Victorian Stamp Duty Calculator 2026:How Much Will You Pay?

Mar 29, 2026

—

Stamp duty is one of the biggest upfront costs
when buying property in Victoria — and one of
the most misunderstood. Here’s exactly how it
works in 2026, with real examples.

What Is Stamp Duty?

Stamp duty (officially called land transfer duty
in Victoria) is a state government tax paid by
the buyer when a property changes hands. It’s
calculated as a percentage of the property’s
purchase price or market value — whichever
is higher.

In Victoria, stamp duty is administered by
the State Revenue Office (SRO).

How Much Is Stamp Duty in Victoria in 2026?

Victoria uses a sliding scale:

Purchase Price	Duty Payable
Up to $25,000	1.4% of value
$25,001–$130,000	$350 + 2.4% of excess
$130,001–$960,000	$2,870 + 6% of excess
$960,001–$2,000,000	$55,000 + 6% of excess
Over $2,000,000	6.5% of total value

Real Examples

Example 1: $650,000 apartment in Footscray
Duty = $2,870 + 6% of ($650,000 – $130,000)
= $2,870 + $31,200
= $34,070

Example 2: $900,000 townhouse in Preston
Duty = $2,870 + 6% of ($900,000 – $130,000)
= $2,870 + $46,200
= $49,070

Example 3: $1,200,000 apartment in South Yarra
Duty = $55,000 + 6% of ($1,200,000 – $960,000)
= $55,000 + $14,400
= $69,400

First Home Buyer Concessions

If you’re a first home buyer in Victoria you
may be eligible for significant stamp duty
relief:

First Home Buyer Duty Exemption:

Full exemption on properties valued up
to $600,000
You pay zero stamp duty
Must be your first home anywhere in Australia
Must move in within 12 months and live
there for at least 12 months

First Home Buyer Duty Concession:

Partial concession on properties valued
between $600,001 and $750,000
Concession reduces on a sliding scale
At $750,000 the concession phases out
completely

Principal Place of Residence (PPR) Concession:

Available to all buyers (not just first
home buyers) purchasing a PPR under $550,000
Reduces duty significantly for owner
occupiers

Foreign Purchaser Additional Duty

If you are a foreign person buying residential
property in Victoria, an additional 8% surcharge
applies on top of standard stamp duty.

Off-The-Plan Concessions

Buying off the plan in Victoria can reduce
your stamp duty significantly because duty
is calculated on the contract price minus
the construction costs incurred after the
contract date — not the finished value.

This can result in substantial savings
particularly for apartments under construction.

When Is Stamp Duty Paid?

Stamp duty must be paid within 30 days of
settlement. Your conveyancer or solicitor
will arrange this as part of the settlement
process.

Other Upfront Costs to Budget For

Don’t forget these additional buying costs:

Conveyancing fees: $1,500–$3,000
Building and pest inspection: $400–$700
Owners corporation report: $200–$400
Mortgage registration fee: ~$120
Title search: ~$50
Lender’s mortgage insurance (if borrowing
over 80% LVR): varies

Get Your Finance Sorted First

Before you start calculating stamp duty,
make sure you know your borrowing capacity.
Speaking to a mortgage broker before you
start inspecting properties is the smartest
first step — it’s free and saves you from
falling in love with properties you can’t
afford.

Disclaimer: Stamp duty rates and
concessions can change. This article reflects
our understanding of Victorian rates as at
2026 but should not be relied upon as legal
or financial advice. Always verify current
rates with the State Revenue Office Victoria
(sro.vic.gov.au) or your conveyancer.