Queensland transfer duty underwent a significant change from 1 May 2025 that continues through 2026: first home buyers purchasing a new home or vacant land to build on now pay no transfer duty at all, with no upper price cap. This represents one of the most generous first-home duty relief measures in Australia. For purchasers who do not qualify for the full exemption, Queensland’s standard duty scale begins at nil for properties at or under $5,000 and rises to 5.75% on amounts above $1,000,000. Existing-home first home buyers receive a full concession on properties valued at $700,000 or less, phasing out to $800,000. Foreign acquirers pay an additional 8% surcharge (known as AFAD). The First Home Owner Grant provides $30,000 for newly built homes under $750,000. For a standard purchaser buying a $650,000 home, the transfer duty is approximately $22,275. This guide covers all current Queensland duty rates, concessions, and eligibility rules as at July 2026.
Queensland Transfer Duty Rates for 2026
The Queensland Revenue Office applies the following standard duty scale to all property transfers:
- Dutiable value of $5,000 or less: nil duty.
- $5,001 to $75,000: 1.5% of the dutiable value.
- $75,001 to $540,000: $1,050 plus 3.5% of the amount over $75,000.
- $540,001 to $1,000,000: $17,325 plus 4.5% of the amount over $540,000.
- Over $1,000,000: $38,025 plus 5.75% of the amount over $1,000,000.
Queensland’s scale is progressive, with each bracket applying to the portion of value within that range. The nil band up to $5,000 means nominal-value transfers and very low-value property attract no duty.
Worked Example: $650,000 Home Purchase (Non-First-Home Buyer)
For a standard purchaser buying an existing home at $650,000, the calculation proceeds as follows. The first $540,000 of value incurs cumulative duty of $17,325 (comprising the first three brackets). The remaining $110,000 (from $540,001 to $650,000) is taxed at 4.5%, adding $4,950. Total transfer duty: $17,325 + $4,950 = $22,275.
First Home Buyer: No-Duty New Homes (No Price Cap)
From 1 May 2025, Queensland introduced a landmark change for first home buyers: the purchase of a new home, or vacant land on which a first home will be built, attracts zero transfer duty regardless of the purchase price. This uncapped exemption removes what had previously been a significant barrier for first home buyers in Brisbane and other high-value Queensland markets.
Key points about the uncapped new home exemption:
- The exemption applies to newly constructed homes that have not been previously occupied or sold as a place of residence.
- Off-the-plan purchases, house-and-land packages, and contracts to build all qualify.
- Vacant land purchased with the intention of building a first home is also fully exempt, with no upper price limit on the land value.
- There is no cap — a first home buyer purchasing a $1,200,000 new apartment or a $900,000 house-and-land package pays zero transfer duty.
- The buyer must occupy the property as their principal place of residence for at least six months within the first year.
Worked example: a first home buyer purchasing a newly built home for $950,000 would pay $0 in transfer duty under the uncapped exemption, compared with approximately $35,175 under the standard rate — a saving of over $35,000.
Existing-Home First Home Concession
First home buyers purchasing an existing (established) home continue to access the pre-existing concession structure:
- Full concession (zero duty) applies to existing homes with a dutiable value of $700,000 or less.
- A partial concession phases out for homes valued between $700,001 and $800,000.
- Above $800,000, no first home concession is available for existing homes.
At $750,000, the partial concession reduces duty to approximately $7,938, compared with $26,775 under standard rates — a saving of around $18,800. Eligibility requires the buyer to be at least 18 years old, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and not previously holding an interest in residential land in Australia or elsewhere.
First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in Queensland
Queensland offers a $30,000 First Home Owner Grant for eligible buyers purchasing or building a new home with a value of less than $750,000. This is the most generous FHOG among the four largest states.
The grant can be combined with the first home transfer duty exemption or concession. A first home buyer purchasing a new home for $700,000 could receive zero transfer duty under the uncapped exemption plus the $30,000 FHOG — a combined benefit of over $30,000, given that standard duty on that purchase would be approximately $24,525.
Foreign Acquirer Surcharge (AFAD) in Queensland
Foreign persons acquiring residential land in Queensland pay Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty (AFAD) of 8% on top of the standard transfer duty. AFAD is calculated on the entire dutiable value of the residential land and is payable in addition to all other duties.
A foreign acquirer is defined as an individual who is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or a foreign corporation or trustee of a foreign trust. The surcharge applies regardless of whether the property is a new or existing home, and regardless of the purchase price. Temporary residents may also be captured depending on their visa status and duration of stay.
For example, a foreign person buying an $800,000 established home would pay approximately $27,900 in standard transfer duty plus $64,000 in AFAD (8% of $800,000), for a total duty liability of $91,900.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Queensland transfer duty payable? Transfer duty must be paid and the transfer lodged within 30 days of the transaction date (generally the date of unconditional contract). Late lodgement attracts unpaid tax interest at the prescribed rate. Buyers should factor the 30-day timeline into their settlement planning.
Does the uncapped new-home exemption apply to off-the-plan apartments? Yes. Off-the-plan purchases of new apartments that have not been previously occupied qualify for the uncapped first home exemption, provided the buyer meets the residency and eligibility requirements. The exemption applies to the full dutiable value.
Can I claim both the FHOG and the first home duty exemption? Yes. The First Home Owner Grant and the transfer duty concession or exemption are separate benefits and can be claimed simultaneously. First home buyers purchasing a new home under $750,000 may be eligible for both the $30,000 FHOG and full duty exemption.
What if I buy vacant land now but build later? Vacant land purchased by a first home buyer with the intention of building a home on it qualifies for the uncapped duty exemption. There is no requirement to commence construction within a specific timeframe, though the buyer must move in within two years of the home being completed and reside there for at least six months.
Are there any duty concessions for home buyers who are not first home buyers? Queensland also offers a home concession for owner-occupiers who are not first home buyers, provided the property is their principal place of residence. This concession reduces duty on homes up to $350,000, with a partial concession phasing out at higher values. The benefit is smaller than the first home concession but can still provide meaningful savings for eligible buyers.
Data Sources
The statistics and rates in this article are drawn from official publications of the Queensland Revenue Office regarding transfer duty rates, first home concessions, and AFAD, as current at July 2026. Readers are encouraged to verify their specific circumstances with the Queensland Revenue Office or a licensed conveyancer.
For personalised guidance on Queensland duty obligations, including navigating the interaction between the uncapped new-home exemption and other state benefits, Arrivau’s licensed property consultants can provide assistance, typically within one business day.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Stamp duty rates and concessions may change. Readers should confirm current rates with the relevant state Revenue Office or a licensed professional before making property decisions. Data current as at July 2026.