Finance Beginner

Stamp Duty Calculator VIC: Complete 2025 Guide to Land Transfer Duty

Calculate Victorian stamp duty with current 2025-26 rates. Covers first home buyer exemptions, off-the-plan concessions for all buyers, foreign surcharges and pensioner relief.

By Feasly Team
22 min read
10 December 2025
stamp duty calculator vicvictorian land transfer dutyfirst home buyer stamp duty victoriaoff-the-plan concession

Stamp Duty Calculator

Quickly estimate stamp duty on any Australian property purchase.

$
$100,000$50,000,000

Estimated Stamp Duty

$40,070

Effective rate: 5.34%

Breakdown

Base owner-occupier duty$40,070
Total stamp duty$40,070

Duty payable within 30 days of settlement. For PEXA transactions, duty is paid automatically at settlement.

This calculator provides estimates only. Rates effective from 2024-07-01. For accurate figures, use the official VIC calculator.

Purchasing property in Victoria typically involves land transfer duty—commonly called stamp duty—which may represent one of the largest upfront costs buyers face. A $900,000 home in Melbourne could attract approximately $49,070 in stamp duty, while a $1.5 million property might incur $82,500. For property developers and investors, understanding these costs is generally considered essential for accurate feasibility modelling and project budgeting.

This comprehensive guide covers current Victorian stamp duty rates for 2025-26, first home buyer exemptions up to $600,000, the expanded off-the-plan concession now available to all buyers until October 2026, the 8% foreign purchaser surcharge, and pensioner duty relief. Whether you’re purchasing your first home, investing in residential property, or developing a new project, this guide aims to provide the calculator-ready information you may need.

Current Victorian Stamp Duty Rates (2025-26)

Victoria operates a progressive duty structure under the Duties Act 2000. Unlike some states, Victoria applies different rate tables depending on whether the property will be used as a principal place of residence (PPR) or for investment purposes.

General Transfer Duty Rates (Investment Properties)

The following rates apply to investment properties, second homes, holiday properties, and purchases where the buyer does not intend to occupy the property as their main residence:

Dutiable ValueCalculation MethodEffective Rate
$0 – $25,0001.4% of dutiable value1.4%
$25,001 – $130,000$350 + 2.4% of amount over $25,000~2.2%
$130,001 – $960,000$2,870 + 6% of amount over $130,000~5.5%
$960,001 – $2,000,0005.5% of full dutiable value5.5% flat
Over $2,000,000$110,000 + 6.5% of amount over $2,000,0005.5–6.5%

Victoria’s rate structure includes a notable quirk: properties valued between $960,001 and $2,000,000 attract duty at a flat 5.5% of the entire purchase price—not just the marginal excess. This effectively represents Victoria’s premium property threshold. Above $2 million, the top marginal rate of 6.5% applies to amounts exceeding that threshold.

Principal Place of Residence (PPR) Rates

Buyers who intend to occupy the property as their main home may receive reduced rates on properties valued up to $550,000. Above this threshold, general rates apply regardless of occupancy intention:

Dutiable ValuePPR CalculationGeneral Rate for Comparison
$0 – $25,0001.4% of dutiable valueSame
$25,001 – $130,000$350 + 2.4% of amount over $25,000Same
$130,001 – $440,000$2,870 + 5% of amount over $130,0006% under general rates
$440,001 – $550,000$18,370 + 6% of amount over $440,000Slight saving
Over $550,000General rates applyNo PPR concession

To qualify for PPR rates, buyers must move into the property within 12 months of settlement and occupy it as their principal residence for a continuous 12-month period.

Practical impact: At $500,000, a PPR buyer pays approximately $21,370 compared to $25,070 under general rates—a saving of $3,700. However, at $600,000 and above, both categories pay identical duty since the PPR concession has phased out.

How to Calculate Your Stamp Duty

Understanding how to manually calculate stamp duty may help you verify quotes and plan your budget more accurately.

Example 1: $650,000 investment property

  1. First $130,000 attracts base duty of $2,870
  2. Remaining $520,000 ($650,000 - $130,000) charged at 6%
  3. Marginal duty: $520,000 × 6% = $31,200
  4. Total duty: $2,870 + $31,200 = $34,070

Example 2: $900,000 property

  1. First $130,000 attracts base duty of $2,870
  2. Remaining $770,000 ($900,000 - $130,000) charged at 6%
  3. Marginal duty: $770,000 × 6% = $46,200
  4. Total duty: $2,870 + $46,200 = $49,070

Example 3: $1,200,000 property

This falls within the $960,001–$2,000,000 bracket where a flat 5.5% applies:

  1. Total duty: $1,200,000 × 5.5% = $66,000

Note: This is actually lower than what the marginal calculation would produce ($2,870 + 6% × $1,070,000 = $67,070), so the flat rate provides a small benefit at this price point.

Example 4: $2,500,000 property

  1. Base duty on first $2,000,000: $110,000
  2. Remaining $500,000 ($2,500,000 - $2,000,000) charged at 6.5%
  3. Marginal duty: $500,000 × 6.5% = $32,500
  4. Total duty: $110,000 + $32,500 = $142,500

Quick Reference: Stamp Duty at Common Price Points

Purchase PriceGeneral/Investment DutyFirst Home Buyer DutyPPR Duty (if eligible)
$500,000$25,070$0 (exempt)$21,370
$600,000$31,070$0 (exempt)$31,070
$650,000$34,070~$11,357 (concession)$34,070
$700,000$37,070~$24,713 (concession)$37,070
$750,000$40,070$40,070 (full duty)$40,070
$800,000$43,070$43,070 (full duty)$43,070
$900,000$49,070$49,070 (full duty)$49,070
$1,000,000$55,000$55,000 (full duty)$55,000
$1,250,000$68,750$68,750 (full duty)$68,750
$1,500,000$82,500$82,500 (full duty)$82,500
$2,000,000$110,000$110,000 (full duty)$110,000

Note: First home buyer duty assumes full eligibility for the exemption or concession. Actual amounts may vary based on individual circumstances.

For quick estimates, State Revenue Office Victoria provides an online calculator that may help verify your calculations.

The $960,000 Threshold: Victoria’s Premium Property Rules

Unlike NSW which has a separate premium property duty rate, Victoria handles high-value properties through its unique rate structure. Properties valued between $960,001 and $2,000,000 attract a flat 5.5% rate on the full purchase price.

How This Works in Practice

Purchase PriceMarginal CalculationFlat 5.5% RateWhich Applies
$960,000$2,870 + (6% × $830,000) = $52,670$52,800Marginal (lower)
$1,000,000$2,870 + (6% × $870,000) = $55,070$55,000Flat rate (lower)
$1,500,000$2,870 + (6% × $1,370,000) = $85,070$82,500Flat rate (lower)
$2,000,000$2,870 + (6% × $1,870,000) = $115,070$110,000Flat rate (lower)

The flat rate structure generally benefits buyers of properties above approximately $1 million, as it produces lower duty than the marginal calculation would suggest.

Properties Over $2 Million

For properties exceeding $2 million, the top marginal rate of 6.5% applies to the portion above $2 million:

Example: $3,000,000 property

  1. Base duty on first $2,000,000: $110,000
  2. Marginal duty on $1,000,000: $1,000,000 × 6.5% = $65,000
  3. Total duty: $110,000 + $65,000 = $175,000

This represents an effective rate of approximately 5.8% of the purchase price.

Property developers modelling high-value residential projects may need to factor these rates into feasibility calculations. Feasly’s feasibility software allows you to model different acquisition scenarios and their impact on project returns.

First Home Buyer Exemptions and Concessions

The First Home Buyer Duty Exemption or Concession provides full exemptions and concessional rates for eligible purchasers. Victoria’s thresholds are among Australia’s most generous for first home buyers.

Current Thresholds

Property TypeFull ExemptionConcession RangeNo Benefit
New or existing home≤ $600,000$600,001 – $750,000≥ $750,001
Vacant land≤ $600,000$600,001 – $750,000≥ $750,001

These thresholds have remained unchanged since 1 July 2017 despite significant property price inflation. There is no automatic indexation mechanism.

How the Concession Works

For properties valued between $600,001 and $750,000, a sliding scale concession applies. The formula is:

Duty payable = General duty × [(Dutiable value – $600,000) ÷ $150,000]

This means the concession gradually phases out as the property value increases:

Purchase PriceConcession MultiplierApproximate Stamp DutySavings vs Full Duty
$600,0000% (full exemption)$0~$31,070
$625,00016.7%~$5,345~$27,225
$650,00033.3%~$11,357~$22,713
$675,00050%~$17,785~$17,785
$700,00066.7%~$24,713~$12,357
$725,00083.3%~$32,225~$5,345
$750,000100% (no concession)$40,070$0
$750,001+N/AFull duty$0

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the First Home Buyer duty exemption or concession, you generally must meet the following criteria:

Age and citizenship:

  • All purchasers must be at least 18 years old
  • At least one purchaser must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
  • New Zealand citizens meeting the “ordinary residence” test may qualify from 26 November 2025

Prior property ownership:

  • You must never have owned residential property in Australia that was used as a principal place of residence
  • If you owned property before 1 July 2000, you may still be eligible provided it was never your PPR
  • Prior ownership of commercial or industrial property does not disqualify you

Residence requirements:

  • You must occupy the property as your principal place of residence
  • Move in within 12 months of settlement (or completion for new builds)
  • Live there continuously for at least 12 months

For vacant land purchases:

  • The same thresholds apply ($600,000 exemption, $750,000 concession cap)
  • Only the land value is assessed—building contract costs are excluded
  • You must move into the completed home within the earlier of 12 months from the occupancy certificate or 36 months from settlement

Important: The Spouse/Partner Rule

Similar to other states, eligibility typically depends on the property history of both you and your spouse or de facto partner. If your partner has ever owned residential property in Australia that was used as their PPR, you may be ineligible—even if they are not on the title of the home you are buying.

Buying with a Non-First Home Buyer

If you’re a first home buyer purchasing with someone who has previously owned property (such as a parent or partner who doesn’t qualify), you may still receive a partial benefit. The concession or exemption typically applies only to your share of the property.

Example: You qualify as a first home buyer and purchase a $580,000 property 50/50 with your partner who previously owned property:

  • Your share (50%): Exempt from duty ($0)
  • Partner’s share (50%): Standard duty on $290,000 (~$12,470)
  • Total duty: approximately $12,470

This remains a significant saving compared to full duty of approximately $24,870 on the whole property.

First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)

The Victorian First Home Owner Grant is a separate benefit that can be claimed in addition to stamp duty relief.

Current Grant Details

CriterionRequirement
Grant amount$10,000 (statewide)
Property value capMaximum $750,000
Property typeNew homes only
Regional bonusEnded 30 June 2021 (was previously $20,000)

Eligible Property Types

The FHOG applies only to new homes that have never been:

  • Previously sold as a place of residence
  • Previously occupied as a place of residence
  • Previously leased for residential purposes

Eligible properties include:

  • Newly constructed houses, townhouses, and apartments
  • Substantially renovated homes (where renovations are valued at 40%+ of post-renovation value)
  • Vacant land where a new home will be constructed (grant paid on completion)

Not eligible: Established/existing homes—though these buyers may still qualify for the stamp duty exemption or concession if under $750,000.

Combined Benefits for First Home Buyers

A first home buyer purchasing a new home under $600,000 may receive:

  • Stamp duty exemption: Up to ~$31,070 saved
  • First Home Owner Grant: $10,000
  • Total benefit: Potentially over $40,000

This makes Victoria one of the most generous states for first home buyers purchasing new construction.

Eligibility Requirements

FHOG eligibility largely mirrors the stamp duty concession criteria:

  • Australian citizen or permanent resident (at least one applicant)
  • At least 18 years old
  • Never previously received an Australian first home owner grant
  • Never owned residential property in Australia used as a PPR
  • Must occupy as PPR for 12 continuous months within 12 months of completion

Commercial & Industrial Property

Commercial and industrial property in Victoria is assessed using the general land transfer duty rate scale under the Duties Act 2000.

Several residential-specific rules do not apply to commercial property:

  • Principal Place of Residence (PPR) concessions do not apply.
  • First home buyer exemptions and concessions do not apply.
  • Foreign Purchaser Additional Duty (FPAD) does not apply unless the property (or part of it) is classified as residential.
  • Off-the-plan concessions do not apply to commercial or industrial property.

Duty is assessed on the higher of the purchase price or market value, and is generally paid within 30 days of settlement (typically processed at settlement via electronic conveyancing).

For mixed-use developments, duty must be apportioned between residential and non-residential components. Residential concessions, surcharges, or off-the-plan concessions apply only to the residential portion where eligibility criteria are met; the commercial component is always assessed at general rates.

Foreign Purchaser Additional Duty (8%)

The Foreign Purchaser Additional Duty (FPAD) applies to foreign persons purchasing residential property in Victoria. This surcharge is 8% of the dutiable value, paid in addition to standard land transfer duty.

Surcharge Rate History

PeriodSurcharge Rate
1 July 2015 – 30 June 20163%
1 July 2016 – 30 June 20197%
1 July 2019 onwards8%

Victoria’s 8% rate is lower than NSW’s 9% surcharge (effective January 2025) but higher than WA and SA (both 7%). Queensland also charges 8%.

Impact on Foreign Buyers

For a $1,500,000 residential property purchased by a foreign person:

Duty ComponentAmount
Standard land transfer duty$82,500
Foreign purchaser surcharge (8%)$120,000
Total duty payable$202,500

This represents approximately 13.5% of the purchase price in duty alone.

Who is Considered a “Foreign Person”?

Under the Duties Act 2000, a foreign person generally includes:

Individuals who are:

  • Not an Australian citizen, AND
  • Not a permanent visa holder who is “ordinarily resident” in Australia

Corporations where:

  • Foreign persons hold more than 50% of the shares or voting power, OR
  • Foreign persons control the composition of the board

Trusts where:

  • Foreign persons hold more than 50% beneficial interest
  • For discretionary trusts: the trust deed doesn’t expressly exclude foreign persons as beneficiaries

This last point is a common trap for family trusts—if the trust deed has a wide beneficiary clause that could potentially include foreign persons, the trust may be treated as a foreign trust regardless of whether any foreign persons actually benefit.

Exemptions from Surcharge

Spouse exemption (from 14 June 2018): Foreign purchasers acquiring a PPR jointly with an Australian citizen or permanent resident may be exempt from FPAD, provided they:

  • Occupy the property as their PPR for 12 continuous months
  • Commence occupation within 12 months of taking possession

Visa holders who may qualify as non-foreign:

  • Permanent residents meeting the ordinary residence test
  • Partner visa holders (subclass 309 or 820) meeting residence requirements
  • Retirement visa holders (subclass 405 or 410) meeting requirements

Common Visa Types and Surcharge Status

Visa TypeSurcharge StatusNotes
Australian citizenExemptNo surcharge applies
Permanent resident (ordinarily resident)ExemptMust meet residence test
NZ citizen (Special Category 444)May be exemptIf meets ordinary residence test from Nov 2025
Partner visa (309/820)May be exemptSubject to residence requirements
Student visa (500)Surcharge applies8% surcharge
Temporary work visa (482)Surcharge applies8% surcharge
Working holiday (417/462)Surcharge applies8% surcharge
Graduate visa (485)Surcharge applies8% surcharge

Important: Off-the-Plan and Foreign Purchasers

FPAD is calculated on the full purchase price before any off-the-plan concession is applied. A foreign purchaser buying an $800,000 apartment would pay:

  • Foreign surcharge: 8% × $800,000 = $64,000

This applies regardless of any reduction to the dutiable value for standard duty purposes under the off-the-plan concession.

Off-the-Plan Concessions: Victoria’s Major Advantage

Victoria’s off-the-plan concession underwent significant expansion in October 2024, creating one of Australia’s most generous stamp duty relief measures for apartment and townhouse purchases. The temporary measures have been extended to 20 October 2026 following a $61 million allocation in the 2025-26 Budget.

Two Concurrent Concession Frameworks

Victoria currently operates two overlapping off-the-plan concession schemes:

1. Temporary Expanded Concession (21 October 2024 – 20 October 2026)

FeatureDetails
Eligible purchasersAll buyers: owner-occupiers, investors, companies, trusts, foreign purchasers
Property typesStrata subdivisions only (apartments, units, townhouses with common property)
Price thresholdNo cap—available at any property value
Residence requirementNone
Average savingApproximately $24,500 per transaction

This concession specifically targets strata developments to stimulate apartment construction. It does not apply to house-and-land packages or standalone dwellings without common property.

2. Existing Permanent Concession

FeatureDetails
Eligible purchasersOwner-occupiers (PPR eligible) and first home buyers only
Property typesAll off-the-plan purchases including house-and-land
Price threshold$550,000 for PPR buyers; $750,000 for first home buyers
Residence requirementMust occupy as PPR

How the Concession Reduces Your Duty

Both concessions work by reducing the dutiable value—excluding construction costs that will be incurred after the contract date. The reduction is calculated using either the fixed percentage method (most common) or actual construction cost method.

Fixed Percentage Method:

Building TypeConstruction Component %
Single lot (freestanding house, duplex)45%
Multi-lot low rise (up to 3 storeys)60%
Multi-lot high rise (4+ storeys)75%

Construction Stage Completion Factors:

The deduction is reduced based on how much construction has been completed at the contract date:

Construction Stage% Complete
Pre-construction (nothing built)0%
Base/foundations15%
Frame30%
Lock-up65%
Fixing90%
Completion100%

Worked Example: Off-the-Plan Apartment Purchase

Scenario: $900,000 high-rise apartment purchased at 20% construction (foundations complete)

  1. Construction component: 75% × $900,000 = $675,000
  2. % unconstructed: 100% – 15% = 85% (rounded to 80% per SRO practice)
  3. Deduction: $675,000 × 80% = $540,000
  4. Dutiable value: $900,000 – $540,000 = $360,000
  5. Duty on $360,000: $2,870 + 6% × ($360,000 – $130,000) = $16,670
  6. Duty without concession (on $900,000): $49,070
  7. Saving: $32,400

Investor vs Owner-Occupier: Key Differences

FactorUnder Temporary Concession (to Oct 2026)After October 2026
Investors✅ Eligible (strata only, no price cap)❌ No concession
Owner-occupiers✅ Eligible (strata only, no price cap)✅ Eligible ($550K cap)
First home buyers✅ Eligible (strata only, no price cap)✅ Eligible ($750K cap)
Foreign purchasers✅ Eligible for standard duty reduction✅ Same (but FPAD still applies in full)

What This Means for Property Developers

The temporary expanded concession creates significant marketing opportunities for developers selling apartments and townhouses in Victoria:

  • Investors can save ~$24,500 on average—a key selling point
  • No price cap means luxury apartments also benefit
  • Extended until October 2026 provides certainty for off-the-plan sales campaigns
  • Strata requirement means house-and-land packages don’t qualify

Feasly’s feasibility software enables developers to model the impact of off-the-plan concessions on buyer affordability and project sales velocity.

Pensioner and Concession Card Holder Relief

Victoria offers stamp duty concessions for pensioners and concession card holders—providing relief on a similar scale to first home buyers.

Current Thresholds (from 1 July 2023)

Property ValueBenefit
Up to $600,000Full exemption
$600,001 – $750,000Sliding-scale concession
Over $750,000No pensioner concession

These thresholds were increased from $330,000/$750,000 for contracts signed from 1 July 2023, significantly expanding eligibility.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the pensioner duty exemption or concession:

  • Hold a valid Commonwealth concession card at settlement:
    • Pensioner Concession Card
    • Health Care Card
    • Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
  • Never previously received a pensioner duty exemption or concession in Victoria
  • Purchase at market value (not a gift or below-market transaction)
  • Intend to occupy as principal place of residence

The concession is a one-time benefit per person. Joint purchasers where only one holds a concession card can still access the benefit, provided the eligible person owns at least 25% of the property.

Concession Calculation

The sliding scale formula mirrors the first home buyer concession:

Duty payable = General duty × [(Dutiable value – $600,000) ÷ $150,000]

Purchase PricePensioner DutySaving vs Full Duty
$550,000$0~$28,070
$600,000$0~$31,070
$650,000~$11,357~$22,713
$700,000~$24,713~$12,357
$750,000+Full duty$0

Payment Process and Deadlines

Payment Deadlines

Land transfer duty in Victoria must be paid within 30 days of settlement. In practice, electronic conveyancing through PEXA handles payment simultaneously with title registration at settlement for most transactions.

ScenarioDeadline
Standard purchasesWithin 30 days of settlement
Electronic settlement (PEXA)Simultaneously at settlement
Off-the-plan (settlement deferred)Within 30 days of settlement/completion

How Stamp Duty is Paid

Transfer duty is typically paid through your solicitor or conveyancer via the Duties Online system:

  1. Your solicitor/conveyancer lodges the transaction through Duties Online
  2. The system calculates duty and generates an assessment
  3. For electronic settlements (PEXA), duty is transferred to SRO automatically at settlement
  4. For paper settlements, payment is made via EFT, BPAY, or cheque within 30 days

Payment methods include:

  • PEXA: Automatic transfer at electronic settlement
  • EFT: Direct electronic funds transfer
  • BPAY: Using the biller code and reference on your assessment
  • Cheque: Payable to “State Revenue Office”

Late Payment Consequences

Failing to pay stamp duty within the required timeframe may result in:

Interest charges:

  • Current rate: 11.78% per annum (comprising 3.78% market rate + 8% premium)
  • Applied from the due date until payment
  • Interest under $20 is generally waived

Penalty tax:

  • 25% for failure to take reasonable care
  • 75% for intentional disregard of the law
  • May be remitted in certain circumstances

Other consequences:

  • Title registration may be delayed or refused
  • The SRO may issue assessments and demand payment

Objections and Disputes

If you believe your duty assessment is incorrect:

  • Lodge an objection in writing within 60 days of the assessment notice
  • SRO aims to decide within 90 days
  • Appeals proceed to VCAT or the Supreme Court of Victoria

Recent and Upcoming Changes

Changes Currently in Effect

ChangeEffective DateStatus
Temporary off-the-plan concession for ALL purchasers21 Oct 2024 – 20 Oct 2026✅ Active
Commercial/Industrial Property Tax (CIPT) transition1 July 2024✅ Active
NZ citizen ordinary residence test expansion26 November 2025✅ Active
Pensioner threshold increase to $600,0001 July 2023✅ Active

Key Dates for 2026

  • 20 October 2026: Temporary off-the-plan concession expires (unless extended)
  • After expiry, off-the-plan concession reverts to owner-occupiers and first home buyers only, with price thresholds ($550,000/$750,000)

No Changes Announced To

  • General duty rate brackets
  • First home buyer exemption/concession thresholds ($600,000/$750,000)
  • Foreign purchaser additional duty rate (8%)
  • Pensioner concession thresholds

Important note: The $600,000 first home buyer exemption threshold has remained unchanged since 1 July 2017—nearly 8 years—with no indexation mechanism despite significant property price growth. Melbourne’s median house price has increased substantially during this period, reducing the practical benefit of the exemption for many first home buyers.

Stamp Duty Comparison: Victoria vs Other States

For developers and investors operating across multiple states, understanding how Victoria compares may be helpful:

StateTop Marginal RateFirst Home ExemptionForeign Surcharge
VIC6.5% (over $2M)$600,0008%
NSW5.5% (+ 7% premium over $3.7M)$800,0009%
QLD5.75%$700,000 (uncapped for new from May 2025)8%
WA5.15%$500,0007%
SA5.5%Uncapped (new homes only)7%

Victoria’s key differentiators:

  • Lower first home buyer threshold ($600K vs NSW’s $800K)
  • Off-the-plan concession for investors (unique temporary measure until Oct 2026)
  • Flat 5.5% rate on properties $960K–$2M (can be advantageous)
  • Lower foreign surcharge than NSW (8% vs 9%)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is stamp duty on a $600,000 house in Victoria?

For a first home buyer purchasing a property at exactly $600,000, stamp duty would typically be $0 under the First Home Buyer duty exemption. For non-first home buyers, stamp duty on $600,000 would be approximately $31,070.

How much is stamp duty on a $800,000 house in Victoria?

For an $800,000 property, stamp duty would be approximately $43,070 for all buyers. First home buyer concessions do not apply at this price point—the concession threshold caps out at $750,000.

How much is stamp duty on a $1 million house in Victoria?

For a $1,000,000 property, stamp duty is calculated at the flat 5.5% rate (since it falls in the $960,001–$2,000,000 bracket):

  • Total duty: $1,000,000 × 5.5% = $55,000

How much is stamp duty on a $1.5 million property in Victoria?

For a $1,500,000 property:

  • Total duty: $1,500,000 × 5.5% = $82,500

For a foreign purchaser, add the 8% surcharge ($120,000) for a total of approximately $202,500.

Can I add stamp duty to my mortgage?

Generally, no. Most lenders do not allow stamp duty to be added to your home loan in Victoria. You typically need to pay stamp duty from your own savings. Some lenders may offer limited stamp duty capitalisation in specific circumstances—speak with your mortgage broker.

When do I pay stamp duty in Victoria?

Stamp duty must typically be paid within 30 days of settlement. For most transactions processed through PEXA (electronic conveyancing), duty is paid automatically at settlement. Your solicitor or conveyancer manages this process.

Is stamp duty tax deductible in Victoria?

For investment properties, stamp duty generally cannot be claimed as an immediate tax deduction. Instead, it’s typically added to the cost base of the property and may reduce capital gains tax when you eventually sell. For properties held for rental income, the stamp duty forms part of your acquisition costs. Consult with a tax professional for advice specific to your circumstances.

What’s the stamp duty on a $2 million property in Victoria?

For a $2,000,000 property purchased by an Australian resident (non-first home buyer):

  • Total duty: $2,000,000 × 5.5% = $110,000

For a foreign purchaser, add the 8% surcharge ($160,000) for a total of approximately $270,000.

Do pensioners get a stamp duty concession in Victoria?

Yes, eligible pensioners and concession cardholders may receive a full exemption on properties up to $600,000, or a sliding-scale concession on properties between $600,001 and $750,000. You must hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card at settlement, and never have previously received this concession in Victoria.

What if I’m buying with my partner who’s on a temporary visa?

If one buyer is an Australian citizen/permanent resident and the other is on a temporary visa (and therefore a “foreign person”), the foreign surcharge would typically apply only to the foreign person’s share. However, if you’re purchasing as your PPR jointly, you may qualify for the spouse exemption from FPAD.

Worked example without spouse exemption: A couple buying a $1,000,000 property 50/50, where one is Australian and one is on a temporary visa:

  • Standard duty (both shares): $55,000
  • Foreign surcharge (50% share): $1,000,000 × 50% × 8% = $40,000
  • Total duty: $95,000

I previously owned property overseas—am I still a first home buyer in Victoria?

Unlike some states, Victoria’s first home buyer rules focus on whether you’ve owned residential property in Australia that was used as a principal place of residence. If you owned property overseas but never owned Australian residential property used as your PPR, you may still qualify. However, eligibility rules are complex—confirm with the SRO or your conveyancer.

Can I get stamp duty refunded if the sale falls through?

In some circumstances, you may be entitled to a refund or reassessment of stamp duty if:

  • The contract is rescinded (cancelled by mutual agreement)
  • The contract is annulled, voided, or terminated
  • The transfer doesn’t proceed

You typically need to apply to State Revenue Office within specific timeframes. If settlement has already occurred, refunds are generally not available.

How does stamp duty work for company purchases?

When a company purchases property, standard stamp duty rates apply to the property transfer. However, there are additional considerations:

  • Foreign surcharge applies if the company is considered a “foreign person” (more than 50% foreign ownership/control)
  • Corporate structures don’t provide stamp duty advantages and may attract additional compliance requirements
  • Landholder duty may apply for large property acquisitions or share transfers

What happens if I miss the stamp duty deadline?

If stamp duty isn’t paid within 30 days of settlement, you may face:

  • Interest charges: 11.78% per annum from the due date
  • Penalty tax: May be applied for late lodgement or payment (25-75%)
  • Registration delays: Title may not be registered until duty is paid

Your conveyancer typically manages these deadlines, but it’s worth confirming payment timing before settlement.

Does the off-the-plan concession apply to house-and-land packages?

For the temporary expanded concession (until October 2026): No—it only applies to strata subdivisions (apartments, units, townhouses with common property).

For the permanent concession: Yes—house-and-land packages may qualify if you’re a first home buyer (up to $750,000) or purchasing as your PPR (up to $550,000).

Developer Considerations

For property developers, stamp duty represents a significant project cost that must be accurately factored into feasibility analysis. Getting these calculations wrong can materially impact project returns.

Acquisition Costs

When modelling site acquisition:

Site purchases:

  • Standard duty on development site purchases follows the general rate table
  • Properties above $2 million attract the top 6.5% marginal rate
  • The flat 5.5% rate between $960K–$2M may provide slight savings on mid-range sites

Corporate structures:

  • Purchasing through a company or trust doesn’t reduce stamp duty on property transfers
  • Landholder duty provisions may apply for large acquisitions
  • Duty applies to the transfer regardless of the entity type

Foreign investor structures:

  • Foreign investors purchasing through Australian companies may still attract FPAD if the company is “foreign-controlled”
  • Joint ventures with foreign capital partners require careful structuring
  • The 8% surcharge on residential land can significantly impact project economics

Buyer Capacity Impact

Stamp duty directly affects your end buyers’ purchasing capacity, which influences project pricing and sales velocity:

First home buyer market (sub-$600,000):

  • Buyers have no duty burden under the FHB exemption
  • This price bracket typically sees strongest first home buyer demand
  • Marketing can emphasise $0 stamp duty as a selling point

First home buyer concession zone ($600,001–$750,000):

  • Partial concessions apply, with duty gradually increasing
  • A $599,000 price point delivers full exemption vs $601,000 incurring some duty
  • Consider pricing strategies around the $600,000 threshold

Above concession threshold ($750,001+):

  • Full duty applies—approximately 5-6% of purchase price
  • Buyers need additional ~$40,000+ on top of deposit
  • Factor this into target buyer affordability modelling

Off-the-Plan Sales: Victoria’s Unique Advantage

The temporary expanded off-the-plan concession creates significant competitive advantage for Victorian apartment developers:

Benefits to highlight in marketing:

  • Investors can save ~$24,500 on average—unprecedented in Australian property
  • No price cap means luxury apartments also benefit
  • No residence requirement for investor purchases
  • Extended until October 2026 provides sales campaign certainty

What qualifies:

  • Strata subdivisions (apartments, townhouses, units with common property)
  • Contract signed 21 October 2024 – 20 October 2026
  • Settlement can occur after October 2026

What doesn’t qualify:

  • House-and-land packages
  • Standalone dwellings without common property
  • Land-only purchases

Development Feasibility Modelling

When building your development feasibility model, stamp duty affects multiple line items:

Feasibility InputStamp Duty Impact
Site acquisitionAdd duty to land cost (5-6.5% depending on value)
End buyer capacityReduce estimated buyer budgets by duty amount
Off-the-plan advantageModel ~$24,500 average saving for apartment projects
Sales periodOff-the-plan concession may accelerate investor sales
Target marketFirst home buyer targeting most effective sub-$600K
Foreign buyer shareFactor 8% surcharge impact on foreign buyer targeting

Feasly’s feasibility software enables developers to model stamp duty impacts on both acquisition costs and end-buyer affordability, helping optimise project pricing and target market positioning.

Worked Example: Development Site Acquisition

A developer is acquiring a $4,000,000 development site in Melbourne:

  1. Base duty on first $2,000,000: $110,000
  2. Marginal duty on $2,000,000 excess at 6.5%: $130,000
  3. Total acquisition duty: $240,000

This represents 6% of the land cost—a material input to the feasibility model.

Off-the-Plan Sales Modelling

For a 50-unit apartment project selling at an average $750,000 per unit:

Without off-the-plan concession (post-October 2026):

  • Investor buyer duty: ~$40,070 per unit
  • Total buyer duty burden across 50 units: ~$2,003,500

With temporary concession (to October 2026):

  • Average duty reduction: ~$24,500 per unit
  • Effective investor buyer duty: ~$15,570 per unit
  • Total saving across 50 units: ~$1,225,000 in reduced buyer costs

This improved buyer affordability can translate to faster sales velocity and potentially higher achievable prices.

Official Resources

ResourceURL
Land Transfer Duty Overviewsro.vic.gov.au/land-transfer-duty
Stamp Duty CalculatorSRO Calculator
First Home Buyer Duty Reliefsro.vic.gov.au/fhbduty
First Home Owner GrantFHOG Information
Foreign Purchaser Additional DutyFPAD Information
Off-the-Plan ConcessionTemporary Concession
Pensioner ConcessionPensioner Relief
Current Duty RatesRate Tables

Summary

Victorian stamp duty (land transfer duty) represents a significant consideration for any property purchase. Key points to remember:

  • General rates range from 1.4% to 6.5%, with a unique flat 5.5% rate applying to properties between $960,001 and $2,000,000
  • First home buyers may be exempt on purchases up to $600,000, with concessions available up to $750,000—plus a $10,000 FHOG for new homes
  • Off-the-plan concession is available to all buyers (including investors) on strata properties until 20 October 2026—with average savings of ~$24,500
  • Foreign purchasers pay an additional 8% surcharge
  • Pensioners with concession cards may qualify for exemptions mirroring first home buyer thresholds
  • Payment is typically due within 30 days of settlement

For accurate calculations specific to your circumstances, use the official State Revenue Office Victoria calculator and consult with your solicitor or conveyancer. Rates and thresholds may change—always verify current information before making purchasing decisions.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Individual circumstances vary, and you should seek professional advice before making property purchase decisions.

Information Disclaimer

This guide is provided for general information only and should not be relied upon as accounting, legal, tax, or financial advice. Property development projects involve complex, case-specific issues, and you should always seek independent professional advice from a qualified accountant, lawyer, or other advisors before making decisions. This guide makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this content and accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on it. This material is intended as a general guide only, not as fact.

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