Victoria to abolish stamp duty on commercial property: what you need to know

Conveyancing

Victoria to abolish stamp duty on commercial property: what you need to know

The Victorian Government has announced plans to abolish stamp duty on commercial property from July 1, 2024. This is a major reform that is expected to boost economic growth and encourage investment in the state.

Under the new system, purchasers of commercial property will have a choice of paying stamp duty on commercial property upfront or paying it in installments over 10 years. After 10 years, the property will be subject to an annual property tax of 1% of the unimproved value of the land.

The Government has not yet released any further details about the new system, such as the definition of commercial property or how it will be administered. However, the announcement has raised a number of questions that need to be answered.

Here are some of the key questions that need to be addressed:

What is the definition of commercial property? The Government has not provided clarity on what will be classified as commercial property. However, it is likely that the definition will be based on the current use of the land, the potential use of the land, or the future intended use of the land.
How will the new system work for mixed-use properties? Mixed-use properties are properties that have both commercial and residential components. It is not clear how the new system will work for these types of properties. The Government may choose to treat the entire property as commercial property, or it may choose to apportion the property between the commercial and residential components.
What happens if the property is sold within 10 years? If a purchaser of commercial property chooses to pay stamp duty on commercial property in installments, and then sells the property within 10 years, it is not clear what will happen to the outstanding installments. The Government has said that the original purchaser will be responsible for making the remaining repayments, but it is not clear what will happen if the purchaser is unable to make the payments.
What are the implications for investors? The abolition of stamp duty on commercial property is likely to be a boon for investors. The reduced upfront cost of purchasing commercial property could make it more attractive to investors, and it could also lead to increased investment in the commercial property sector.
What are the implications for businesses? The abolition of stamp duty on commercial property could also benefit businesses. The reduced upfront cost of purchasing commercial property could free up cash that businesses can use for other purposes, such as investment or expansion.

The Government has said that it will consult with industry on the details of the new system before it is implemented. However, the announcement has already raised a number of important questions that need to be answered. The Government needs to provide clear answers to these questions in order to ensure that the new system is successful.

In the meantime, commercial property purchasers or investors should start planning for the transition to the new system. They should also talk to their legal and financial advisors about how the changes will affect their property purchasing and financing options.

What are the benefits of the new system?

Reduced upfront costs: Purchasers will no longer have to pay a large lump sum of stamp duty when they purchase a commercial property. This will free up cash that can be used for other purposes, such as investing in the business or expanding operations.
More predictable costs: Purchasers will know exactly how much stamp duty on commercial property they will have to pay each year. This will make it easier to budget and plan for the future.
Simplified system: The new system is simpler and more efficient than the current stamp duty on commercial property system. This will make it easier for businesses to comply with the rules.

What are the risks of the new system?

The potential for a rise in property prices: If purchasers are no longer required to pay stamp duty upfront, they may be able to afford to pay more for property. This could lead to a rise in property prices, making it more difficult for others to enter the market.
The potential for tax avoidance: The new system could be open to tax avoidance schemes. For example, parties could transfer property between related entities in order to avoid paying stamp duty.

The abolition of stamp duty on commercial property is a major reform that has the potential to benefit the industry and the economy. However, there are also some risks associated with the new system. It will be important to monitor the implementation of the new system to ensure that it achieves its intended objectives.

We are a team of experienced property lawyers who can help you understand the implications of the abolition of stamp duty on commercial property. We can also help you navigate the new system and ensure that you comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Contact our team on (03) 8590 8370 to obtain legal advice from our expert property lawyers and conveyancers. We are an online property law and conveyancing firm that can assist when buying or selling property.