How it works
Transfer duty — most people still call it stamp duty — is a state tax on the transfer of property. In Western Australia it is charged on a sliding scale, and which scale applies depends on what you are buying and who you are.
The general rate
The default. It starts at $1.90 per $100 and steps up through five brackets to $5.15 per $100 on anything above $725,000. It applies to investment purchases, second and subsequent homes, and anyone who doesn't qualify for a concession.
The First Home Owner Rate
The big one. Since 7 May 2026, a first home buyer pays no duty at all on an established home up to $600,000, then a reduced rate up to $800,000. Vacant land is nil to $450,000 and reduced to $550,000. Above those ceilings the general rate returns in full — there is no partial taper beyond them.
The concessional rate
A separate, much narrower concession for a home you will live in where the whole property is worth $200,000 or less. Rare in the Perth market but it exists, and the calculator applies it when it fits.
Why the thresholds matter so much
The First Home Owner Rate thresholds have moved twice since May 2024. If you were told a figure a year or two ago, it is probably wrong now — and in the right direction. Worth rechecking before you decide what you can afford.
What it assumes
- The property is in Western Australia and the purchase is a standard residential transfer.
- The dutiable value is the purchase price. Where a property is transferred for less than its market value, duty is assessed on the higher figure.
- First Home Owner Rate figures are those applying to transactions from 7 May 2026. Earlier contracts are assessed under the thresholds in force at the time.
- If you select the First Home Owner Rate, the calculator assumes you actually qualify. Eligibility has conditions — including that you have not previously owned residential property in Australia, and that you move in within a set period and stay. RevenueWA decides eligibility, not this calculator and not me.
- Not included: the foreign buyer duty surcharge, Landgate transfer and mortgage registration fees, settlement agent fees, rates and water adjustments, or any other cost of buying. Your settlement agent will give you the full figure.
- Duty is rounded for display. RevenueWA's assessment is the figure that counts.
Important
The results from this calculator should be used as an indication only. Results do not represent either quotes or pre-qualifications for a loan. The specific details of your loan will be provided to you in your loan contract. It is advised that you get in touch with us before taking out a loan so that we can provide you with advice that is tailored to your situation.
This calculator is a guide to a state tax, not advice about your purchase, and it is not credit assistance. Duty rates and thresholds are set by the Western Australian Government and change. Figures here reflect the rates published by RevenueWA as at the date of the last update to this page. Confirm your own position with RevenueWA or your settlement agent before you commit to anything.