Stamp Duty in WA: How Transfer Duty Works

Stamp duty is now called transfer duty

People in Western Australia still commonly say stamp duty, but the official term is transfer duty. It is a State tax imposed on certain transactions involving property and is generally payable by the buyer in an ordinary purchase.

Transfer duty is separate from the deposit, settlement fees, loan costs, inspections and Landgate registration fees, so it should be included in the budget before an offer is made.

When liability begins

In many cases liability arises when the document evidencing the transaction is signed, not at settlement. The assessment depends on the dutiable value, buyer and property, together with any current concession or exemption.

Use RevenueWA’s current calculator rather than an old article or a figure from another state.

Foreign-buyer duty

Certain acquisitions of residential property by a foreign person attract additional WA foreign transfer duty. This State surcharge is separate from federal foreign-investment approval, application fees and reporting obligations.

What to do before signing

Obtain a written estimate using the actual purchase price, property type, ownership shares and status of every purchaser. Keep the assessment and payment evidence with the settlement records.

• Confirm whether any purchaser is treated as foreign
• Check current concessions and thresholds
• Budget for ordinary and additional duty
• Do not wait until settlement to estimate the tax