator as well. When planning total purchase cost, add stamp duty to your deposit, loan costs, and other fees—our mortgage calculator and loan comparison calculator help with the rest.

Summary: stamp duty every state compared

Stamp duty is set by each state and territory, so the same property can attract different duty in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, WA, SA, Tasmania, ACT and NT. First home buyer concessions and caps vary too. To compare or estimate: use our free stamp duty calculator, then confirm with your state revenue office. For full buying costs, combine stamp duty with your loan and other fees using our mortgage and stamp duty tools.

FAQ: Stamp duty calculator every state

Which state has the highest stamp duty?

Rates and brackets differ by state. NSW and Victoria can be among the higher costs for expensive properties; the ACT has been moving toward lower rates. Use our stamp duty calculator and your state revenue office for exact figures.

Do first home buyers pay stamp duty in every state?

Most states offer first home buyer concessions or exemptions, often for properties below a cap. Eligibility and caps vary by state. Check your state revenue office and our stamp duty calculator for estimates.

Is stamp duty the same as transfer duty?

Yes. Transfer duty is the formal name; it is the same tax on the transfer of property. Rates and rules are set by each state and territory.

How do I calculate stamp duty for my state?

Use our free Australian stamp duty calculator: enter property value, type, and first home buyer or investor status. For state-specific rates and caps, confirm with your state revenue office.