How Transfer Duty Works in Western Australia
In Western Australia, stamp duty is known as transfer duty and is administered by the Department of Treasury (RevenueWA). It's a state tax applied to the purchase of real property and is calculated on the greater of the purchase price or the property's unencumbered market value.
WA uses a tiered rate structure with amounts expressed in dollars plus a percentage of the excess above each threshold. Rates increase progressively with the property value, and different concessions apply for first home buyers and principal place of residence purchases.
Standard WA Transfer Duty Rates (2025–26)
| Dutiable Value | Duty Payable |
|---|---|
| $0 – $120,000 | 1.9% of the dutiable value |
| $120,001 – $150,000 | $2,280 + 2.85% of excess over $120,000 |
| $150,001 – $360,000 | $3,135 + 3.7% of excess over $150,000 |
| $360,001 – $725,000 | $10,905 + 4.7% of excess over $360,000 |
| Over $725,000 | $28,010 + 5.7% of excess over $725,000 |
First Home Buyer Concessions in WA
Western Australia offers duty relief for eligible first home buyers purchasing a home to live in:
- Full exemption on properties (new or existing) up to $430,000
- Concessional rates for new homes between $430,001 and $530,000 (sliding scale)
- No concession for established homes over $430,000 — full duty applies
To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, have never owned residential property in Australia before, and intend to live in the home for at least 12 months.
Eligibility Requirements
You must not have previously received a first home buyer duty concession or exemption in WA or any other Australian state or territory. The property must be in Western Australia and intended as your principal place of residence. If you receive a concession and later sell or move out within 12 months, a refund of duty may be payable.
Worked Examples
Example 1 — First Home Buyer, $400,000 Established Home
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | $400,000 |
| Standard duty (at $360k–$725k rate) | $10,905 + 4.7% of $40,000 = $12,785 |
| FHB exemption (under $430k threshold) | –$12,785 |
| Duty payable | $0 |
This buyer pays no stamp duty — a saving of nearly $13,000.
Example 2 — Owner-Occupier, $600,000 Home
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | $600,000 |
| Duty: $10,905 + 4.7% × ($600k – $360k) | $22,185 |
| Duty payable | $22,185 |
As this property exceeds the $430,000 first home buyer threshold and is not eligible for any other concession, full duty applies.
Example 3 — Foreign Investor, $800,000 Property
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | $800,000 |
| Standard duty (over $725k rate) | $28,010 + 5.7% of $75,000 = $32,285 |
| Foreign purchaser surcharge (7% of $800k) | $56,000 |
| Total duty payable | $88,285 |
The foreign surcharge significantly increases the total cost of purchase.
Foreign Purchaser Duty Surcharge
Foreign purchasers of residential property in Western Australia pay an additional duty surcharge of 7% of the dutiable value, on top of standard transfer duty rates. A foreign person is broadly defined as someone who is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or a corporation with certain foreign connections.
The surcharge applies to residential property only, not commercial or industrial properties. Certain exemptions may be available for New Zealand citizens who hold a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) and meet specific criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer: WA transfer duty rates, first home buyer thresholds and foreign surcharge rates are subject to change. This calculator reflects RevenueWA published rates for 2025–26 and is for estimation purposes only. Individual circumstances, property type, and concession eligibility can significantly affect actual duty payable. Always confirm figures with your settlement agent or RevenueWA before making financial decisions.
Related Property & Tax Tools
- Stamp Duty Calculator VIC — Victorian land transfer duty rates and FHB concessions
- Stamp Duty Calculator NSW — NSW transfer duty with first home buyer exemptions up to $800,000
- Stamp Duty Calculator QLD — Queensland transfer duty and $30,000 FHOG
- Mortgage Calculator — Calculate your home loan repayments after stamp duty
- Income Tax Calculator — Know your take-home pay for budgeting your purchase