First home buyer stamp duty in QLD (2026)

Stamp duty is often the largest upfront cost when buying a home in Queensland — but eligible first home buyers in QLD can have it significantly reduced, or removed entirely. This guide explains, in plain English, how QLD first home buyer stamp duty works in 2026: the concessions, the thresholds, and how the amount is worked out. These are general facts, not financial advice — figures and rules can change, so always confirm with the Queensland Revenue Office (QRO).

What is stamp duty in QLD?

In Queensland, stamp duty is officially called transfer duty. It’s a state government tax you pay when you buy property or land, collected by the Queensland Revenue Office (QRO). It applies to all dutiable property — houses, units, vacant land, and more — and is calculated on the dutiable value, which is the purchase price or the market value, whichever is higher.

Do first home buyers pay stamp duty in QLD?

Often little or none, if you qualify. Queensland has several concessions that reduce transfer duty. You can only claim one concession per transaction. The main ones for first home buyers are:

• First home concession (established homes): For eligible first home buyers buying an existing home, according to QRO the first home concession applies to homes valued under $800,000 and can save you up to $24,525. A full concession (duty reduced to $0) applies below a lower threshold, with a partial concession on a sliding scale up towards $800,000.
• First home (new home) concession and vacant land: For contracts dated 1 May 2025 or later, eligible first home buyers buying a brand-new home, or vacant land to build their first home on, can receive a full exemption with no price cap, according to QRO.
• Home concession (if you’ve owned before): Unlike the first home concessions, the general home concession can be claimed even if you’ve owned a home before, as long as you’ll live in it as your principal place of residence and meet the criteria. QRO states it applies the home concession rate to the first $350,000 of value and can save you up to $7,175.

(Source: Queensland Revenue Office. Thresholds and eligibility change — always confirm current figures at qro.qld.gov.au.)

How is stamp duty calculated in QLD?

Queensland transfer duty is tiered — the rate steps up in brackets based on the dutiable value. The general method is a base amount for the bracket, plus a set rate on each $100 (or part) above the bracket’s threshold. Concessions (like the first home or home concession) are then applied to reduce the result. Because the brackets and concession maths are detailed, most buyers use the official QRO transfer duty estimator or have their conveyancer calculate the exact figure.

What is the principal place of residence (home) concession?

The home concession reduces transfer duty when you buy a property you’ll live in as your principal place of residence (PPR) — generally, you must move in within one year of the transfer and live there, and meet QRO’s other conditions. It’s available for both homes and vacant land you’ll build your home on. Importantly, this concession can apply even if you’ve owned property before — but whether it applies to a specific situation depends on the details, and should be confirmed with QRO or your solicitor.

How does QLD stamp duty work on vacant land and house-and-land?

If you buy vacant land to build your first home on, eligible first home buyers may qualify for a concession or (for contracts from 1 May 2025) a full exemption, according to QRO. For land you’ll use as your home but that isn’t your first home, the general home concession may apply instead. Because the treatment depends on the land value, the contract date, and your eligibility, the exact outcome should be confirmed with QRO.

What about part-ownership or shared purchases?

Where a property is bought by more than one person, or only a share is being transferred, transfer duty and concession eligibility can work in ways that aren’t always obvious — and QRO assesses these case by case. If your purchase involves shared or part ownership, this is exactly the kind of situation to confirm directly with QRO or a licensed solicitor, as the duty may not simply match the share being purchased.

When is stamp duty paid in QLD?

In Queensland, transfer duty is generally lodged within 30 days of the contract becoming unconditional, with payment due shortly after — and in practice your conveyancer or solicitor manages the lodgement and payment through QRO, typically at or before settlement. Exact timing can vary, so confirm your dates with your conveyancer.

Important 2026 change to be aware of

According to QRO, for contracts entered into from 1 August 2026, buyers claiming the home, first home, or first-home vacant land concessions will need to be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or a specified foreign retiree. Rules like this change with each state budget, so always check the current eligibility criteria at qro.qld.gov.au before relying on them.

The bottom line

Eligible first home buyers in Queensland can have their transfer duty substantially reduced or removed — with new homes and first-home vacant land (from 1 May 2025) potentially fully exempt, and established homes under $800,000 attracting a concession of up to $24,525. But the exact amount depends on the property’s value, type, contract date, and your eligibility.