Russell Kelly & Associates · Norwest NSW
Transfer Duty
What is Transfer Duty (Stamp Duty) in NSW?
Transfer duty is a NSW state tax that applies to a range of property transactions. It was previously known as stamp duty and most commonly applies when buying a home or other property in New South Wales.
Transfer duty can apply when you acquire:
- a home or holiday home;
- an investment property;
- vacant land;
- farming property;
- commercial or industrial property; or
- a business that includes land.
Transfer duty can also apply where property, or an interest in property, is acquired without a conventional purchase, including through a gift, declaration of trust or change in beneficial ownership.
How is NSW Transfer Duty Calculated?
Transfer duty is generally calculated on the property’s dutiable value. For a property sale or transfer, this is generally the consideration paid or the unencumbered value of the property, whichever is greater.
Transfer duty is calculated using a sliding scale rather than one fixed percentage. The applicable rates depend on the date of the contract, or the date of transfer where there is no contract.
NSW Transfer Duty Rates for 2026–27
For transactions falling within the 2026–27 rate year, the general NSW transfer duty rates are:
| Dutiable value | Transfer duty |
|---|---|
| $0–$18,000 | $1.25 per $100, subject to a $20 minimum |
| $18,001–$38,000 | $225 plus $1.50 per $100 over $18,000 |
| $38,001–$103,000 | $525 plus $1.75 per $100 over $38,000 |
| $103,001–$387,000 | $1,662 plus $3.50 per $100 over $103,000 |
| $387,001–$1,290,000 | $11,602 plus $4.50 per $100 over $387,000 |
| Over $1,290,000 | $52,237 plus $5.50 per $100 over $1,290,000 |
Revenue NSW adjusts transfer duty thresholds and rates annually in line with CPI movements.
Rates and thresholds reviewed: 30 August 2026.
Premium Transfer Duty
A premium rate applies to certain residential property with a dutiable value above the applicable premium threshold.
For 2026–27, the premium threshold is $3,870,000. Above this amount, premium duty is $194,137 plus $7 for every $100 over $3,870,000.
Because transfer duty thresholds can change each financial year, the applicable rate should be checked for the date of the particular transaction.
When Must Transfer Duty Be Paid?
For a property purchase in NSW, transfer duty must generally be paid by the earlier of settlement or three months after signing the contract.
Failure to pay duty by the applicable deadline may result in interest and potentially penalty tax.
Off-the-Plan Property Purchases
Different payment timing may be available for eligible off-the-plan purchases.
Where the requirements are satisfied, a purchaser buying an off-the-plan residence that they intend to occupy as their principal place of residence may be able to defer payment of transfer duty for up to an additional 12 months.
Eligibility and residence requirements apply, and the duty may become payable earlier in circumstances including completion and settlement.
Transfer Duty Exemptions and Concessions
A transfer duty exemption or concession may be available for certain transactions.
Examples can include:
- eligible first home buyers;
- certain transfers from deceased estates;
- certain transfers between spouses or de facto partners; and
- certain transfers following the breakdown of a marriage or relationship.
Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the particular transaction.
First Home Buyers
Eligible first home buyers may qualify for assistance under the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme.
For qualifying new or existing homes, a full transfer duty exemption is currently available where the dutiable amount is $800,000 or less. A concessional rate may apply where the dutiable amount is above $800,000 and below $1 million.
For qualifying vacant land on which a first home will be built, an exemption is available up to $350,000, with a concessional rate above $350,000 and below $450,000.
Eligibility requirements apply, including requirements relating to the purchaser, property and occupation of the home.
Foreign Purchasers
Foreign persons acquiring residential-related property in NSW may also be liable for surcharge purchaser duty, in addition to ordinary transfer duty, unless an exemption or concession applies.
See our information about Foreign Persons Duty and Land Tax Surcharge for further information.
Calculate NSW Transfer Duty
Revenue NSW provides online calculators to help estimate the transfer duty payable on a property transaction. See the current Revenue NSW transfer duty rates and calculator guidance.
Transfer duty calculations can be affected by the transaction, dutiable value, purchaser circumstances and any applicable exemption, concession or surcharge. An online calculation should therefore be considered together with the circumstances of the particular transaction.
Getting Advice About Transfer Duty
Transfer duty considerations can arise when buying, transferring or restructuring ownership of property in NSW.
Russell Kelly & Associates can advise on property transactions and the legal issues associated with transfer duty, exemptions, concessions and ownership arrangements.
This information is general in nature. Readers should not act or rely on it without obtaining professional advice concerning their particular circumstances.