How stamp duty works in Victoria
Stamp duty — known as transfer duty in some jurisdictions — is a state-levied tax on property purchases. VIC duty is administered by State Revenue Office Victoria and calculated on the dutiable value of the property using progressive marginal rates.
Victoria charges land transfer duty on a sliding scale set by the State Revenue Office. These are the standard (non-concessional) rates an owner-occupier or investor pays:
| Dutiable value | Duty payable |
|---|---|
| Up to $25,000 | 1.4% of the dutiable value |
| $25,001 – $130,000 | $350 + 2.4% of the value above $25,000 |
| $130,001 – $960,000 | $2,870 + 6% of the value above $130,000 |
Above $960,000 Victoria applies its premium-value rates — enter your exact price into the calculator above for the duty payable.
Worked example
On an $850,000 purchase (around the Melbourne median), the dutiable value falls in the $130,001–$960,000 band:
| Dutiable value | $850,000 |
| Base duty (first $130,000) | $2,870 |
| 6% on the next $720,000 | $43,200 |
| Land transfer duty | $46,070 |
| Title transfer + mortgage registration | $351 |
| Total government charges | $46,421 |
A foreign buyer adds the 8% surcharge — $68,000 on an $850,000 purchase — on top of the duty above.
Key VIC rules
- Land transfer duty applies on a sliding scale up to 6.5% above $2 million.
- Off-the-plan concession available for owner-occupiers below threshold.
- Pensioner duty exemption available up to $330,000 and concession up to $750,000.
- Foreign purchaser additional duty of 8% on residential property.
First home buyer concessions
First home buyer duty exemption for properties up to $600,000 and concession up to $750,000 (for owner-occupiers using as principal place of residence).
Foreign buyer surcharge
VIC applies an additional 8% foreign buyer surcharge on residential property purchases by foreign persons, on top of the standard transfer duty.
Official VIC resources
State Revenue Office Victoria — transfer duty page
Frequently asked questions
How is stamp duty calculated in Victoria?
Stamp duty (transfer duty) in VIC 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 VIC?
First home buyer duty exemption for properties up to $600,000 and concession up to $750,000 (for owner-occupiers using as principal place of residence).
Is there a foreign buyer surcharge in VIC?
Yes. VIC 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 VIC stamp duty rates?
Stamp duty rates and concession thresholds are published by State Revenue Office Victoria. The calculator on this page is an estimate only — confirm exact figures with the revenue office or your conveyancer before settlement.