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Stamp Duty Calculator WA
Stamp Duty Calculator WA
Written by
Tina Sendin
Edited by
Ellie Garran
Reviewed by
Sam HymanCompare home loans the easy way
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What is stamp duty?
Long story short
Stamp duty in WA can cost thousands based on property value
Transfer duty is calculated on purchase price or market value, whatever’s higher.
First home buyers can save almost $18,000 with new concessions
Expanded thresholds mean more exemptions and discounts until June 2026, making home ownership more affordable for first-time buyers. For example, first home buyers won’t pay stamp duty for a home worth $500,000 or less.
Apart from stamp duty and deposits, there are other costs to consider when buying a property
It’s worth budgeting for things like conveyancing, mortgage fees, and council rates.
What is stamp duty?
So, let’s say that you finally saved up for a home deposit. Massive congrats – it probably involved yearsof saving and scrimping, so it’s no small feat! But you’ll likely have a few extra costs to contend with before you can move into your dream house: loan application fees, conveyancing fees, and, of course, stamp duty.
In Western Australia, stamp duty is known as transfer duty and is calculated by the Western Australian government. It’s known as transfer duty mainly because it’s a tax on certain transfers – namely real estate like homes or units and certain business assets.
Like most other states and territories, transfer duty in WA is based on either the price you pay for the property or its market value – whichever one is bigger. In most cases, this will set you back thousands of dollars, so you’ll definitely want to get an estimate on the costs and plan ahead accordingly.
If you want to get an idea of how much stamp duty on your property could set you back, you can use our stamp duty calculator below.
How much is stamp duty in WA?
Stamp duty is charged by state and territory governments for certain transactions like transfer of property. Here are the standard rates.
However, you might be eligible to pay a lower, concessional rate in certain cases. For instance, if you’re buying a house to live in that does not exceed $200,000, then you might get a concession.
Now, it’s time for some maths. Let’s say you’re planning to buy a property worth $500,000 – that means you’re not eligible for concessional rates. Based on the first table, you’ll pay $17,765 in stamp duty.
How to calculate stamp duty for a $500,000 property
$500,000 (value of the property) – $360,000 = $140,000
Divided by 100 = $1,400
Multiplied by 4.75 = $6,650
Added to $11,115 = $17,765
What property types does stamp duty apply to in WA?
In WA, it’s the buyer who’s on the hook for stamp duty. You’ll usually need to fork out for it when you’re buying or transferring:
- a home
- an investment property
- rural properties, say land for farming
- a business property.
There can be exemptions or concessions in certain situations (for example, some spousal/de facto transactions or cancelled transactions), but eligibility depends on the circumstances. Don’t just assume, always have a yarn with a conveyancer or solicitor about your specific situation.
Helpful tip
Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you know what stamp duty (or transfer duty, as it’s called in WA) will cost you. It’s often one of the biggest up-front expenses when buying a property, and the amount depends on the purchase price and whether you qualify for concessions, like the first home owner grant. Unless you’re really sitting pretty, stamp duty isn’t something you want to leave until the last minute.
Want a quick idea of what you’ll pay? Use our online calculator to get an estimate. It’s a simple way to avoid any nasty surprises at settlement.
Sam Hyman
General Manager – National Sales, Aussie
Do first home buyers have to pay stamp duty in WA?
If it’s your first rodeo into homeownership in WA, then there’s good news! You might be eligible for a special first home owner rate, saving you a hefty amount on transfer duty.
You’ll be eligible for this rate if you already qualify for the first home owner grant scheme. To meet the requirements, you must:
- be at least 18 years old (or have an age-based exemption)
- be an Australian citizen or permanent resident when you lodge the application
- own the home in your own capacity, not as a trustee.
And … here’s some more good news. The WA government has introduced changes to the first home owner concessional rate of duty. Specifically, they’ve upped the thresholds (which means they’ve also increased the stamp duty exemptions) for those buying homes for the first time.
First home owner stamp duty rates, 21 March 2025 to 30 June 2026
| Stamp duty category | Previous thresholds | New thresholds |
| Full stamp duty exemption (established homes) | Up to $450,000 | Up to $500,000 |
| Concessional rate (established homes) | Up to $600,000 | $Up to $700,000 (for houses purchased in Perth and Peel) Up to $750,000 (for houses purchased outside Perth and Peel) |
| Full stamp duty exemption (vacant land) | Up to $300,000 | Up to $350,000 |
| Concessional rate (vacant land) | Up to $400,000 | Up to $450,000 |
Source: WA.gov.au – WA Labor Government making home ownership more affordable
These changes also mean first home buyers could save almost $18,000, and those purchasing new strata properties can save up to $15,000 (more on this in a sec).
So as a first home buyer in WA you may pay less transfer duty, depending on the property value and where it’s located, – a real leg up for anyone buying their first home!
Are there any other stamp duty exemptions or concessions in WA?
Western Australia also offers a few exemptions when it comes to transfer duty.
Off-the-plan purchases
You might be able to apply for a concession or a rebate on transfer duty if you buy a new apartment or unit off the plan. These purchases are called ‘off-the-plan’ because (in most cases) the property had been bought before it was built or while it was still in construction.
Just as with changes in first home buyer thresholds mentioned above, the WA government has also made it easier for those purchasing multi-residential strata properties (like townhouses, apartments, and villas) – either buying them before or during works have started.
Off-the-plan stamp duty concessions, 21 March 2025 to 30 June 2026
New off-the-plan homes for multi-residential strata properties (pre-construction contracts):
- No stamp duty for properties valued up to $750,000 (previously $650,000)
- Between 50% and 100% stamp duty concession for properties valued between $750,000 and $850,000 (previously between$650,000 and $750,000)
- 50% concession for properties valued at $850,000 or more (previously $750,000 or more)
New off-the-plan homes for multi-residential strata properties (under construction contracts):
- 75% duty concession for properties valued up to $750,000 (previously $650,000)
- Between 37.5% and 75% stamp duty concession for properties valued between $750,000 and $850,000 (previously between $650,000 and $750,000)
- 37.5% stamp duty concession for properties valued at $850,000 or more (previously $750,000 or more)
It’s important to note caps do apply for these figures.
Spousal transactions
This applies if you’re given residential property from your spouse or de facto partner.
Family farm transactions
You might not have to pay transfer duty if you’re getting a farming property from a family member.
Cancelled transactions
If you decide to cancel or terminate a real estate purchase, you might also be exempt from paying transfer duty.
What other fees might I need to pay besides stamp duty in WA?
Buying a place in WA? It’s not just about the deposit and the mortgage – there are a few extra costs you’ll want to factor in before you start planning that housewarming barbie.
- Conveyancing: This is the legal side of things – transferring the property from the seller to you. A conveyancer (or settlement agent) makes sure everything in the contract gets done, like clearing any outstanding rates or sorting title searches. In WA, cost vary between $1,000 and $2,500.
- Mortgage registration fee: If you’re getting a home loan, the mortgage needs to be registered with Landgate. Lodging will set you back $216.60.
- Council rates: How much you’ll pay depends on where your place is and what it’s worth. Your local council will send you the bill either once a year or every quarter – so keep an eye out for that.
- Strata fees: If you’re in a shared setup like an apartment, unit, or townhouse, you’ll generally need to chip in for strata fees. These cover the upkeep of common areas – think gardens, lifts, and shared facilities. They usually come through quarterly, and the amount depends on the size and quality of your property.
Frequently asked questions
When is stamp duty payable in WA?
As of March 2025, Western Australia has the fastest growing population in Australia. With a population of almost 3 million mostly living in and around Perth, you can imagine the number of properties that are changing hands every year.1Australian Bureau of Statistics – States and Territories population
Generally, duty must be paid within one month after a duties assessment notice is issued. Paying on time is also crucial. Late payment may attract interest and/or penalty tax: a bunch of extra expenses on top of what you already have to pay on transfer duty.
Do foreign buyers have to pay stamp duty in WA?
The rate of additional duty for a foreign person purchasing a property in WA is 7%. (This is on top of stamp duty). This also applies to foreign corporations and trusts.
Can I get a home loan that covers stamp duty?
It depends on your lender. While you typically need to pay stamp duty as an up-front cost, some lenders may be willing to increase the amount of your home loan to cover it, depending on your loan to value ratio (LVR) and serviceability.
Is stamp duty tax deductible in WA?
You can’t claim stamp duty back on your tax return – bit of a bummer, hey? But here’s the upside: because it’s part of what you shell out when you buy your place, it can actually help lower the capital gains tax you might cop later if your sale is not exempt from it and you sell for a profit.
Where can I find and compare home loans?
If you’re looking to buy a home, but haven’t found the right loan yet, then there’s no time like the present to get searching! We’ve also partnered with Aussie to make things a little bit easier for you. You can weigh up your options online from a range of different providers. So give it a spin and start a comparison today!
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