Estimate Your Foreign Buyer Property Surcharge
Calculate the potential additional Victorian duty that may apply when a foreign purchaser acquires an interest in residential property.
Understand the Additional Cost Before Buying
See how foreign purchaser status, ownership share and dutiable value can affect the additional duty on residential property.
- Estimate the surcharge applicable to the foreign purchaser's property share.
- Add the amount to your broader acquisition cost planning.
- Review purchaser status carefully before relying on the estimate.
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Foreign Buyer Surcharge FAQs
Foreign purchaser rules extend beyond nationality alone. These answers cover the key ownership and property considerations relevant in Victoria.
What is the foreign buyer surcharge in Victoria?
The formal term is foreign purchaser additional duty. It can apply where a foreign purchaser acquires Victorian residential property and is charged in addition to ordinary land transfer duty.
What is the current foreign purchaser additional duty rate?
The current rate is 8% for relevant contracts, transactions, agreements and arrangements entered into on or after 1 July 2019.
What amount is the 8% calculated on?
The surcharge is generally calculated on the dutiable value of the residential property share acquired by the foreign purchaser. Dutiable value is generally the greater of the price paid and market value.
Is foreign purchaser duty instead of normal stamp duty?
No. It is additional to ordinary Victorian land transfer duty where the foreign purchaser additional duty rules apply.
Do ordinary stamp duty concessions reduce the surcharge?
The SRO states that foreign purchaser additional duty is calculated on the relevant dutiable value before ordinary land transfer duty concessions are applied.
Are there any exemptions from foreign purchasers' additional duty?
Yes. Specific exemptions and rules can apply in certain circumstances, including for some foreign corporations or trusts. Purchaser status and eligibility should therefore be confirmed for the individual transaction.
Planning a Victorian Property Purchase From Overseas?
Get guidance on purchaser requirements, additional duty and conveyancing steps before committing to your Victorian residential property purchase.