Purchasing a home or investment property in Victoria is a major financial milestone, but the legal landscape for buyers shifted significantly in 2026. From new extensions to stamp duty concessions to proposed overhauls of how your deposit is handled, the risks and opportunities for purchasers have never been more complex. Ensuring you claim every tax exemption you are entitled to—while protecting yourself from vendor-friendly contract clauses—requires meticulous legal review. Here is what Victorian purchasers need to know in 2026, and why Flint Lawyers is the ideal partner to secure your investment. As one of the largest purchases you will ever make, it’s important to remember that conveyancing costs should not be an area to cut corners.
Maximising Your Stamp Duty Concessions
Land transfer duty (stamp duty) is one of the highest upfront costs for purchasers. However, 2026 has introduced and extended several critical exemptions under the Duties Act 2000 (Vic) that can save buyers tens of thousands of dollars. Flint Lawyers works with your mortgage broker to identify your eligibility for these programs before settlement.
The Extended Off-The-Plan Concession: In the 2026-27 State Budget, the Victorian Government extended the temporary off-the-plan duty concession to 20 April 2027. Crucially, this applies to all buyers—investors, owner-occupiers, and companies alike—purchasing apartments, units, or townhouses in strata subdivisions. By deducting construction costs from the dutiable value, buyers can drastically reduce their tax bill.
First Home Buyer Thresholds: The established thresholds remain strictly in place. If you are buying your first home for $600,000 or less, you are entitled to a full duty exemption (saving you approximately $31,000, though we strongly recommend verifying your exact savings via the SRO duty calculator). A sliding scale concession applies to properties valued between $600,001 and $750,000.
Protecting Your Deposit: Proposed Sale of Land Act Reforms
When you sign a contract of sale, standard practice in Victoria often involves the vendor requesting the early release of your deposit (usually 10%) under Section 27 of the Sale of Land Act 1962 (Vic).
However, the Consumer Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 is currently moving through Parliament. If enacted, this Bill proposes to abolish the statutory framework for the early release of deposits, meaning deposits can only be released before settlement if you explicitly agree to a special condition in the contract.
Strict New Identity Requirements (AML/CTF)
As of 1 July 2026, “Tranche 2” of the federal Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) laws captured legal practitioners and conveyancers.
For purchasers, this means standard Verification of Identity (VOI) checks are now accompanied by stricter “source of funds” inquiries. If you are purchasing property through a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF), a family trust, or a corporate entity, we are now required by federal law to verify the Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs). Flint Lawyers utilises secure, streamlined digital verification systems to handle this compliance efficiently, ensuring your settlement is never delayed by red tape.
Why Flint Lawyers is Your Best Partner
As a proactive, experienced boutique law firm in Victoria, Flint Lawyers does not treat conveyancing as a “tick-the-box” administrative task.
Purchasing property involves significant financial risk. When you partner with us, we heavily scrutinise the vendor’s Section 32 statement to uncover hidden defects, easements, or restrictive covenants. We negotiate special conditions to ensure your finance and building inspection rights are ironclad, and we navigate the complex SRO portal on your behalf to ensure you never pay a dollar more in stamp duty than the law requires.
Your property purchase is a major milestone. Let Flint Lawyers provide the strategic legal oversight needed to make it secure.