When duty is due — at a glance
| State | When transfer duty is due | Off-the-plan deferral? |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | The earlier of settlement or 3 months from signing the contract | Yes — up to 12 months for eligible owner-occupier off-the-plan buyers (not established homes) |
| QLD | For electronic settlements, the later of 30 days from the contract going unconditional or 60 days from the contract date — and no later than settlement | No deferral option |
| VIC | At settlement — it's paid as part of completing the transaction | Payment plans only, in limited hardship cases |
Other states and territories set their own deadlines, so confirm the position where you're buying. Whatever the state, paying the duty is a precondition to registering your ownership, and interest accrues daily on any duty paid late.
When Do I Need to Pay Transfer Duty in NSW, QLD, and VIC?
NSW Transfer Duty Payment Deadline
In New South Wales, transfer duty in NSW must be paid within 3 months of the property purchase contract being signed or at settlement, whichever is earlier.
However, for eligible owner-occupier off-the-plan purchases, payment can be deferred for up to 12 months or until settlement, whichever comes first. Residence and eligibility conditions apply — see off-the-plan property purchases on the Revenue NSW website, or ask your conveyancer whether you qualify.
QLD Transfer Duty Payment Deadline
In Queensland, transfer duty is payable within:
- If an electronic settlement — the later of 30 days from the contract becoming unconditional or 60 days from the Contract Date, and no later than settlement date; or
- If not an electronic settlement — the later of 30 days of the contract being signed or 30 days from when your contract becomes unconditional, and no later than the settlement date.
Given most contracts settle within 30 days it is commonly paid at settlement. However, if settlement is later than this date, transfer duty must be paid when due or additional interest on unpaid duty will need to be paid.
VIC Stamp Duty Payment Deadline
In Victoria, transfer duty in VIC must be paid as part of the property settlement to enable settlement to take place.
Can I Delay Paying the Transfer Duty or Pay in Instalments?
- NSW: Buyers of eligible off-the-plan purchases have an additional 12 months to pay transfer duty but this is not an option for established property transactions. Regardless, transfer duty must be paid on settlement. Buyers experiencing financial hardship can apply to the Hardship Review Board to waive, defer or write off transfer duty.
- QLD: No deferral options; payment must be made within the set timeframe.
- VIC: The Victorian State Revenue Office offers a payment plan in limited circumstances for financial hardship cases.
Impact of Interest Rates
When transfer duty is not paid on time, interest accrues daily until the duty is paid in full. Each revenue office sets its own rate — reviewed quarterly in NSW and annually in QLD and VIC — and rates have recently sat in the low teens. For the current rate in each state, see calculating NSW duties interest (and the NSW duties interest calculator), QLD unpaid tax interest and VIC interest rates.
If you're unsure about your payment obligations, use the NSW stamp duty calculator, QLD stamp duty calculator, or VIC stamp duty calculator to estimate your duty and plan accordingly.
Transfer Duty / Stamp Duty Refunds — What if I Pay Too Early and My Contract is Cancelled?
NSW Stamp Duty Refunds
In NSW, if you have already paid transfer duty but your contract is rescinded or terminated, you may apply for a refund. Refund applications must be made within:
- 5 years after transfer duty was assessed; or
- 12 months after the contract is rescinded or terminated.
Supporting documents, such as proof of contract termination, are required. Visit the NSW Revenue website for more details.
QLD Stamp Duty Refunds
In Queensland, if you have paid transfer duty but the contract is later terminated or cancelled before completion, you can apply to the Queensland Revenue Office for a reassessment and refund of the duty paid. The cancellation must be genuine — relief isn't available where the agreement is cancelled as part of an arrangement to on-sell the property to the same or a related buyer. Apply promptly with evidence of the termination; see the QRO transfer duty pages for how to lodge.
VIC Stamp Duty Refunds
In Victoria, if you have overpaid the transfer duty your contract is cancelled or does not settle, you may apply for a stamp duty refund in VIC. Applications must be submitted within 5 years of the original duty payment. Proof of termination and a written request to the State Revenue Office Victoria is required.
If you've overpaid or your contract is cancelled your transfer duty, ensure you apply for a refund promptly to recover your funds.