How much is stamp duty in Queensland?
The purchase of a property is an exciting time, but it also comes with various costs, including stamp duty.
Property transactions are subject to this tax, imposed by the Queensland government.
Any property buyer must understand stamp duty and its implications.
This guide will help you know how much stamp duty you might pay in Queensland.
Table of Contents
What is Stamp Duty?
Various transactions, including the purchase of real estate, are subject to stamp duty.
Usually, the buyer is responsible for paying this duty. Stamp duty is based on the property’s value and whether or not you qualify for a concession.
How Much Is Stamp Duty in Queensland, and How Is It Calculated?
How much is stamp duty in Queensland, and how is it calculated?
A property’s purchase price or market value calculates stamp duty in Queensland.
As the property value increases, stamp duty increases proportionally.
How Much Is Stamp Duty in Queensland?
The stamp duty rates in Queensland are as follows:
| Property Value | Payable Stamp Duty |
| Up to $5,000 | Nil |
| $5,000 to $75,000 | $1.50 for each $100, or part of $100, over $5,000 |
| $75,000 to $540,000 | $1,050 plus $3.50 for each $100, or part of $100, over $75,000 |
| $540,000 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 |
Stamp Duty Concessions and Exemptions
Certain concessions and exemptions may apply that can significantly reduce the stamp duty you must pay.
First Home Concession: How much is stamp duty in Queensland for a first home concession? In Queensland, eligible first-home buyers can apply for the First Home Concession, which can significantly reduce or even entirely offset the amount of stamp duty they need to pay, also known as transfer duty.
If the home is valued at less than or equal to $500,000, the First Home Concession can eliminate the stamp duty; a partial concession applies for homes over $500,000 but less than or equal to $550,000. For homes valued over $550,000, the total transfer duty applies with no concession.
We had a client before here at Walker Pender Group. After years of diligent saving, he found a charming little house perfectly suited to his dreams. The only catch – the place was priced at $495,000, and the stamp duty was a high cost he needed to account for.
Our conveyancer introduced First Home Concession to him, finally giving him hope to purchase his dream home.
Since it was his first one and cost less than $500,000, he was eligible for a full exemption. He was stunned as he had no idea such a concession existed.
Weeks later, he received the news he’d hoped for – his application was approved! The entire stamp duty was offset, thanks to the First Home Concession he didn’t even know existed until Walker Pender Group introduced it.
It’s essential to note that to qualify for the First Home Concession, you must meet specific requirements.
These requirements include living in the home as your principal place of residence.
Home Concession: How much is stamp duty in Queensland for a home concession?
If you’re buying a home to live in, you may be eligible for a concession, even if it’s not your first home.
To qualify for the Home Concession, you must meet several conditions:
- You must move into the home within one year of settlement.
- You must live there continuously for at least one year.
- You cannot dispose of (sell, lease, or otherwise grant exclusive possession) all or part of the property before you move in or during your first year of living there.
The Home Concession can only be claimed for one property at a time – you can’t claim the concession for a second property while receiving the benefit for the first one.
First Home Vacant Land Concession: Applies only to vacant land valued under $400,000, with a maximum concession of $7,175
First Home Owner Grant: To qualify, the property must be under $750,000. If you are buying or building a new house, unit, or townhouse, you will be eligible for a grant of $15,000.
When to Pay Stamp Duty in Queensland?
In Queensland, stamp duty becomes payable once the property contract is unconditional.
This means that once all conditions in the contract have been satisfied and the parties are legally obliged to proceed with the sale, the stamp duty becomes due.
Typically, you have 30 days from the date the contract becomes unconditional to pay the stamp duty.
It’s important to note that this is not 30 days from settlement or the date you take possession of the property – it’s 30 days from the date the contract becomes binding.
How to Pay Stamp Duty?
The Queensland Office of State Revenue makes stamp duty payments in Queensland. Payment can be made via BPAY, credit card, or electronic funds transfer (EFT).
When making the payment, you’ll need to provide specific details, including the transaction number, which is found on your assessment notice.
Ensuring all the details are correct is crucial to avoid any delays or complications.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay On Time?
If the stamp duty is not paid within the 30-day timeframe, the Queensland Office of State Revenue may impose interest on the unpaid amount.
In addition, if you’re eligible for a concession and don’t pay the duty within the specified timeframe, you may lose your eligibility.
Getting Help With Stamp Duty
Calculating stamp duty and knowing when and how to pay it can be complex.
Professional advice from a legal advisor or property professional, like our amazing Ipswich conveyancers, can be invaluable. We can ensure that you understand how much you need to pay and can guide you through the payment process.
Remember, the rules and rates associated with stamp duty can change, so always check the most current information on the Queensland Government’s official website or consult our conveyancers.
Budgeting for this cost when planning your property purchase is essential to avoid surprises.
