New Queensland home build eligible for grants and duty concessions
Queensland Stamp Duty in 2026: The Complete Transfer Duty Calculator Guide
In Queensland real estate, transfer duty (historically referred to as stamp duty) represents the largest upfront statutory tax liability beyond your deposit. Administered by the Queensland Revenue Office (QRO) under the Duties Act 2001, transfer duty is calculated on a tiered, progressive scale based on the dutiable purchase price. However, your actual tax liability depends heavily on whether you are purchasing as an owner-occupier, an investor, a first-home buyer, or a foreign acquirer.
1. Standard Transfer Duty Rates (Investor Schedule)
For residential investors and corporate entities, standard Queensland transfer duty rates apply without concessions:
- Up to $5,000: Nil.
- $5,000 to $75,000: $1.50 for every $100 over $5,000.
- $75,000 to $540,000: $1,050 plus $3.50 for every $100 over $75,000.
- $540,000 to $1,000,000: $17,325 plus $4.50 for every $100 over $540,000.
- More than $1,000,000: $38,025 plus $5.75 for every $100 over $1,000,000.
2. Owner-Occupier Home Concession Schedule
If you purchase a residence to occupy as your principal place of residence (PPR), the QRO provides the Home Concession, which reduces duty on the first $350,000:
- $800,000 Purchase: Investor Duty = $29,025; Owner-Occupier Duty = $21,850 (Savings: $7,175).
- $1,200,000 Prestige Apartment: Investor Duty = $49,525; Owner-Occupier Duty = $42,350 (Savings: $7,175).
- $2,000,000 Sub-Penthouse: Investor Duty = $95,525; Owner-Occupier Duty = $88,350 (Savings: $7,175).
3. Foreign Surcharge (AFAD 8%)
Foreign acquirers must factor in the Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty (AFAD) of 8% on the total purchase price. On a $1,500,000 apartment, this adds $120,000 in state duty, payable within 30 days of contract settlement.
Budgeting for Settlement
Transfer duty is payable prior to electronic title transfer on PEXA. Ensure funds are cleared into your solicitor's trust account ahead of time. Explore Broadbeach residences or explore Surfers Paradise residences with BARTA Property specialists.
Model Your Exact Transaction Costs
Calculate your exact transfer duty down to the dollar using BARTA Property finance tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is stamp duty on a $1,000,000 property in Queensland?
For an investor, transfer duty on $1,000,000 is $38,025. For an owner-occupier using the Home Concession, it is $30,850 (saving $7,175).
Do first-home buyers pay any stamp duty in QLD?
First-home buyers pay zero stamp duty on properties up to $700,000, with partial discounts available up to $800,000.
Can stamp duty be added to my home loan?
Lenders do not add stamp duty into the mortgage directly; you must pay it from your cash savings or borrow against existing home equity.
When is transfer duty due in Queensland?
Duty is payable within 30 days of the contract becoming unconditional, and must be paid before title transfer can complete on PEXA.
Do Australian permanent residents pay foreign buyer stamp duty?
No. Permanent residents and New Zealanders on Subclass 444 visas are exempt from the 8% foreign buyer surcharge.
Jayden Barta
BARTA Property • Gold Coast & Brisbane
Specialising in prestige developments, off-the-plan apartments, and residential projects across South East Queensland.
