Stamp Duty Fees Sunshine Coast QLD

🏡 Understanding Stamp Duty (Transfer Duty) in QLD

Stamp duty, officially known as transfer duty, is a state government tax payable upon purchasing property in Queensland. The amount is based on the dutiable value—whichever is higher of the Adelaide price or market value—and varies according to your situation: first‑home buyer, owner‑occupier, investor, or foreign purchaser.

Stamp Duty Rates in 2025

As of July 2024 (into 2025), these are the standard rates ⚖️

Dutiable ValueStamp Duty
$0 – $5,000$0
$5,001 – $75,000$1.50 per $100 (or part) over $5,000
$75,001 – $540,000$1,050 + $3.50 per $100 over $75,000
$540,001 – $1,000,000$17,325 + $4.50 per $100 over $540,000
Over $1,000,000$38,025 + $5.75 per $100 over $1,000,000

These thresholds and rates are confirmed by official sources.


Concessions & Exemptions

First-Home Buyer Concessions

From 1 May 2025, the QLD Government offers full transfer duty exemption for buyers acquiring:

  • A new home (including vacant land to build),
  • Or vacant land for new homes (qro.qld.gov.au).

Additionally, broader concessions include:

  • First-Home (New Home) Concession,
  • First-Home Vacant Land Concession,
  • First-Home Grant — a cash payment under similar criteria.

For established homes (pre‑owned), concessions apply up to property values of $800,000. Note: following the 2024‑25 Queensland Budget, the duty-free threshold for first‑home buyers was increased from $500,000 to $700,000 (couriermail.com.au, news.com.au).

Foreign Purchaser Surcharge

Non-residents and foreign entities pay an additional surcharge on residential property:

  • 8% surcharge on stamp duty for properties valued above $350,000 .
    The total effective rate can reach around 13.75% for foreign buyers.

Local Factors: Maroochydore

Maroochydore, a vibrant suburb on the Sunshine Coast, offers a range of property types—from beachfront units to modern houses. As of mid‑2025, median house prices are around $900,000, while apartments are closer to $600,000. That places many purchases in mid- to high-bracket stamp duty.


đź§® Sample Stamp Duty Table for Maroochydore Purchases

This table illustrates typical stamp duty based on different buyer types purchasing in Maroochydore:

Buyer TypeProperty ValueEstimated Stamp DutyComments
Owner-Occupier (standard)$600,000$17,325 + 6,000* = $23,325Typical entry buy
 $900,000$17,325 + 16,200** = $33,525Mid‑range house
First-Home Buyer (new)$700,000$0 (full exemption)New build eligible from 1 May 2025 
First-Home Buyer (established)$700,000Concessional rate — approx. $20,000Below $800K cap
Foreign Purchaser$600,000$23,325 × 1.08 = $25,191+8% surcharge 
 $1,200,000$38,025 + (200k×5.75%) = $49,575; total $53,562Higher bracket

* Calculation: $17,325 + (60k Ă· 100 Ă— $4.50) = $17,325 + $2,700 = $20,025.
** $900k: $17,325 + (360k Ă· 100 Ă— $4.50) = $17,325 + $16,200 = $33,525. Click here for our Stamp Duty Calculator

Why it matters:

  • Owner-occupiers face significant upfront costs, affecting cash-flow and borrowing capacity.
  • First-home buyers can save tens of thousands, especially on new builds.
  • Foreign buyers must budget for the expensive non-resident surcharge.

Tips for Buyers in Maroochydore

  1. Budget beyond the purchase price: Stamp duty, transfer and mortgage registration fees add several thousand dollars.
  2. First-home buyers should check eligibility dates: New build exemptions began 1 May 2025; historic values may affect concessional status.
  3. Foreign buyers must factor surcharges: 8% surcharge is a major cost addition.
  4. Use the QLD Revenue Office estimator to confirm exactly what you owe.

📝 Summary

  • Stamp duty in Maroochydore follows standard QLD rates effective as of July 2024.
  • First-home buyers are strongly advantaged, especially for new builds or homes ≤ $700,000.
  • Foreign buyers face an additional surcharge, increasing overall stamp duty by ~8%.
  • Always calculate your total upfront costs when planning financials.

As you explore property options in Maroochydore, use the above table to estimate duty costs, confirm eligibility for concessions, and check surcharges if applicable. Consulting a solicitor or conveyancer and using the official QRO estimator ensures accuracy and can help streamline your property purchase.

How To Find Us

Driving directions

Our office is located on the corner of Smith and Muraban Street, just a block back from the Mooloolaba Esplanade.

Parking information

There are a few onsite parking spaces available, including disabled parking, as well as street parking and paid hourly spots, which are available in the multi-story parking facility across the road from our office.

Wheelchair friendliness

There is wheelchair access to the office, as well as wheelchair friendly restrooms and parking.

Pet friendliness

We are a pet friendly office; however, we do ask that you kindly keep dogs on a lead for their safety as we are near relatively high traffic road.