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The Land Tax Surcharge in NSW Will Rise to 5% in 2025

The Land Tax Surcharge in NSW Will Rise to 5% in 2025

The Land Tax Surcharge in NSW Will Rise to 5% in 2025

The Land Tax Surcharge in NSW Will Rise to 5% in 2025

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Last Updated: Sep 13, 2024

If you are an overseas property owner in New South Wales, you cannot afford to ignore the rising land tax surcharges. The rates are expected to increase from 4% to 5% by the following year, making these annual taxes a significant factor to consider for any property portfolio. Learn how to handle these imminent changes now to safeguard your investments from unexpected financial pressure.

Recent Alterations in Surcharge Rates

The land tax surcharges for foreign property owners in NSW have been steadily increasing:

  • 0.75% in 2017
  • 2% in 2018
  • 4% in 2023
  • 5% beginning in 2025

This surcharge is an extra tax on top of the standard land tax, specifically for foreign property owners. These rates are added to your regular land tax and are determined by the value of your property. It’s not a one-time fee but a recurring annual cost. With the rate expected to reach 5% soon, it’s crucial to start planning now to manage these escalating costs effectively.


Understanding Land Tax Surcharges

1. Calculation of Surcharges

The surcharge is based on a percentage of your property’s worth. If your property is valued at $1 million and the surcharge rate is 4%, you’ll end up paying $40,000 in surcharge.

Here’s a basic example to illustrate the surcharge increment.

Consider a property owner, Michael, who owns two residential properties:

  • Property A: $600,000
  • Property B: $600,000
  • Total Property Value: $1,200,000

Current Surcharge Land Tax Calculation (2024):

Surcharge Rate: 4%

Surcharge Land Tax: $1,200,000 x 4% = $48,000

 

Projected Surcharge Land Tax Calculation in 2025:

Surcharge Rate Increase: 5%

Expected Surcharge Amount: $1,200,000 x 5% = $60,000

Therefore,

The Additional Cost Starting in 2025: $60,000 – $48,000 = $12,000

 

Based on these calculations, Michael will incur $60,000 in surcharge taxes in 2025, an extra $12,000 annually. This increase may influence long-term property planning and investment strategies, necessitating careful management.

Note: This is a simplified representation. Your actual total tax may include other costs, such as the standard land tax.

2. Potential Exemptions To The Surcharge

Some properties may qualify for exemption from the surcharge:

  • Main Place of Residence: If you reside in the property in Australia for over 200 days each year, you may qualify for an exemption.
  • Commercial Residential Properties: Certain properties like hotels or student accommodations can be exempt if they fulfill specific requirements.
  • Australian Property Developers: Developers constructing new homes for sale may be eligible for an exemption or refund within 10 years of property purchase.
  • Build-to-Rent Properties: Properties constructed by Australian firms for rental purposes can qualify for exemption if they satisfy certain conditions.

3. Documentation Required For Exemptions

To apply for exemptions, you will need:

Ensure you have all the necessary paperwork to prevent delays.


Preparing For The Surcharge

With the surcharge rate anticipated to rise to 5% in 2025, forward planning is essential:

  • Review your financial situation: Evaluate how the surcharge increase will impact your overall property costs.
  • Consider refinancing options: Think about refinancing your mortgage to manage the increased costs more efficiently.
  • Understand eligibility for exemption: Be aware of the criteria and requirements for exemptions to avoid unnecessary expenses.
  • Seek professional advice: Consult with a tax expert or legal adviser for tailored guidance on handling the surcharge.


Additional Upcoming Changes For Foreign Investors In 2025

  • Rise in Foreign Resident Capital Gains Withholding (FRCGW): The current FRCGW rate is 12.5% but is anticipated to increase to 15% from July 1, 2025. This withholding tax applies when a foreign resident sells Australian real property valued at $750,000 or above. It serves as a preliminary payment towards the capital gains tax (CGT) liability.
  • Elimination of the FRCGW threshold: The current $750,000 threshold for FRCGW will be removed. This change implies that all property transactions involving foreign residents will now be subject to withholding requirements, irrespective of the property’s value.
  • Rise in foreign purchaser duty surcharge: The current foreign purchaser duty surcharge is 8% but will increase to 9% from January 1, 2025. This is a one-time, upfront expense paid when buying residential property in NSW, calculated based on the property’s purchase price.


Your success is our top priority. We are dedicated to helping you handle changes in surcharges. Our expert team is committed to finding the perfect home loan tailored to your unique needs and investment strategy. Contact us today at 1300 889 743 or fill in our free online assessment form and discover how our personalized service can benefit your investment journey.

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