New Queensland home build eligible for grants and duty concessions
Queensland Stamp Duty Concessions for Off-the-Plan Property: 2026 Guide
When purchasing off-the-plan residential property in Queensland, understanding your state transfer duty (stamp duty) liability is critical for budgeting your settlement capital. Under the Duties Act 2001, transfer duty is levied by the Queensland Revenue Office (QRO) on the dutiable value of the transaction. However, Queensland provides generous statutory concessions for owner-occupiers, first-home buyers, and regional relocators that can save purchasers tens of thousands of dollars.
1. First Home Concession: Zero Duty Up to $700,000
To support housing accessibility, the Queensland Government enacted major expansions to the First Home Concession:
- Full 100% Exemption: First-home buyers purchasing a residential property to occupy as their principal place of residence pay $0 transfer duty on purchases up to $700,000.
- Phased Concession ($700,001 to $800,000): A partial sliding-scale discount applies to homes valued between $700,000 and $800,000, phasing out gradually.
- Savings Impact: On a $700,000 brand-new apartment, this concession delivers an immediate tax saving of $17,350.
2. Home Concession (For Subsequent Owner-Occupiers)
If you have previously owned residential property in Australia and are purchasing a new off-the-plan apartment as your principal place of residence, you do not qualify for the first home exemption, but you qualify for the standard Home Concession:
The Home Concession applies a discounted transfer duty rate on the first $350,000 of the purchase price, reducing your state duty liability by up to $7,175 compared to full investor rates.
3. Foreign Buyer Surcharges (AFAD 8%)
Foreign acquirers must note that state concessions do not waive the Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty (AFAD). Foreign persons must pay the statutory 8% surcharge on the full dutiable value in addition to standard transfer duty rates. Australian citizens, permanent residents, and New Zealand SCV 444 visa holders are exempt from AFAD.
Structuring Your Off-the-Plan Contract
Ensure your conveyancer formally claims your transfer duty concession via the QRO e-conveyancing portal (PEXA) prior to settlement to prevent paying full investor rates upfront. Explore Broadbeach residences or explore Surfers Paradise residences with BARTA Property specialists.
Calculate Your Exact Duty Liability
Model your exact Queensland transfer duty, concession rebates, and mortgage limits using BARTA Property finance tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do first-home buyers pay stamp duty in Queensland?
First-home buyers pay zero transfer duty on properties valued up to $700,000, with a sliding-scale discount available up to $800,000 for owner-occupiers.
When is stamp duty paid on an off-the-plan property in QLD?
Stamp duty is payable within 30 days of the contract becoming unconditional, or 14 days after titles register at settlement, whichever comes first (up to a 12-month deferral limit).
What is the Home Concession for non-first home buyers?
The Home Concession reduces stamp duty by up to $7,175 for anyone buying a home as their principal place of residence, regardless of whether they have owned property before.
Do investors receive stamp duty concessions in Queensland?
No. Investors pay full standard Queensland transfer duty rates, without the Home Concession or First Home Concession discounts.
Does the 8% foreign buyer duty apply to off-the-plan property?
Yes. Foreign non-residents must pay the 8% Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty (AFAD) on top of standard transfer duty for all Queensland residential acquisitions.
Jayden Barta
BARTA Property • Gold Coast & Brisbane
Specialising in prestige developments, off-the-plan apartments, and residential projects across South East Queensland.
