Stamp Duty South Australia

What is stamp duty? 

Stamp duty is basically a land transfer tax on all real estate purchases in not just South Australia, but across the country. The state of purchase, property price, and location can all factor into how much stamp duty you’ll be required to pay. Like other taxes, the funds usually go towards state infrastructure projects and services. It’s also not an ‘ongoing’ tax. You only pay stamp duty once per property at the time of purchase, usually within 30 days of settlement.  

So, it’s just a one-off payment, not an ongoing addition to your mortgage. 

How much is stamp duty in SA? 

Below are the stamp duty rates in South Australia:¹Government of South Australia, Revenue SA – Rate of stamp duty

Source: Revenue SA 

When do I need to pay stamp duty? 

If you’re required to pay stamp duty in South Australia, payment is typically due by the settlement date. Remember, stamp duty must be paid before you can be registered as the owner on the Certificate of Title.  

If you’re concerned about making stamp duty or land tax payments, you can contact Revenue SA to make alternative payment arrangements.

Do first home buyers have to pay stamp duty in SA? 

That depends. The 2024-25 State Budget removes the property value cap for stamp duty relief for eligible first home buyers for contracts to purchase a new home or vacant land entered into on or after 6 June 2024.  

For contracts entered into prior to 6 June 2024, Stamp Duty still applies but it’s not the same for everyone. If the home you’re buying (for the first time) is less than $650,000 you will receive full stamp duty relief. For homes with a price tag higher than that, the rate of relief decreases until it’s phased out after $700,000. Check out the helpful table below:²Revenue SA – First Home Buyer Relief

What other factors can affect stamp duty? 

We’ve listed a few factors already that can impact the cost of stamp duty, such as location and property price. Depending on your circumstances, there could be some other factors that affect the cost of stamp duty in SA. 

• Inherited property: If you inherit a property from a family member, usually due to death or divorce, there may not be a requirement to pay stamp duty.
• First time homeowner: While there is currently no concession on stamp duty itself, if you’re a first home buyer in SA, you may be eligible for a $15,000 grant from the government towards the purchase. 

Do foreign buyers have to pay stamp duty in SA? 

If you do not hold Australian citizenship or an Australian permanent resident visa, then the answer is yes. This goes for foreign corporations and trusts too. Foreign purchasers of land in SA can incur an additional foreign ownership charge, which is currently 7% of the value of the interest in the land. 

Can I get a Home Loan that covers Stamp Duty? 

While it’s a nice thought, it’s not necessarily guaranteed so it’s best to check with your lender. Some lenders offer to cover stamp duty by increasing your home loan amount instead. 

Looking for a loan for your dream home in South Australia? Compare with Lendi 

If you’re buying a home, you may also be on the lookout for the home loan provider that suits you. We’ve partnered with Lendi to help you compare a range of home loans from over 35 lenders. 

Written by

Mel Basta

Writer

Mel Basta is a writer and editor with a decade of experience writing copy and content. She believes complex information should be accessible and digestible – much like a delicious sandwich.

Edited by

David Rayfield

Digital Editor – Marketing, iSelect

David has extensive experience in writing, editing and marketing before joining iSelect in 2023 as Digital Editor. When not making our content better, you can find them browsing log cabins for sale in the forest.

Reviewed by

Debbie Shankar

Former Group Content Manager, Lendi

Debbie Shankar is Former Group Content Manager at Lendi, the leading branded distributor of home loans in the market, including the Lendi, Aussie and Domain Home Loans brands.