Stamp Duty on $400,000 in Australian Capital Territory (2025-26)

Stamp duty on a $400,000 property in Australian Capital Territory is estimated at $8,000. Including transfer and mortgage registration fees, upfront government costs are about $8,567. This page breaks down each amount and shows concession scenarios.

Stamp duty in Australian Capital Territory

The ACT is progressively abolishing stamp duty, replacing it with higher annual land rates (essentially a property tax). Duty rates are being reduced each year as part of a multi-decade transition. The ACT also offers an owner-occupier concession and has the Home Buyer Concession Scheme providing full stamp duty exemption for homes up to $1 million (income-tested).

Policy note: The ACT's stamp duty abolition means rates are already lower than comparable prices in NSW or VIC. The Home Buyer Concession Scheme (income threshold ~$170,000 for individuals, ~$250,000 for couples) can provide full duty exemption on properties up to $1 million. However, ongoing land rates are higher than in other jurisdictions.

Foreign buyer surcharge: The ACT does not currently impose a foreign buyer stamp duty surcharge, though foreign owners may face higher land tax rates.

Stamp duty $8,000.00 ACT transfer duty on $400,000

Effective rate 2.00%

Total upfront $8,567.00

Transfer fee $400.00

Cost Breakdown

Purchase price	$400,000
Stamp duty (ACT)	$8,000.00
Owner-Occupier duty	$5,008.00
Transfer registration fee	$400.00
Mortgage registration fee	$167.00
Total upfront government costs	$8,567.00
Effective stamp duty rate	2.00%

First Home Buyer Concession

Standard stamp duty	$8,000.00
First home buyer duty	$0.00
FHB saving	$8,000.00

Use our ACT First Home Buyer Calculator to check eligibility and get a detailed breakdown.

Compare Nearby Prices in ACT

Price	Stamp Duty	Effective Rate
$300,000	$4,600.00	1.53%
$400,000	$8,000.00	2.00%
$500,000	$11,400.00	2.28%

Compare $400,000 Across States

State	Stamp Duty	Effective Rate
NSW	$12,412.00	3.10%
VIC	$19,070.00	4.77%
QLD	$12,425.00	3.11%
SA	$16,330.00	4.08%
WA	$13,015.00	3.25%
TAS	$13,998.00	3.50%
NT	$16,514.00	4.13%
ACT	$8,000.00	2.00%

Buying in this price range

Properties under $500,000 are typically entry-level — units, apartments, or houses in regional areas and outer suburbs. At this price point, first home buyer concessions and grants have the most impact, potentially eliminating stamp duty entirely in several states. The upfront government costs at this level are a smaller proportion of the purchase price, but still represent a significant cash outlay alongside your deposit.

First Home Buyer relief is strongest here

Most states offer full stamp duty exemption or significant concessions at this price point. NSW exempts purchases under $800,000, VIC under $600,000, QLD under $500,000, and SA under $650,000 (new homes). Always check the specific threshold for your state — small differences in price can mean thousands in savings.

Factor stamp duty into your deposit

Even with concessions, you need cash for transfer and mortgage registration fees, conveyancing, and building inspections. Budget 2-3% of the purchase price for total upfront costs beyond the deposit. On a $400,000 property, that is $8,000-$12,000.

Typical buyers: First home buyers, downsizers, regional buyers, and apartment purchasers in capital cities.

Frequently asked questions

How much is stamp duty on a $400,000 property in ACT?

Stamp duty on a $400,000 property in Australian Capital Territory is $8,000. This represents an effective stamp duty rate of 2.00% of the purchase price. Including transfer and mortgage registration fees, total upfront government costs are $8,567.

What are the total upfront costs on a $400k property in ACT?

For a $400,000 property in Australian Capital Territory, total upfront government costs are approximately $8,567. This includes stamp duty of $8,000, a transfer registration fee of $400, and a mortgage registration fee of $167.

Can first home buyers get a stamp duty concession on $400k in ACT?

Yes. First home buyers purchasing a $400,000 property in Australian Capital Territory may pay no stamp duty (full exemption), saving $8,000 compared to the standard rate. Eligibility conditions apply — use our ACT First Home Buyer calculator for details.

What is the Owner-Occupier stamp duty on $400k in ACT?

The Owner-Occupier stamp duty on a $400,000 property in Australian Capital Territory is $5,008, saving $2,992 compared to the general/investor rate of $8,000.

How is stamp duty calculated in ACT?

Australian Capital Territory uses a progressive bracket system for stamp duty. The rate increases as the property value rises, similar to income tax brackets. Only the portion of the price within each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate. Use our interactive ACT Stamp Duty Calculator for a detailed breakdown.

Need a detailed calculation?

Our interactive ACT Stamp Duty Calculator lets you enter any property value and see a full breakdown of duty, fees, and concessions.

First home buyer? Check your eligibility with the ACT First Home Buyer Calculator.