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 Value | Calculation Method | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 – $25,000 | 1.4% of dutiable value | 1.4% |
| $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 – $2,000,000 | 5.5% of full dutiable value | 5.5% flat |
| Over $2,000,000 | $110,000 + 6.5% of amount over $2,000,000 | 5.5–6.5% |
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 Value | PPR Calculation | General Rate for Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| $0 – $25,000 | 1.4% of dutiable value | Same |
| $25,001 – $130,000 | $350 + 2.4% of amount over $25,000 | Same |
| $130,001 – $440,000 | $2,870 + 5% of amount over $130,000 | 6% under general rates |
| $440,001 – $550,000 | $18,370 + 6% of amount over $440,000 | Slight saving |
| Over $550,000 | General rates apply | No 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
- First $130,000 attracts base duty of $2,870
- Remaining $520,000 ($650,000 - $130,000) charged at 6%
- Marginal duty: $520,000 × 6% = $31,200
- Total duty: $2,870 + $31,200 = $34,070
Example 2: $900,000 property
- First $130,000 attracts base duty of $2,870
- Remaining $770,000 ($900,000 - $130,000) charged at 6%
- Marginal duty: $770,000 × 6% = $46,200
- 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:
- 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
- Base duty on first $2,000,000: $110,000
- Remaining $500,000 ($2,500,000 - $2,000,000) charged at 6.5%
- Marginal duty: $500,000 × 6.5% = $32,500
- Total duty: $110,000 + $32,500 = $142,500
Quick Reference: Stamp Duty at Common Price Points
| Purchase Price | General/Investment Duty | First Home Buyer Duty | PPR 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 Price | Marginal Calculation | Flat 5.5% Rate | Which Applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| $960,000 | $2,870 + (6% × $830,000) = $52,670 | $52,800 | Marginal (lower) |
| $1,000,000 | $2,870 + (6% × $870,000) = $55,070 | $55,000 | Flat rate (lower) |
| $1,500,000 | $2,870 + (6% × $1,370,000) = $85,070 | $82,500 | Flat rate (lower) |
| $2,000,000 | $2,870 + (6% × $1,870,000) = $115,070 | $110,000 | Flat 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
- Base duty on first $2,000,000: $110,000
- Marginal duty on $1,000,000: $1,000,000 × 6.5% = $65,000
- 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 Type | Full Exemption | Concession Range | No 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 Price | Concession Multiplier | Approximate Stamp Duty | Savings vs Full Duty |
|---|---|---|---|
| $600,000 | 0% (full exemption) | $0 | ~$31,070 |
| $625,000 | 16.7% | ~$5,345 | ~$27,225 |
| $650,000 | 33.3% | ~$11,357 | ~$22,713 |
| $675,000 | 50% | ~$17,785 | ~$17,785 |
| $700,000 | 66.7% | ~$24,713 | ~$12,357 |
| $725,000 | 83.3% | ~$32,225 | ~$5,345 |
| $750,000 | 100% (no concession) | $40,070 | $0 |
| $750,001+ | N/A | Full 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
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Grant amount | $10,000 (statewide) |
| Property value cap | Maximum $750,000 |
| Property type | New homes only |
| Regional bonus | Ended 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
| Period | Surcharge Rate |
|---|---|
| 1 July 2015 – 30 June 2016 | 3% |
| 1 July 2016 – 30 June 2019 | 7% |
| 1 July 2019 onwards | 8% |
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 Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| 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 Type | Surcharge Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Australian citizen | Exempt | No surcharge applies |
| Permanent resident (ordinarily resident) | Exempt | Must meet residence test |
| NZ citizen (Special Category 444) | May be exempt | If meets ordinary residence test from Nov 2025 |
| Partner visa (309/820) | May be exempt | Subject to residence requirements |
| Student visa (500) | Surcharge applies | 8% surcharge |
| Temporary work visa (482) | Surcharge applies | 8% surcharge |
| Working holiday (417/462) | Surcharge applies | 8% surcharge |
| Graduate visa (485) | Surcharge applies | 8% 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)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible purchasers | All buyers: owner-occupiers, investors, companies, trusts, foreign purchasers |
| Property types | Strata subdivisions only (apartments, units, townhouses with common property) |
| Price threshold | No cap—available at any property value |
| Residence requirement | None |
| Average saving | Approximately $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
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible purchasers | Owner-occupiers (PPR eligible) and first home buyers only |
| Property types | All off-the-plan purchases including house-and-land |
| Price threshold | $550,000 for PPR buyers; $750,000 for first home buyers |
| Residence requirement | Must 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 Type | Construction 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/foundations | 15% |
| Frame | 30% |
| Lock-up | 65% |
| Fixing | 90% |
| Completion | 100% |
Worked Example: Off-the-Plan Apartment Purchase
Scenario: $900,000 high-rise apartment purchased at 20% construction (foundations complete)
- Construction component: 75% × $900,000 = $675,000
- % unconstructed: 100% – 15% = 85% (rounded to 80% per SRO practice)
- Deduction: $675,000 × 80% = $540,000
- Dutiable value: $900,000 – $540,000 = $360,000
- Duty on $360,000: $2,870 + 6% × ($360,000 – $130,000) = $16,670
- Duty without concession (on $900,000): $49,070
- Saving: $32,400
Investor vs Owner-Occupier: Key Differences
| Factor | Under 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 Value | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Up to $600,000 | Full exemption |
| $600,001 – $750,000 | Sliding-scale concession |
| Over $750,000 | No 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 Price | Pensioner Duty | Saving 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.
| Scenario | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Standard purchases | Within 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:
- Your solicitor/conveyancer lodges the transaction through Duties Online
- The system calculates duty and generates an assessment
- For electronic settlements (PEXA), duty is transferred to SRO automatically at settlement
- 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
| Change | Effective Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary off-the-plan concession for ALL purchasers | 21 Oct 2024 – 20 Oct 2026 | ✅ Active |
| Commercial/Industrial Property Tax (CIPT) transition | 1 July 2024 | ✅ Active |
| NZ citizen ordinary residence test expansion | 26 November 2025 | ✅ Active |
| Pensioner threshold increase to $600,000 | 1 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:
| State | Top Marginal Rate | First Home Exemption | Foreign Surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIC | 6.5% (over $2M) | $600,000 | 8% |
| NSW | 5.5% (+ 7% premium over $3.7M) | $800,000 | 9% |
| QLD | 5.75% | $700,000 (uncapped for new from May 2025) | 8% |
| WA | 5.15% | $500,000 | 7% |
| SA | 5.5% | 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 Input | Stamp Duty Impact |
|---|---|
| Site acquisition | Add duty to land cost (5-6.5% depending on value) |
| End buyer capacity | Reduce estimated buyer budgets by duty amount |
| Off-the-plan advantage | Model ~$24,500 average saving for apartment projects |
| Sales period | Off-the-plan concession may accelerate investor sales |
| Target market | First home buyer targeting most effective sub-$600K |
| Foreign buyer share | Factor 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:
- Base duty on first $2,000,000: $110,000
- Marginal duty on $2,000,000 excess at 6.5%: $130,000
- 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
| Resource | URL |
|---|---|
| Land Transfer Duty Overview | sro.vic.gov.au/land-transfer-duty |
| Stamp Duty Calculator | SRO Calculator |
| First Home Buyer Duty Relief | sro.vic.gov.au/fhbduty |
| First Home Owner Grant | FHOG Information |
| Foreign Purchaser Additional Duty | FPAD Information |
| Off-the-Plan Concession | Temporary Concession |
| Pensioner Concession | Pensioner Relief |
| Current Duty Rates | Rate 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.