Quick answer: From 1 August 2026, Queensland’s transfer duty concessions are limited to Australian citizens, permanent residents, and specified foreign retirees. Temporary residents no longer qualify and must pay full transfer duty plus an 8% Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty (AFAD).
Under the Revenue (Cost of Living Relief Locked-In Law) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2026, the Queensland Government narrowed eligibility for transfer duty—commonly known as stamp duty—concessions. If you’re buying property in Queensland, here’s what you need to know.
Who Is Eligible for Home Concessions?
Transfer duty concessions for homes, first homes, and vacant land are now limited to:
- Australian citizens
- Permanent residents
- Specified foreign retirees
These changes apply to contracts signed on or after 1 August 2026. If your contract was signed on or before 31 July 2026, the previous rules still apply—even if settlement hasn’t occurred yet.
Who Is No Longer Eligible?
Temporary residents are most affected. Buyers on temporary visas who previously accessed home concessions are now generally excluded. They must pay full transfer duty plus the 8% AFAD surcharge that applies to residential property purchases by foreign acquirers. For a median-priced Queensland home, this can add tens of thousands of dollars to your upfront costs.
Mixed Purchases: When Only Some Buyers Qualify
If you’re buying with a partner or family member and only one of you meets the eligibility criteria, the concession applies only to that person’s ownership share. The ineligible buyer’s portion attracts full transfer duty and AFAD. These mixed-transaction calculations can be complex, so professional advice is strongly recommended.
The $30,000 First Home Owners Grant
On a more positive note, the Queensland Government has extended the $30,000 First Home Owners Grant for a further four years. Eligible first-home buyers purchasing or building a new home can still access this important financial support.
What Buyers Should Do Now
Before signing any contract for Queensland property, you should:
- Confirm your eligibility status under the updated criteria
- Budget for AFAD if you don’t meet the new concession requirements
- Get advice on how mixed-ownership purchases will be assessed
- Check whether the First Home Owners Grant applies to your situation
- Note your contract date relative to the 1 August 2026 cutoff
Given what’s at stake financially, speaking with a solicitor or conveyancer experienced in Queensland property law before you sign is a practical and prudent step.
How We Can Help
Our firm has guided Queensland buyers through regulatory change for many years. We understand how these transfer duty reforms affect real transactions, and we’re here to help you navigate the rules with confidence. Contact our team before you sign to make sure your purchase is structured correctly from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the changes take effect?
The new rules apply to contracts signed on or after 1 August 2026. Contracts signed on or before 31 July 2026 are unaffected, regardless of settlement date.
Who qualifies for home concessions?
Australian citizens, permanent residents, and specified foreign retirees (subclass 405 or 410 visa holders) remain eligible.
What if I’m a temporary resident?
You are generally no longer eligible for concessions and must pay full transfer duty plus the 8% AFAD.
Is the First Home Owners Grant still available?
Yes. The $30,000 grant has been extended for four more years for eligible first-home buyers.
What if only one buyer in a joint purchase qualifies?
The concession applies only to the eligible buyer’s share. The other buyer’s portion is subject to full transfer duty and AFAD.