How stamp duty works in New South Wales
Stamp duty — known as transfer duty in some jurisdictions — is a state-levied tax on property purchases. NSW duty is administered by Revenue NSW and calculated on the dutiable value of the property using progressive marginal rates.
Revenue NSW charges transfer duty on a sliding scale based on the property's dutiable value. These are the standard (non-concessional) rates an owner-occupier or investor pays:
| Dutiable value | Duty payable |
|---|---|
| $85,001 – $319,000 | $1,372.50 + 3.5% of the value above $85,000 |
| $319,001 – $1,064,000 | $9,562.50 + 4.5% of the value above $319,000 |
| Over $1,064,000 | $43,087.50 + 5.5% of the value above $1,064,000 |
First-home buyers pay no duty up to $650,000 and a reduced rate up to $800,000 (see below). Foreign purchasers add an 8% surcharge on top — enter your exact price into the calculator above for the precise figure.
Worked example
On a $1,000,000 purchase (around the Sydney median), the dutiable value falls in the $319,001–$1,064,000 band:
| Dutiable value | $1,000,000 |
| Base duty (first $319,000) | $9,562.50 |
| 4.5% on the next $681,000 | $30,645 |
| Transfer duty | $40,207.50 |
| Title transfer + mortgage registration | $302 |
| Total government charges | $40,509.50 |
A foreign buyer adds the 8% surcharge — $80,000 on a $1,000,000 purchase — on top of the duty above.
Key NSW rules
- Transfer duty is calculated on a sliding scale based on dutiable value.
- FHB exemption thresholds last updated 1 July 2023.
- Foreign purchaser surcharge of 8% applies on top of transfer duty.
- Premium duty rate applies to residential property over $3,505,000.
First home buyer concessions
First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme: full exemption on properties up to $800,000 and concessional rates up to $1,000,000 for new and existing homes.
Foreign buyer surcharge
NSW applies an additional 8% foreign buyer surcharge on residential property purchases by foreign persons, on top of the standard transfer duty.
Official NSW resources
Revenue NSW — transfer duty page
Frequently asked questions
How is stamp duty calculated in New South Wales?
Stamp duty (transfer duty) in NSW is calculated on a sliding scale against the dutiable value of the property — usually the contract price or market value, whichever is higher. Use the calculator above to estimate the duty payable for your purchase scenario.
What first home buyer concessions are available in NSW?
First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme: full exemption on properties up to $800,000 and concessional rates up to $1,000,000 for new and existing homes.
Is there a foreign buyer surcharge in NSW?
Yes. NSW applies an additional foreign buyer surcharge of 8% on residential property in addition to standard transfer duty. Toggle the foreign buyer option in the calculator to include it.
Where can I confirm the official NSW stamp duty rates?
Stamp duty rates and concession thresholds are published by Revenue NSW. The calculator on this page is an estimate only — confirm exact figures with the revenue office or your conveyancer before settlement.