Stamp Duty Calculator Western Australia 2026

How Is Stamp Duty Calculated in Western Australia?

Stamp duty — officially called transfer duty or conveyance duty — is a state government tax payable when you purchase property in Western Australia. 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 WA, 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.

WA Stamp Duty Rates 2025-2026

The following table shows the current general transfer duty rates for Western Australia for the 2025-2026 financial year.

Rates are approximate and based on publicly available information for the 2025-2026 financial year. Always verify with the Western Australia revenue office before settlement.

Example: Stamp Duty on a $750,000 Property in WA

On a $750,000 investment property in Western Australia, you would pay approximately $28,453 in stamp duty, representing an effective rate of 3.79% 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 WA

Western Australia offers a full stamp duty exemption for first home buyers purchasing a home valued up to $430,000, and a concessional rate for homes between $430,000 and $530,000. For vacant land, the exemption threshold is $300,000 with concessions up to $400,000. WA also provides the First Home Owner Grant of $10,000 for new homes. These concessions are among the most accessible in Australia given Perth's lower median property prices compared to Sydney and Melbourne.

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 WA

Foreign buyers in Western Australia pay a 7% surcharge on top of the standard transfer duty rates. On a $750,000 investment property, this adds $52,500 to the stamp duty, bringing the total to approximately $80,953. The surcharge applies to residential property acquired by foreign persons as defined under the Duties Act 2008.

When Is Stamp Duty Paid in Western Australia?

In WA, transfer duty must be paid within 2 months of the date of the transaction (usually the contract date). Your settlement agent lodges documents with Landgate and arranges duty payment. Late lodgement attracts penalty tax at double the unpaid amount, so timely payment is essential.

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.

Related Property Calculators

Stamp duty is just one part of the cost of acquiring an investment property. Use our other free calculators to understand the full financial picture.

Stamp Duty in Other States

Considering properties in other states? Compare stamp duty rates across Australia.