Question 1

What is stamp duty?

Accepted Answer

Stamp duty, also known as land transfer duty, is a state government tax paid when you buy property. The amount depends on the state, the price, whether you will live in the property, and whether you are a first home buyer.

Question 2

Is the transfer fee the same as stamp duty?

Accepted Answer

No. Stamp duty is a tax paid to the State Revenue Office. The transfer fee is a separate, much smaller fee paid to Land Use Victoria to register the change of ownership on the title. Most buyers pay both.

Question 3

How is the land transfer fee calculated in Victoria?

Accepted Answer

For an electronic settlement, the 2026-27 fee is $104.30 plus $2.34 for every whole $1,000 of the purchase price, rounded up to the next dollar. It is capped at $3,614, which applies from a price of about $1.5 million. The fee is set by Land Use Victoria and changes each year on 1 July.

Question 4

What is the mortgage registration fee?

Accepted Answer

If you are buying with a home loan, the lender's mortgage has to be registered on the title. In Victoria this is a flat $129.20 for 2026-27, regardless of the loan size.

Question 5

How much are stamp duty and transfer fees on a $600,000 home in Victoria?

Accepted Answer

For an established home you will live in, and not as a first home buyer: stamp duty of $31,070, a transfer fee of $1,509 and mortgage registration of $129.20, a total of $32,708.20 in government charges. An eligible first home buyer pays no stamp duty at that price, so the total falls to $1,638.20.

Question 6

Do first home buyers pay stamp duty?

Accepted Answer

In Victoria, eligible first home buyers pay no stamp duty up to $600,000, and a reduced amount between $600,000 and $750,000. The transfer and mortgage registration fees still apply. Other states have their own concessions, which this calculator also covers.

Question 7

Is stamp duty different for investment properties?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Some states charge different rates or remove concessions for investment properties compared to owner occupied homes.

Question 8

When do I pay stamp duty and these fees?

Accepted Answer

Stamp duty, the transfer fee and the mortgage registration fee are generally paid at settlement, through the electronic settlement your conveyancer or solicitor arranges. Timing varies by state, and in some states duty is due within a set period after settlement rather than on the day.

Question 9

What other upfront costs should I budget for?

Accepted Answer

Beyond government charges, you may need to budget for conveyancing or legal fees, lender fees, lenders mortgage insurance if your deposit is under 20%, building and pest inspections, and moving costs. Our Funds to Complete calculator brings these together in one place.

Stamp Duty & Transfer Fee Calculator

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