Land transfer duty + PPR off-the-plan concession
VIC transfer duty has PPR, first-home, pensioner, and off-the-plan concessions. Under the Allan government's reforms, the PPR off-the-plan concession has been broadened temporarily — confirm current eligibility windows with SRO before relying on it for settlement timing.
Vacant Residential Land Tax (VRLT) — statewide
VRLT historically applied only to inner-Melbourne LGAs. From 1 January 2025 it covers all of Victoria. Properties vacant for more than 6 months in the prior calendar year attract VRLT — 1% of capital improved value in year 1, escalating with continued vacancy.
Windfall Gains Tax (WGT)
WGT applies to land that is rezoned, where the rezoning produces a value uplift of $100k or more. Above $500k uplift, the rate is 50% (with a 62.5% marginal rate on the slice between $100k and $500k). Administered by SRO under the Windfall Gains Tax Act 2021 (VIC).
Foreign + absentee surcharges
FPAD adds 8% to transfer duty for foreign purchasers of residential property. The Absentee Owner Surcharge adds 4% to land tax for absentee owners (individuals, corporations, and trusts).
COVID-Debt land-tax levy
From FY 2023-24 through FY 2033-34, a temporary increase to land-tax rates funds COVID-debt repayment. Thresholds were also lowered, pulling more landholders into the net.
Payroll tax + mental health & wellbeing surcharge
Annual threshold $1m, headline rate 4.85% (regional 1.2125%). A Mental Health & Wellbeing surcharge of 0.5% applies to grouped Australian wages above $10m, rising to 1.0% above $100m.