In everyday conversation people still say “stamp duty”. In NSW the tax on a transfer of dutiable property is called transfer duty. It is calculated on the dutiable value of the property — generally the higher of the price you agreed to pay and the property’s unencumbered market value — and the rate depends on the contract date (or the transfer date if there is no contract).
2026–27 general rates
Revenue NSW adjusts general transfer duty thresholds and rates each financial year in line with CPI. For the 2026–27 year the published general rates are:
| Dutiable value | Transfer duty rate |
|---|---|
| $0 to $18,000 | $1.25 for every $100 (minimum $20) |
| $18,001 to $38,000 | $225 plus $1.50 for every $100 over $18,000 |
| $38,001 to $103,000 | $525 plus $1.75 for every $100 over $38,000 |
| $103,001 to $387,000 | $1,662 plus $3.50 for every $100 over $103,000 |
| $387,001 to $1,290,000 | $11,602 plus $4.50 for every $100 over $387,000 |
| Over $1,290,000 | $52,237 plus $5.50 for every $100 over $1,290,000 |
A higher premium property duty applies to residential property above the premium threshold. For 2026–27 that threshold is $3,870,000, and the published rate is $194,137 plus $7.00 for every $100 over $3,870,000.
First home buyers
Eligible first home buyers may pay no duty on a new or existing home valued at $800,000 or less, or a reduced rate on a home under $1 million, and there is a separate vacant-land exemption and concession. Those thresholds are described more fully in our first home buyer schemes note. They are not automatic — Revenue NSW assesses eligibility, including the residence requirement.
When duty is usually payable
For a typical NSW property purchase, transfer duty must generally be paid by the earlier of settlement or three months after the contract is signed. Missing the deadline can attract interest and possibly penalty tax. Your solicitor or conveyancer will usually arrange stamping. Foreign purchasers may also face surcharge purchaser duty, which is a separate rate and is not covered in the table above.
Use the official Revenue NSW calculators for an estimate, and treat any figure from our on-site estimator as a guide only. Rates and thresholds can change in later financial years.
Last reviewed: November 2026.