Stamp Duty Calculator Victoria
Are you an Australian expat looking to buy property in Victoria? If you are, it’s important to understand the stamp duty tax implications of buying property in the state. Stamp duty is a tax the state government imposes on certain transactions, including property purchases.
In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about stamp duty in VIC, including how it is calculated and what exemptions & concessions you may be eligible for as an Aussie expat. You can also use our stamp duty calculator for VIC to get an estimate of the stamp duty payable.
What is stamp duty in Victoria?
Stamp duty is a one-time tax paid by the buyer of a property. Different states and territories have varying stamp duty rates and regulations which could determine whether you’ll be paying tens of thousands of dollars or if you’ll be exempt from paying stamp duty completely.
In Victoria, the stamp duty rate varies depending on the property’s value and the buyer’s type. As an expat, most lenders will treat you the same way they would treat a typical Australian borrower.
This means that though you may need to pay stamp duty, you can avoid paying foreign stamp duty which is generally more expensive. However, some lenders may consider you to be a foreign buyer, which means you would be subject to a higher rate.
How much is stamp duty in Victoria?
The stamp duty rates in Victoria for Australian expats are the same as for Australian residents. It depends on the value of the purchased property. However, Australian expats may be eligible for exemptions or discounts on stamp duty if they buy a property as their primary residence.
As of March 2023, the stamp duty rates in Victoria for residential properties range from 4.5% to 6.5%, depending on the value of the property you are purchasing.Keep in mind that stamp duty rates and exemptions are subject to change. It is best to consult a specialist expat broker or advisor when purchasing a property.
How is stamp duty calculated in VIC?
Stamp duty is usually calculated on the basis of the price of the property, including any improvements or fixtures that will need to be carried out on the property.
In simple terms, if your property’s price increases, stamp duty rates increase accordingly. The residency status of the borrower and the purpose of buying the property also determine the stamp duty rate you will need to pay in VIC. For instance:
- First-time homebuyers may qualify for exemptions and concessions.
- Investors who purchase a property in Victoria are subject to higher stamp duty rates than owner-occupiers.
- Foreign buyers may need to pay higher rates.
First Home Owner Grant
The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in Victoria is a one-off payment available to eligible first homebuyers who purchase or build a new home. As an expat, you may not be eligible for the FHOG unless you plan to return to Australia and live in the property as your primary residence.
A grant of $10,000 is available for first home buyers buying a home valued under $750,000 through the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) scheme in VIC. The grant can be used towards a newly built or substantially renovated house, townhouse, apartment, unit, or similar property.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and must be a first home buyer as an individual (not a company or trust) in order to qualify for FHOG. You may not be eligible for the grant if the home was previously sold or occupied.
Take the first step towards the right home loan.
Apply online to get expert recommendations with real interest rates and repayments.
Stamp duty for foreign buyers in Victoria
Foreign nationals purchasing a property in Australia are subject to an additional cost known as the Foreign Stamp Duty in Victoria. This surcharge is an extra fee ranging from 7% to 8% of the property purchase price on top of the standard stamp duty fee. The exact amount of the surcharge varies depending on the state or territory where the property is being purchased.
Foreign Investment Review Board
Foreign nationals are required to pay for an application to the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) in addition to other costs. The FIRB is responsible for regulating foreign property investment in Australia to maintain market fairness.
Before purchasing an Australian property, the FIRB must approve your application, which is expensive. If you fail to seek approval and purchase a property, you could face expensive penalties or up to 10 years in prison.
While waiting for approval from the FIRB, you may apply for a home loan with Odin Mortgage and start searching for a property.
Take the first step towards the right home loan.
Apply online to get expert recommendations with real interest rates and repayments.
How to calculate stamp duty in Victoria using our calculator
To calculate the stamp duty for a property purchase in Victoria, you can use the following steps:
- Determine the property’s value, including any improvements or renovations.
- Use our Victoria’s stamp duty calculator to determine the stamp duty payable. The calculator takes into account factors such as the property’s location, the buyer’s residency status, and the purchase price.
- The stamp duty must be paid within 30 days of settlement. Failure to pay on time may result in penalties and interest charges.
Stamp duty rates in Victoria vary depending on the value of the property and other factors, so it’s important to use an up-to-date calculator for an accurate estimate.
What factors affect the stamp duty calculation?
Several factors can affect the calculation of stamp duty in Victoria, Australia. Some of these factors include:
- Property Value: Stamp duty is calculated based on the property’s purchase price. The higher the value, the higher the stamp duty.
- Property Type: Different property types attract different stamp duty rates. For example, vacant land may have a different stamp duty rate compared to residential property.
- Buyer Status: Stamp duty rates can differ depending on the buyer’s residency status, whether they are purchasing the property as an individual or through a company, and other factors.
- First Home Buyer Status: First-time homebuyers may be eligible for stamp duty concessions or exemptions.
- Location: Stamp duty rates can vary based on the location of the property, including whether it’s in a metropolitan or regional area.
Get in touch with Odin Mortgage today!
Odin Mortgage can help you get an Australian home loan approval quickly, without any hassle. Our goal is to ensure you get the best possible deal by providing you with the latest comparison of home loan interest rates. We also offer guidance on securing a mortgage using overseas-earned income.
Reach out to us today to schedule a call and find out how we can help you with your home loan needs.
FAQs about stamp duty calculator VIC
Do I need to be in Australia to pay stamp duty?
No, you don’t need to be in Australia to pay stamp duty. You can arrange for payment through your conveyancer or solicitor, who will handle the payment on your behalf.
When do i pay stamp duty in Victoria?
Stamp duty must be paid within 30 days of settlement. Failure to pay on time may result in penalties and interest charges.
As an Australian expat, am I eligible for a stamp duty exemption in Victoria in 2023?
If you’re wondering how to avoid stamp duty in Victoria, then you may be happy to know that, yes, you may be eligible for some stamp duty exemption and concession in Victoria if you’re an Aussie expat purchasing a property in Victoria. For example, if you’re a first-time homebuyer, you may be eligible for a stamp duty concession.
It is better to speak with a specialist expat mortgage broker to find out if you’re eligible for any stamp duty concession in Victoria. Get a free assessment with Odin Mortgage today to find out!
Can I use overseas income to secure a mortgage in Victoria?
Yes, you can use your overseas income to secure a mortgage in Victoria. However, you’ll need to provide evidence of your overseas income, such as payslips and tax returns, and the lender may require you to convert your income into Australian dollars.
Some lenders may not use all of your income to process the mortgage, while other will limit your borrowing capacity to up to 80% LVR if you cannot provide sufficient documents to prove your income.
Can you pay stamp duty in instalments in Victoria?
Yes, Australian expats can pay stamp duty in instalments in Victoria, subject to certain conditions. The Victorian State Revenue Office offers an instalment plan for eligible taxpayers, including Australian expats, who are unable to pay the full stamp duty amount at the time of purchase.
To be eligible for the instalment plan, the total stamp duty payable must be $20,000 or more, and the property being purchased must be for residential or primary production purposes. The instalment plan allows the taxpayer to pay the stamp duty amount over 12 months, with interest charged on the outstanding balance.
It is important to note that not all taxpayers may be eligible for the instalment plan, and seeking professional advice when considering payment options for stamp duty is recommended.
Do I have to pay stamp duty on a gift or inheritance of property?
Off-the-plan properties are properties that are sold before they are constructed. Buyers of off-the-plan properties may be eligible for a stamp duty concession, depending on the purchase price and the construction timeline.
