Home Loan & Stamp Duty guide 2026 · TotalCalcHub Australia

Your step‑by‑step guide to financing a home in Australia

Home loans – compare & save

Choosing a home loan is about more than the interest rate. Here’s what to look for in 2026.

Interest rate types

Variable – flexible, extra repayments. Fixed – rate certainty (1–5 years). Split – part variable, part fixed. Interest‑only – lower repayments initially.

Learn more

Comparison rate

Includes most fees and charges. Always check the comparison rate – it reveals the true cost. Lenders must show it by law.

Compare lenders

Repayment calculator

Use our home loan repayment calculator to see principal & interest, weekly/fortnightly savings, and total interest.

Try calculator

LMI & deposits

Less than 20% deposit? You'll pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance. Some lenders waive LMI for professionals. First Home Guarantee helps with 5% deposit.

Deposit schemes

Stamp duty by state (2026)

Stamp duty (transfer duty) is a state tax on property purchases. Rates and thresholds change – below are indicative 2026 figures. Always verify with your state revenue office.

State	Property value	Stamp duty rate (general)	First home buyer concession
NSW	$0 – $350k $350k – $1.2M > $1.2M	$1,510 + 4.5% above $350k 5.5% + $47,510 over $1.2M	Full exemption up to $800k, partial to $1M
VIC	$0 – $25k … > $960k	1.4% – 5.5% (progressive). e.g. $960k–$1.2M: 5% + $38,075	Full exemption up to $600k (new homes), concession to $750k
QLD	$0 – $5k … > $1M	0% – 5.75% (top). For $1M+: $38,025 + 5.75% above $1M	Full exemption up to $550k, concession to $700k
WA	$0 – $120k … > $725k	1.9% – 5.15% (top). >$725k: $28,454 + 5.15% of excess	Full exemption up to $430k, concession to $530k
SA	$0 – $12k … > $500k	1% – 5.5% (max). Above $500k: $21,330 + 5.5% over $500k	Full exemption up to $250k (new), concessions vary
TAS	$0 – $3k … > $725k	1.75% – 4.5% (max). Over $725k: $37,337 + 4.5% of excess	First home concession up to $600k
ACT	Progressive up to 5.3%; concessions for first home buyers (off‑the‑plan, etc.)
NT	Low rates; first home buyers generally exempt up to $650k

*Rates are illustrative – actual duty depends on contract date, property use. Consult state revenue office.

First home buyer combo

If you're a first home buyer, you can often stack benefits:

FHOG – up to $30k (new home, state dependent)

Stamp duty concession – full or partial exemption

First Home Guarantee – 5% deposit, no LMI

First Home Super Saver – withdraw voluntary super contributions for deposit

Repayment & borrowing power

How much can you borrow?

Lenders assess your income, expenses, and living costs. Use our borrowing power calculator for an estimate. Also factor in your deposit and any grants.

Calculate now

Offset & redraw

Park your savings in an offset account to reduce interest. Redraw allows access to extra repayments. Both can save thousands over the loan term.

See how it works

Refinancing

If rates drop, refinancing could save you money. Compare cashback offers but watch for exit fees. Even a 0.5% rate cut matters.

Compare deals

Updated for 2026 Expert‑reviewed content 100% Free • No registration

Why Australians trust our guides

In‑depth research

Every guide is fact‑checked and updated.

2026 data

Latest rates, thresholds, and regulations.

Read anywhere

Mobile‑friendly, study on the go.

Home Loan & Stamp Duty 2026