What transfer duty is

How it's calculated and who pays it

Transfer duty applies to dutiable transactions in Queensland. Duty is generally calculated on the dutiable value, which may be based on the consideration paid or the market value, depending on the transaction.

The buyer is usually responsible for transfer duty in a residential purchase, although liability depends on the transaction.

Standard transfer duty rates

These are the standard rates before any concession, exemption or additional duty is considered.

Up to $5,000

Nil duty payable.

$5,001 to $75,000

$1.50 for every $100 or part of $100 over $5,000.

$75,001 to $540,000

$1,050 plus $3.50 for every $100 or part over $75,000.

$540,001 to $1,000,000

$17,325 plus $4.50 for every $100 or part over $540,000.

Over $1,000,000

$38,025 plus $5.75 for every $100 or part over $1,000,000.

Lodgement and payment timing

Documents generally need to be lodged with the Queensland Revenue Office within 30 days after transfer duty liability arises. This commonly occurs when a contract is signed or becomes unconditional, rather than at settlement.

Payment timing depends on whether the transaction is lodged directly with the Queensland Revenue Office or handled by a registered self assessor, such as a solicitor or conveyancer. Buyers should confirm the applicable dates and process with the professional handling their transaction.

Concessions and additional duty

What may change the amount you pay

Several concessions and exemptions apply to transfer duty in Queensland. Eligibility depends on factors including:

  • The transaction date
  • Whether the property is established, new or vacant land
  • Whether it will be the buyer's home
  • Previous ownership and occupation history
  • Citizenship or residency status where relevant
  • The circumstances of each buyer involved in the transaction

First home concession for an established home

Eligible first home buyers purchasing an established home valued at $700,000 or less may receive a full concession.

A partial concession may apply above $700,000 and below $800,000.

No first home concession applies at $800,000 or more, although an eligible buyer may still qualify for the home concession.

Detailed eligibility requirements apply. Confirm the current criteria with the Queensland Revenue Office.

First home concessions for new homes and vacant land

For eligible transactions from 1 May 2025, a first home buyer purchasing an eligible new home may qualify for a full transfer duty concession without a value cap.

A first home buyer purchasing vacant land on which to build an eligible first home may also qualify for a full concession without a value cap.

Eligibility, construction, occupation and transaction date requirements apply. This concession is separate from the Queensland First Home Owner Grant.

Home concession

A buyer acquiring a residence to use as their home may qualify for the home concession, even if it is not their first home. The concession uses a separate rate scale to the standard rates. Current Queensland Revenue Office home concession rates apply.

Investment properties

A buyer who will not use the property as their home will generally not qualify for the home concession. The standard rates may apply, subject to any other concession, exemption or additional duty relevant to the transaction.

Citizenship and residency

For transactions entered into on or after 1 August 2026, eligibility for home, first home and first home vacant land concessions generally requires the buyer to be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or specified foreign retiree. Where there is more than one buyer or the status is uncertain, confirm eligibility with the Queensland Revenue Office or your solicitor.

Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty

Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty (AFAD) is an additional duty that may apply when a foreign person acquires residential land in Queensland. The current AFAD rate is 8 per cent.

Foreign status is defined by statutory tests that go beyond citizenship or permanent residency and can also apply to companies and trusts. Exemptions may apply in limited circumstances.

Confirm AFAD liability with the Queensland Revenue Office and your solicitor.

Planning the upfront cost

Estimate the amount for your purchase

Transfer duty should be considered alongside the deposit, legal and conveyancing fees, searches, inspections, finance costs and any immediate work required after purchase.

Estimate the duty using the transaction value, intended use and buyer circumstances. Allow for the possibility that the final amount may differ if the dutiable value, eligibility or transaction details change.

The Queensland Revenue Office transfer duty estimator can provide an estimate. Your solicitor or conveyancer can confirm the amount, lodgement process and payment arrangements for the transaction.

Transfer duty rules can change. Check the current rates and eligibility requirements before signing a contract or relying on a budget.