Stamp Duty Calculator Australian Capital Territory 2026
Transfer duty rates, first home buyer concessions, and foreign buyer surcharges for Australian Capital Territory — updated for the 2025-2026 financial year.
Calculate Your ACT Stamp Duty
Enter your purchase price to get an instant stamp duty estimate for Australian Capital Territory.
How Is Stamp Duty Calculated in Australian Capital Territory?
Stamp duty — officially called transfer duty or conveyance duty — is a state government tax payable when you purchase property in Australian Capital Territory. The amount is calculated on the greater of the purchase price or the property's market value, using a tiered rate structure. Higher property values attract progressively higher marginal rates, meaning the effective rate increases as the purchase price rises.
In ACT, stamp duty applies to the transfer of all real property including houses, apartments, vacant land, and commercial premises. The rates below apply to standard residential purchases (not off-the-plan or concessional transactions). Investment properties pay the full general rate — first home buyer concessions do not apply.
ACT Stamp Duty Rates 2025-2026
The following table shows the current general transfer duty rates for Australian Capital Territory for the 2025-2026 financial year.
| Property Value From | To | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $200,000 | $1.20 per $100 |
| $200,001 | $300,000 | $2,400 + $2.20 per $100 over $200,000 |
| $300,001 | $500,000 | $4,600 + $3.40 per $100 over $300,000 |
| $500,001 | $750,000 | $11,400 + $4.32 per $100 over $500,000 |
| $750,001 | $1,000,000 | $22,200 + $5.90 per $100 over $750,000 |
| $1,000,001 | $1,455,000 | $36,950 + $6.40 per $100 over $1,000,000 |
| $1,455,001 | and above | $4.54 per $100 of total value |
Rates are approximate and based on publicly available information for the 2025-2026 financial year. Always verify with the Australian Capital Territory revenue office before settlement.
Example: Stamp Duty on a $750,000 Property in ACT
Purchase Price
$750,000
Stamp Duty
$22,200
Effective Rate
2.96%
On a $750,000 investment property in Australian Capital Territory, you would pay approximately $22,200 in stamp duty, representing an effective rate of 2.96% of the purchase price. This is payable as a lump sum — it cannot be added to your mortgage. Remember to budget for this cost on top of your deposit, legal fees, and other settlement costs.
First Home Buyer Stamp Duty Exemptions in ACT
The ACT offers a full stamp duty exemption for eligible first home buyers purchasing a new or substantially renovated property valued up to $1,000,000. This is one of the most generous first home buyer concessions in Australia. The exemption applies to properties that will be the buyer's principal place of residence for at least 12 months. For existing (non-new) properties, the Home Buyer Concession Scheme offers reduced rates for purchasers meeting income thresholds. The ACT is progressively abolishing stamp duty and replacing it with higher annual general rates (land tax equivalent).
Note that first home buyer concessions apply only to owner-occupied purchases — if you are buying an investment property, the full general rates shown above apply. You cannot combine first home buyer concessions with investment property purchases, even if this is your first property.
Foreign Buyer Stamp Duty Surcharge in ACT
The ACT does not impose a separate foreign buyer surcharge on stamp duty. However, foreign purchasers still face higher commercial conveyancing rates in some circumstances. The ACT's approach differs from most other states, which levy explicit surcharges of 7-8%. Foreign investors should still factor in FIRB application fees and approval requirements.
When Is Stamp Duty Paid in Australian Capital Territory?
In the ACT, conveyance duty must be paid before the transfer can be registered with Access Canberra. It is typically arranged at settlement through your conveyancer. The ACT Revenue Office can offer payment plans for owner-occupiers in certain circumstances. Interest and penalties apply to late payments.
Stamp duty is a significant upfront cost that must be factored into your purchase budget alongside the deposit, legal fees, building inspections, and loan establishment costs. Unlike ongoing expenses, stamp duty cannot be claimed as an annual tax deduction. However, it forms part of the property's cost base for capital gains tax (CGT) purposes, reducing your taxable capital gain when you eventually sell.
Additional Notes for ACT Stamp Duty
The ACT is unique in Australia as it is progressively phasing out stamp duty over a 20-year period that began in 2012. Stamp duty rates are being replaced by higher annual general rates (a form of broad-based land tax). This means ACT rates are recalculated each financial year and may change more frequently than other states. The rate structure also differs: instead of a marginal system, most brackets apply a flat percentage to the entire purchase price.
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The information on this page is for general guidance only and may not reflect the most recent legislative changes. Stamp duty rates are approximate for the 2025-2026 financial year. Always consult a qualified conveyancer or the Australian Capital Territory revenue office for exact figures before making financial decisions.