Australian Stamp Duty Guide
Comprehensive stamp duty information for all Australian states and territories. Select your state below to view specific rates, concessions, and eligibility requirements.
Northern Territory Stamp Duty Calculation Guide
Basic Calculation Framework
Stamp duty in the Northern Territory is calculated based on the property's dutiable value (the greater of the purchase price or market value). The NT uses a four-tier rate structure with a formula for lower-value properties and flat rates for higher-value properties.
- Lodge your document and pay duty within 60 days of execution of the instrument (CG-SD-001)
- Extensions available for eligible conditional agreements per Commissioner's guidelines (CG-SD-002)
- Stamp duty is always paid by the buyer, not the seller
- Your solicitor or conveyancer typically handles the payment process on your behalf
- Interest and penalty taxes apply to late payments
Standard Stamp Duty Rates (Current as of 2024)
| Property Value | Stamp Duty Calculation |
|---|---|
| ≤ $525,000 | Formula: D = (0.06571441 × V²) + 15V, where V = dutiable value ÷ 1000 |
| $525,000 to < $3,000,000 | 4.95% of total property value |
| ≥ $3,000,000 to < $5,000,000 | 5.75% of total property value |
| ≥ $5,000,000 | 5.95% of total property value |
Example Calculations
- • $500,000 property: $23,929 stamp duty (formula)
- • $700,000 property: $34,650 stamp duty (4.95%)
- • $4,000,000 property: $230,000 stamp duty (5.75%)
- • $6,000,000 property: $357,000 stamp duty (5.95%)
Important Notes
- • Among highest rates in Australia
- • No separate rates for investment properties
- • Formula calculation for properties ≤ $525k
- • Four-tier structure with increasing rates
Limited Concessions and Exemptions
The Northern Territory offers very limited stamp duty concessions compared to other Australian jurisdictions. There are no first home buyer concessions or pensioner discounts.
House and Land Package Exemption (HLPE)
The only significant exemption available is for eligible house and land packages with contracts signed between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2027.
HLPE Eligibility Requirements
- • Purchase must be a house and land package from a building contractor
- • No means test or property value cap applies
- • Building contractor must have paid stamp duty on the land purchase
- • At least one applicant must live in the home as principal residence within 12 months
- • Must occupy for continuous period of at least 6 months
- • Contract must be signed between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2027
Standard Exemptions
- Spouse transfers: Exemption on transfer of residence to joint names of spouses/de facto partners (F-SD-007)
- De facto relationship settlements: Exemption under the De facto Relationships Act (F-SD-006)
- Family farm transfers: Exemption for conveyance of a farm between family members, companies or trusts (F-SD-005)
- Non-land property exemption: Business assets, intellectual property, and goodwill (from 9 May 2023)
NO First Home Buyer or Pensioner Concessions (Schemes Closed 30 June 2021)
Important: The NT's home owner discount and pensioner/carer concession closed 30 June 2021. There is no ongoing first-home buyer stamp duty relief outside the HLPE for house and land packages.
Foreign Buyers - No Additional Surcharge
The Northern Territory is one of only two jurisdictions in Australia (along with the ACT) that does not impose a foreign buyer stamp duty surcharge, making it attractive for international investors.
Advantage for Foreign Buyers
- • No foreign buyer surcharge (0% additional)
- • Same rates apply to all buyers regardless of citizenship
- • Significant savings compared to other states
- • No additional land tax surcharges
Comparison with Other States
- • NSW: 8% foreign buyer surcharge
- • VIC: 8% foreign buyer surcharge
- • QLD: 7% foreign buyer surcharge
- • NT: 0% foreign buyer surcharge
Commercial Property and Business Assets
The Northern Territory made significant changes to commercial property stamp duty in 2023, eliminating duty on non-land business assets.
Non-Land Property Exemption (from 9 May 2023)
NO Stamp Duty on Business Assets
- • Business goodwill and intellectual property
- • Rights to use business names
- • Various statutory licences
- • Chattels conveyed with leases (zero/nominal value)
What Still Attracts Stamp Duty
- Transfer of land (including commercial land)
- Chattels transferred with land
- Mining tenements and petroleum interests
- Motor vehicles and insurance policies
Commercial land rates: Same four-tier rates apply as residential property (formula for ≤$525k, 4.95% for $525k-$3M, 5.75% for $3M-$5M, 5.95% for ≥$5M).
Payment Process and Additional Costs
Critical Payment Timeline
Important: Lodge your document and pay duty within 60 days of execution of the instrument.
- Payment required within 60 days of document execution
- Extensions available for eligible conditional agreements per Commissioner's guidelines (CG-SD-002)
- Applies regardless of whether contract conditions are attached
- Late payment attracts interest and penalty taxes
How to Pay
- Payment to the Receiver of Territory Monies (NT Revenue Office)
- Most conveyancers/solicitors handle payment on your behalf
- Use official NT Government stamp duty calculator for accurate estimates
- Applications for HLPE: email ntrevenue@nt.gov.au or provide to conveyancer
Professional Services (Typical Estimates)
- Conveyancer/solicitor fees: typically $1,200-$2,500 (varies by provider)
- Building and pest inspections: $300-$800 (varies by provider)
- Property valuation fees: $300-$800 (varies by provider)
Important Notes and Considerations
Property Valuation
Stamp duty is calculated on the higher of the purchase price or market value. Professional valuations may be required for related party transfers.
Record Keeping
- Keep all records for compliance purposes
- Penalties apply for incorrect or misleading information
- Professional advice recommended for complex transactions
Official Calculator
Always use the NT Government's official stamp duty calculator for precise estimates. Calculators are provided for information purposes only and should not substitute formal professional advice.
Contact Information
Territory Revenue Office: 1300 305 353 or email ntrevenue@nt.gov.au
NT Stamp Duty - Key Features Summary
Advantages
- • No foreign buyer surcharge
- • Four-tier rate structure with formula option
- • No stamp duty on business assets (from 2023)
- • House and land package exemption available
Disadvantages
- • Among highest rates in Australia
- • No first home buyer concessions
- • No pensioner concessions
- • 60-day payment deadline from document execution
References:
- NT Government Stamp Duty Information: nt.gov.au/employ/money-and-taxes/taxes-royalties-and-grants/stamp-duty
- NT Territory Revenue Office Stamp Duty Calculators: treasury.nt.gov.au/dtf/territory-revenue-office/stamp-duty/stamp-duty-calculators
- NT Property Transfer Stamp Duty Calculator: nt.gov.au/property/buying-and-selling-a-home/settle-the-sale/stamp-duty-buying-or-selling-a-home/conveyance-calculator
- House and Land Package Exemption: nt.gov.au/property/home-owner-assistance/get-stamp-duty-exemption-on-house-and-land-packages
Important Disclaimer
- This information is provided for general guidance purposes only
- Stamp duty rates and regulations change frequently - always verify current rates with official sources
- Individual circumstances may significantly affect calculations and eligibility for concessions
- Calculations may be complex and individual factors may affect the final amount payable
- Always consult with qualified professionals such as solicitors, conveyancers, or financial advisers for advice specific to your situation
- Use official government calculators for precise duty estimates