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.
Queensland Transfer Duty Calculation Guide
Basic Calculation Framework
Transfer duty (commonly known as stamp duty) in Queensland is calculated based on either the property's sale price or its current market value, whichever is higher. This is known as the dutiable value.
- Documents must be lodged within 30 days of signing the contract for sale
- Payment is due as per your assessment notice (typically 14 days after electronic lodgement)
- Transfer duty is always paid by the buyer, not the seller
- All parties to a transaction are liable to pay transfer duty, though in most cases this is paid by the purchaser
- Your solicitor or conveyancer typically handles the payment process and lodgement on your behalf
- Interest charges apply to late payments
General Transfer Duty Rates (Current)
These rates apply to all property purchases where the home concession does not apply, including investment properties.
| Property Value | Transfer Duty Calculation |
|---|---|
| Not more than $5,000 | Nil |
| $5,001 to $75,000 | $1.50 for each $100 or part of $100 over $5,000 |
| $75,001 to $540,000 | $1,050 plus $3.50 for each $100 or part of $100 over $75,000 |
| $540,001 to $1,000,000 | $17,325 plus $4.50 for each $100 or part of $100 over $540,000 |
| Over $1,000,000 | $38,025 plus $5.75 for each $100 or part of $100 over $1,000,000 |
Home Concession Rates
The home concession applies when purchasing a property that will be your principal place of residence. You must move into the property within 12 months of settlement and live there continuously for at least 12 months.
| Property Value | Transfer Duty Calculation |
|---|---|
| Not more than $350,000 | $1.00 for each $100 or part of $100 |
| $350,001 to $540,000 | $3,500 plus $3.50 for every $100 or part of $100 over $350,000 |
| $540,001 to $1,000,000 | $10,150 plus $4.50 for every $100 or part of $100 over $540,000 |
| Over $1,000,000 | $30,850 plus $5.75 for every $100 or part of $100 over $1,000,000 |
First Home Buyer Concessions
Queensland offers significant duty relief for eligible first home buyers. The concession amounts changed substantially on 9 June 2024, raising the threshold for full exemption.
First Home Concession (Established Homes)
For contracts signed on or after 9 June 2024:
- • Full exemption: Properties up to $700,000
- • Partial concession: Properties $700,001 - $800,000
- • Maximum saving: Up to $24,525
First Home (New Home) Concession
From 1 May 2025:
- • Full exemption on ALL new homes (no price cap)
- • Applies to new builds and substantially renovated homes
- • Must be your first home and principal residence
First Home Vacant Land Concession
From 1 May 2025:
- • Full exemption on ALL vacant land (no price cap)
- • Must build and occupy home within 2 years
- • Cannot sell within 1 year of occupancy
Eligibility requirements: Must be 18+ years old (minors need special approval), never owned property in Australia before, purchasing for principal residence, and must occupy within 12 months and live there continuously for at least 12 months.
Important change: From December 2024, first home buyers can rent out part of their home within the first year without losing concessions, provided the lease arrangement starts on or after 10 September 2024 and they continue to live in the property.
Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty (AFAD)
Foreign persons purchasing residential property in Queensland must pay an additional surcharge on top of standard transfer duty.
AFAD Rates
- • Current rate (from 1 July 2024): 8% of property value
- • Previous rate (1 July 2018 - 30 June 2024): 7%
- • Initial rate (1 October 2016 - 30 June 2018): 3%
Who is affected: Foreign individuals (non-citizens including permanent residents), foreign corporations, and trustees of foreign trusts. The surcharge applies whether the property is for investment or owner-occupation.
Exemptions: Specified foreign retirees purchasing a principal place of residence on or after 1 January 2023 may be exempt, subject to strict occupancy requirements.
Pensioner and Disability Concessions
Unlike some other states, Queensland does not offer specific transfer duty concessions for pensioners or seniors card holders. The statement "There are no additional concessions or exemptions for seniors card or pensioner concession card holders" appears throughout official Queensland Revenue Office documentation.
However, pensioners may still access the standard home concession or first home concession if eligible. Trustees purchasing on behalf of beneficiaries under a legal disability may qualify for concessions in specific circumstances.
Exemptions
Death of Property Owner
- Transfers according to a will or intestacy rules are exempt
- Form 6 Transmission applications are not dutiable
- Transfers not in accordance with the will may attract duty
Spouse/Partner Transfers
- Transfers between spouses or de facto partners (2+ years cohabitation)
- Must be the transferor's home at the time of transfer
- Transferee must use it as their home
- Different exemptions apply for divorce/separation situations
Other Exemptions
- Charitable institutions for qualifying exempt purposes
- Manufactured homes used as principal residence
- Certain corporate reconstructions and consolidations
- Special disability trust exemptions
- Change of tenure (joint tenants to tenants in common)
Family Business Concession
Family farm transfers between eligible family members may qualify for a concession (not a full exemption) under section 105 of the Duties Act.
First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)
Separate from transfer duty concessions, Queensland offers a First Home Owner Grant for new homes:
- Grant amount: $30,000 (increased from $15,000, expected to remain until 30 June 2026)
- Property value cap: $750,000 for new homes
- Eligibility: New homes only (not established properties)
- Can be combined: With transfer duty concessions for maximum benefit
Property Types and Considerations
How Duty is Calculated
- Existing properties: Duty paid on combined value of house and land
- House and land packages: May qualify for new home concession if requirements met
- Vacant land: Duty paid on land value; first home buyers may get full exemption from May 2025
- Mixed concessions: Different buyers can claim different concessions on their share
- Mortgage transfers: Flat fee of $5 (mortgage duty abolished in 2008)
Important Timing
- Duty rates based on contract date, not settlement date
- Lodge documents within 30 days of contract signing
- Pay duty as per assessment notice (typically 14 days after electronic lodgement)
- Must occupy property within 12 months of settlement
- Must live in property for at least 12 continuous months
Additional Costs and Considerations
Government Fees
- Land Transfer Fee: $197.00 base fee
- Additional fee for transfers over $180,000: $37.00 per $10,000 or part thereof
- Mortgage Registration Fee: $197.00
- Title search and other fees vary
Professional Services
- Conveyancer/solicitor fees: typically $1,200-$2,500
- Building and pest inspections: $300-$800
- Property valuation fees: $300-$800
Important Process Notes
- Self-assessors can lodge through QRO Online electronic platform
- Unpaid tax interest applies to late payments
- Keep all records for at least 5 years after settlement
- Reassessment may occur if concession requirements not met
- Penalty tax may apply for non-compliance with concession conditions
- All transferors and transferees must declare foreign status for real property
References:
- Queensland Revenue Office Transfer Duty: qro.qld.gov.au/duties/transfer-duty
- Transfer Duty Rates: qro.qld.gov.au/duties/transfer-duty/calculate/rates
- Home Concession Rates: qro.qld.gov.au/duties/transfer-duty/calculate/concession-rates
- First Home Concession: qro.qld.gov.au/duties/transfer-duty/concessions/homes/first-home
- Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty: qro.qld.gov.au/duties/investors/afad
- Transfer Duty Estimator: qro.qld.gov.au/duties/transfer-duty/calculate/transfer-duty-estimator
- A Place to Call Home - Stamp Duty Concession: aplacetocallhome.initiatives.qld.gov.au/stamp-duty-concession
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