What is stamp duty in the ACT?
Stamp duty in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is a territory government tax that applies to the sale of properties, including a home, land or commercial property and other assets like vehicles. In the ACT, stamp duty that applies to property transactions is officially known as the ‘conveyance duty’.
How much is stamp duty in the ACT?
Stamp duty in the ACT is calculated on a sliding scale based on the property value. The ACT has two sets of rates: one for eligible owner-occupier transactions (buyers must live in the property for at least 12 months) and another for non-eligible transactions. Eligible owner-occupiers get lower stamp duty rates on properties valued up to $1,455,000.
Stamp duty costs in the ACT will vary depending on:
- The property's value
- The type of property you purchase (e.g. house, apartment, vacant land)
- Whether you’re an eligible owner-occupier or not
- Your residency status
- Your eligibility as a first-home buyer
- Your eligibility for pensioner concessions
General stamp duty rates for eligible owner-occupier transactions in the ACT
| Property value | Stamp duty payable |
|---|---|
$0-$260,000 | $0.28 per $100 or part of thereof up to $260,000 |
$260,001 to $300,000 | $728 plus $2.20 per $100 or part thereof by which the value exceeds $260,000 |
$300,001 to $500,000 | $1,608 plus $3.40 per $100, or part thereof by which the value exceeds $300,000 |
$500,001 to $750,000 | $8,408 plus $4.32 per $100, or part thereof by which the value exceeds $500,000 |
$750,001 to $1 000,000 | $19,208 plus $5.90 per $100, or part thereof by which the value exceeds $750,000 |
$1,000,001 to $1,455,000 | $33,958 plus $6.40 per $100, or part thereof by which the value exceeds $1,000,000 |
More than $1,455,000 | A flat rate of $4.54 per $100 applied to the total transaction value |
General stamp duty rates for non-eligible owner-occupier transactions in the ACT
| Property price | Stamp duty payable |
|---|---|
$0 - $200,000 | $1.20 per $100 or part thereof up to $200,000 |
$200,001 - $300,000 | $2,400 plus $2.20 per $100 or part thereof by which the value exceeds $200,000 |
$300,001 - $500,000 | $4,600 plus $3.40 per $100 or part thereof by which the value exceeds $300,000 |
$500,001 - $750,000 | $11,400 plus $4.32 per $100 or part thereof by which the value exceeds $500,000 |
$750,001 - $1,000,000 | $22,200 plus $5.90 per $100, or part thereof by which the value exceeds $750,000 |
$1,000,001 - $1,455,000 | $36,950 plus $6.40 per $100, or part thereof by which the value exceeds $1,000,000 |
$1,455,001+ | A flat rate of $4.54 per $100 applied to the total transaction value |
In the ACT, stamp duty exemptions for first-home buyers and properties under $1,020,000 are based on household income and number of dependent children.
First-home buyer stamp duty rates in the ACT
| Property price | First-home buyer stamp duty payable |
|---|---|
Less than or equal to $1,020,000 | $0 |
More than $1,020,000 but less than $1,455,000 | $6.40 for every $100, or part of $100, by which the dutiable value exceeds $1,020,000 |
$1,455,000 or more | A flat rate of $4.54 per $100 applied to the total dutiable value, less an amount of $35,238 |
Who pays stamp duty in the ACT?
Anyone (person or business) who buys or receives property must pay stamp duty in the ACT (unless an exemption applies). Keep in mind that stamp duty is an upfront cost you need to consider on top of your deposit, property price, conveyancing and insurance.
Most lenders allow you to increase the principal amount of your home loan to account for stamp duty. This will increase your home loan repayments. If you're buying a property with the help of a conveyancer, they may take care of the paperwork and lodge the payment with the revenue office on your behalf.
When is stamp duty in the ACT payable?
ACT stamp duty is payable within 14 days of when you lodge a title registration notice with the revenue office or Access Canberra.
Money.com.au’s analysis shows stamp duty can end up costing more than double its original amount once interest is factored in over a typical 30-year mortgage.
Based on the median dwelling value, homebuyers in the ACT would pay an extra $55,607 by rolling stamp duty into their mortgage once interest is factored in over 30 years.
How do you pay stamp duty in the ACT?
Stamp duty can be paid by direct deposit or other major payment options. In most cases, you will receive a Notice of Assessment email from the ACT Revenue Office. This notice will often contain:
- The amount of stamp duty payable
- Details on the tax and how it was calculated
- Concessions or exemptions included in the calculation
- Payment options
- Payment due date
- Information regarding late payments and associated penalties or charges
- Reference details for the notice and payment
What are the stamp duty exemptions in ACT?
The ACT offers a number of different stamp duty concessions and exemptions, such as:
First-home buyer exemption
Full stamp duty exemption applies for first homes valued under $1,020,00 based on your household income and number of dependent children.
Dual occupancy exemption:
Full stamp duty exemption will apply to the initial transfer of unit-titled dwellings within a subdivision or dual occupancy on suburban residential properties for purchases valued up to $800,000 from 27 November 2023 until 30 June 2026.
Matrimonial transfers
Stamp duty exemptions apply for transfers following a divorce or a family law court order or transfers of a primary residence between spouses or former spouses.
Transfers from a deceased estate
Full exemptions apply to property transfers to a beneficiary, executor or administrator of a deceased estate.
Rural land exemption
Exemptions may apply when transferring primary production land between family members and/or their trustees.
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