WA Stamp Duty Explained

Key takeawaysStamp duty in WA is called transfer duty. The buyer pays it, not the seller.RevenueWA calculates transfer duty on the purchase price, using a sliding scale.First home buyers can…

Key takeaways

Stamp duty in WA is called transfer duty. The buyer pays it, not the seller.
RevenueWA calculates transfer duty on the purchase price, using a sliding scale.
First home buyers can pay reduced or no duty up to a threshold set by RevenueWA.
Duty is due within a set time after settlement, so budget for it up front.

Transfer duty is the tax most buyers underestimate. In WA it is often the largest single cost after the deposit. This guide explains what it is, who pays it and how it is worked out, in plain terms.

What transfer duty is

Transfer duty is a WA state tax on property transfers. The buyer pays transfer duty. RevenueWA calculates the amount on the purchase price or the property value, whichever is higher. Sellers do not pay it. It is a one off cost at purchase, not an ongoing one.

How the sliding scale works

Duty rises in steps with the price. The table below shows the WA general residential rate at the time of writing. Rates and thresholds can change, so treat this as a guide and confirm the current figures with RevenueWA.

Property value	General rate of duty
Up to $120,000	1.9% of the value
$120,001 to $150,000	$2,280 plus 2.85% over $120,000
$150,001 to $360,000	$3,135 plus 3.8% over $150,000
$360,001 to $725,000	$11,115 plus 4.75% over $360,000
Over $725,000	$28,453 plus 5.15% over $725,000

The keys, and the duty. Budget transfer duty up front, because it is due soon after settlement.

The first home concession

First home buyers get a break. They pay reduced or no transfer duty up to a threshold, with a phased rate above it. The concession applies to established homes and to vacant land, at different thresholds. WA lifted these thresholds in 2024, so check the current cut offs with RevenueWA before you rely on a number. First home buyers should read our first home buyer’s guide to Kwinana for the full set of schemes.

Two more things to know

Foreign buyers pay more. A foreign transfer duty surcharge of 7% applies on residential property bought by a foreign person, on top of the normal duty.
Duty is due quickly. Transfer duty must be paid within a set period after the transaction. Your settlement agent handles the lodgement, but the money is yours to have ready.

Good to know. Duty is only one of several buying costs. See the full list in the hidden costs of buying a home in WA, below.

Real estate isn’t just about property — it’s about people. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping families and investors across Kwinana, Rockingham, and Cockburn make some of the biggest decisions of their lives. What drives me is seeing the relief, joy, and confidence on a client’s face when they achieve their property goals.

I started my career determined to challenge the “one-size-fits-all” approach so common in real estate. Instead, I’ve built my reputation on listening first, tailoring strategies to suit each client, and negotiating with tenacity to secure the best outcomes. Whether it’s a first home, an investment, or a dream upgrade, I approach each journey with the same energy and dedication.

My clients describe me as approachable, down-to-earth, and relentless when it comes to achieving results. I take pride in being a trusted advisor who goes beyond the transaction — because buying or selling a home is more than a deal, it’s a milestone in life.

If you’re thinking about your next move in Kwinana, Rockingham, or Cockburn, I’d love the opportunity to guide you through it with expertise, honesty, and genuine care.