Stamp Duty in NSW: A Complete Guide for 2026
What Is Stamp Duty?
Stamp duty (also called transfer duty) is a state government tax you pay when buying property in Australia. In NSW, it's one of the biggest upfront costs alongside your deposit, and it's important to factor it into your budget early.
The amount you pay depends on the purchase price of the property and whether you qualify for any concessions.
NSW Stamp Duty Rates
NSW uses a tiered system where different portions of the property value are taxed at increasing rates:
| Property Value | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $16,000 | 1.25% |
| $16,001 – $35,000 | 1.50% |
| $35,001 – $93,000 | 1.75% |
| $93,001 – $351,000 | 3.50% |
| $351,001 – $1,168,000 | 4.50% |
| $1,168,001 – $3,505,000 | 5.50% |
| Over $3,505,000 | 7.00% |
For example, on a $700,000 property, you'd pay approximately $26,235 in stamp duty.
First Home Buyer Concessions
If you're buying your first home in NSW, you may be eligible for significant savings:
- Full exemption on properties valued up to $800,000 — you pay no stamp duty at all
- Reduced duty on properties valued between $800,000 and $1,000,000 — you receive a sliding scale concession
- Properties over $1,000,000 receive no first home buyer concession
These concessions apply to owner-occupied purchases only. Investment properties don't qualify.
How to Calculate Your Stamp Duty
The easiest way to estimate your stamp duty is to use our Stamp Duty Calculator. It covers all Australian states and territories, includes first home buyer concessions, and gives you a total upfront cost estimate including conveyancing fees.
Other Upfront Costs to Budget For
Stamp duty isn't the only cost to plan for. You should also consider:
- Conveyancing fees — typically $1,000 to $2,500 for the legal work involved in transferring property ownership
- Building and pest inspections — around $400 to $800
- Loan application fees — some lenders charge an establishment fee
- Lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) — if your deposit is less than 20% of the purchase price
Need Help With the Numbers?
Working out your total upfront costs can feel overwhelming, especially if it's your first property purchase. We help clients across Sydney understand exactly what they need to budget for — and we compare over 30 lenders to find the most competitive loan for your situation.
Get in touch for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Need personalised advice?
We compare 30+ lenders to find you the right home loan — at no cost to you.
Book a Free Consultation