QLD Stamp Duty & First Home Concessions Explained
A plain-English guide to how Queensland transfer duty works, and how much first home buyers can save.
What Is Stamp Duty?
Stamp duty — officially called transfer duty in Queensland — is a state government tax charged when you buy property. It's calculated on the purchase price (or market value, if higher) and is generally payable within 30 days of settlement. The amount depends on the property's value, whether you're an owner-occupier or investor, and whether you qualify as a first home buyer.
General Transfer Duty Rates
For investors and buyers not claiming a concession, Queensland uses a progressive rate scale:
- Up to $5,000: nil
- $5,001 – $75,000: 1.5% of the amount over $5,000
- $75,001 – $540,000: $1,050 plus 3.5% of the amount over $75,000
- $540,001 – $1,000,000: $17,325 plus 4.5% of the amount over $540,000
- Over $1,000,000: $38,025 plus 5.75% of the amount over $1,000,000
The Home Concession
If you're buying a home to live in (but don't qualify as a first home buyer), the home concession reduces duty on the first $350,000 of the property's value to a flat 1% rate, with standard rates applying above that. For example, a $550,000 owner-occupied home attracts $10,600 in duty under the home concession, compared to $17,775 without it.
The First Home Concession
Eligible first home buyers can access more generous concessions:
- Established homes valued $700,000 or under: full exemption — no duty payable.
- Established homes valued $700,001 – $799,999: a partial concession applies on a sliding scale, reducing gradually to nil at $800,000. For example, a $730,000 established home attracts $6,555 in duty after the concession.
- New homes or vacant land to build on: eligible first home buyers may receive a full exemption with no upper price limit.
To qualify, you generally need to be an individual (not a company or trust), have never previously owned a home or claimed this concession, and move into the property within 12 months of settlement, living there as your principal place of residence.
Other Things to Be Aware Of
- An additional 8% surcharge applies to residential property acquired by foreign persons, on top of standard duty.
- Rates, thresholds and eligibility rules change from time to time — always confirm current figures before making a decision.
- Stamp duty is separate from other settlement costs like legal fees, building and pest inspections, and loan establishment fees.
Estimate Your Stamp Duty
Use our Stamp Duty Calculator to get an instant, indicative estimate based on your buyer type and property value.
General information only. This guide is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Rates and concessions are current as at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Confirm your exact duty payable and eligibility with the Queensland Revenue Office or your conveyancer, or speak to our team for guidance tailored to your situation.