What Is Stamp Duty and When Is It Payable in NSW?
Stamp duty — officially called transfer duty in New South Wales — is a one-off state tax paid by the purchaser when land or property changes hands. It is administered by Revenue NSW. Duty is calculated on the dutiable value of the transaction, which is the greater of the purchase price or the property's market value, so it can't be reduced simply by agreeing a lower price on paper.
How Is Stamp Duty Calculated in NSW?
NSW uses a sliding general rate scale that applies to both owner-occupied and investment purchases alike — unlike Victoria, there is no separate lower rate scale for a principal place of residence. Duty increases through several bands from a modest percentage at lower values up to a flat 5.5% for dutiable values between $1,290,000 and $3,870,000, with a premium duty rate of 7% above that.
First Home Buyer Relief
First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme: full duty exemption for homes valued up to $800,000, concession from $800,001–$999,999. Vacant land: full exemption up to $350,000, concession $350,001–$449,999. Effective for contracts from 1 July 2023.
Primary Production Transfer Exemption
Section 274 Duties Act 1997 exemption for a significant, commercial primary production business transferred between family members, where the business continues before and after the transfer.
Primary Production Transfer Exemption Checker (NSW)
A quick indication only — Revenue NSW's actual process requires supporting evidence of the business.
Source: Revenue NSW — primary production land exemption (see sources below).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays stamp duty — the buyer or the seller?
The purchaser (transferee) pays transfer duty in NSW.
Is there a young farmer duty concession in NSW?
No — no distinct young-farmer duty concession was found for nsw.
Where can I get an exact stamp duty figure?
This page provides general information only — use Revenue NSW's own transfer duty calculator, or speak with a conveyancer or solicitor, for a precise figure.
Updated on 2026-07-12 — what changed
Initial publication of this page, verified directly against revenue.nsw.gov.au as of 12 July 2026.