QLD Stamp Duty Fees and Taxes Breakdown
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Buying property in Queensland comes with a cost that most people forget to factor in, which can run into tens of thousands of dollars. Transfer duty, still widely called stamp duty, is a Queensland Government tax that applies when property changes hands. Understanding what you’ll owe before you make an offer makes budgeting a lot less stressful.
Here’s what you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Transfer duty is a state government tax, separate from your purchase price and deposit
- QLD rates range from nil (on properties under $5,000) up to 5.75% of the purchase price
- First home buyers purchasing new homes or vacant land to build on pay no transfer duty for contracts signed from 1 May 2025, with no cap on the home’s value
- Owner-occupiers who aren’t first home buyers can access a reduced home concession rate
- Foreign buyers pay an additional 8% surcharge on top of standard duty
- Transfer duty is due within 30 days of settlement; your conveyancer typically manages the lodgement
What Is Transfer Duty?
Transfer duty is a tax charged by the Queensland Government when property – or another dutiable asset, such as a business or vehicle – changes hands. It’s governed by the Duties Act 2001 and administered by the Queensland Revenue Office.
The name “stamp duty” dates back to when transactions were formally stamped on paper documents to show tax had been paid. Today, the process is handled electronically, and your conveyancer in Cairns will typically manage the paperwork on your behalf.
Transfer duty is the buyer’s responsibility, not the seller’s. It’s calculated on whichever is higher – the contract price or the market value of the property.
How Is Transfer Duty Calculated?
Queensland uses a progressive rate system, so higher-value properties attract a higher marginal rate. The standard transfer duty rates apply to investment properties and other transactions that don’t qualify for a concession.
| Dutiable Value | Rate |
| Up to $5,000 | Nil |
| $5,001 – $75,000 | $1.50 per $100 (or part thereof) over $5,000 |
| $75,001 – $540,000 | $1,050 + $3.50 per $100 over $75,000 |
| $540,001 – $1,000,000 | $17,325 + $4.50 per $100 over $540,000 |
| Over $1,000,000 | $38,025 + $5.75 per $100 over $1,000,000 |
Source: Queensland Revenue Office – Transfer Duty Rates
To get a quick estimate based on your specific situation, use the Queensland Revenue Office Transfer Duty Estimator.
What Concessions Are Available?
Home Concession (Owner-Occupiers)
If you’re buying a property as your primary residence (but it isn’t your first home), a reduced home concession rate applies to the first $350,000 of the property value, saving buyers up to $7,175 compared to standard rates.To keep the concession, you must move into the property within one year of settlement and occupy it as your principal place of residence.
First Home Buyer Concessions
Queensland’s first home buyer concessions were significantly expanded from 1 May 2025.
- New homes and vacant land: From 1 May 2025, if you’re a first home buyer purchasing a brand new home or vacant land on which to build a home, you may be eligible for a full transfer duty concession, meaning you pay no duty at all.There is no cap on the purchase price for eligible transactions entered into on or after 1 May 2025
- Established homes: If the first home you buy is an established home, you may be able to claim a first home concession for transfer duty – saving up to $24,525. A full exemption applies for properties valued up to $700,000, with a sliding scale of concessions available up to $800,000.
- First Home Owner Grant: Separate from the duty concession, the Queensland First Home Owner Grant currently provides $30,000 for eligible buyers purchasing or building a new home valued under $750,000. This boosted amount applies to contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2026, after which it reverts to $15,000.
Eligibility rules do apply. AÂ solicitor in Cairns can confirm what you’re entitled to before you sign anything.
What About Foreign Buyers?
An additional duty of 8% applies to acquisitions of residential land by foreign persons, including companies and trusts.This is called the Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty (AFAD) and applies on top of standard transfer duty rates.
When Is Transfer Duty Payable?
Transfer duty must be lodged within 30 days of the contract becoming unconditional, with payment due within 14 days of lodgement.Missing these deadlines can result in interest charges and penalties. In practice, most buyers pay at settlement – your conveyancer will coordinate the timing to make sure everything lines up.
Ready to Buy in Cairns?
Transfer duty can feel like a lot to get your head around, especially with the recent changes. The team at Cairns Conveyancing Solicitors is here to walk you through your obligations, check your eligibility for any concessions, and make sure settlement day goes smoothly. Call us on 4052 0780 or get a quote online.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Transfer duty rules and eligibility criteria can change. Please seek advice from a qualified conveyancer in Cairns or legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
