First home buyer stamp duty in VIC
Full exemption on homes up to $600,000, with a reducing concession up to $750,000.
Use the contract price, or the market value if that is higher.
VIC land transfer duty — 2026-27
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What changed this year
Victoria calls it land transfer duty. Two things make Victoria unusual. First, the principal place of residence discount only helps if the property is $550,000 or less. Second, the band between $960,000 and $2,000,000 is a flat 5.5% of the whole price, not a marginal rate on the excess.
How much first home buyers save in VIC
| Price | Standard duty | You pay | You save | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $500,000 | $21,370 | $0 | $21,370 | Full exemption |
| $600,000 | $31,070 | $0 | $31,070 | Full exemption |
| $700,000 | $37,070 | $24,713 | $12,357 | Concession |
| $800,000 | $43,070 | $43,070 | $0 | No relief |
| $900,000 | $49,070 | $49,070 | $0 | No relief |
| $1,000,000 | $55,000 | $55,000 | $0 | No relief |
Who counts as a first home buyer?
The rules are similar across Australia, and they are stricter than most people expect. In general you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident (at least one buyer must be).
- Have never owned residential property in Australia before, including as an investor. Owning an investment property counts, even if you never lived in it.
- Move in within 12 months of settlement and live there for at least 12 continuous months.
- Buy as an individual, not through a company or trust.
Your partner's history counts too. If your spouse or de facto partner has owned property, you may both lose eligibility even though you personally have never owned anything.
Watch the threshold edge
Thresholds create sharp jumps. Paying a few thousand dollars more for a property can push you past a cutoff and cost you far more in duty than the extra you paid for the house. Before you raise your offer near a threshold, run both prices through the calculator above and compare the duty, not just the price.
Common questions
Do first home buyers pay stamp duty in VIC?
Not always. Full exemption on homes up to $600,000, with a reducing concession up to $750,000.
Does an investment property count against me?
Yes, in every state. Owning any residential property in Australia before, even one you rented out and never lived in, normally makes you ineligible. Some states make an exception for property inherited or owned before a set date, so it is worth checking your exact case.
What if only one of us is a first home buyer?
Most states treat you as a couple. If your partner has owned property, you usually lose the concession even if you have not. A few states allow a partial concession based on your ownership share, so ask the revenue office before you assume.
Do I apply before or after I buy?
You normally apply through your conveyancer or solicitor as part of the settlement paperwork, not beforehand. If you pay full duty and later find out you were eligible, you can usually claim a refund, but there are time limits.
Can I rent the property out straight away?
No. Nearly every scheme requires you to live in the home for a set period, usually 12 months, starting within a year of settlement. If you move out early you may have to repay the concession.
First home buyer rules in other states
- NSW first home buyers
New South Wales
- QLD first home buyers
Queensland
- WA first home buyers
Western Australia
- SA first home buyers
South Australia
- TAS first home buyers
Tasmania
- ACT first home buyers
Australian Capital Territory
- NT first home buyers
Northern Territory
Source: State Revenue Office Victoria — official rates and concessions. Rates checked 28 July 2026. Estimates only, not financial or legal advice. Eligibility is decided by State Revenue Office Victoria, not by this calculator.