I’ve Been Everywhere

Last month we explained how recent changes to the Duties Act 2000 (Vic) (Duties Act), mean that many types of land development arrangements in Victoria may now be subject to duty. This month, we look at a more positive amendment to the Duties Act – the introduction of duty concessions for transfers involving commercial and industrial land in regional Victoria.

Contracts entered into on or after 1 July 2019 to purchase commercial and industrial properties in regional Victoria that are primarily used for a qualified purpose (such as retail, office premises, manufacturing, warehouses or even car parks or advertising screens), may now be subject to a duty concession.

Timing is important, as the property must be used for the qualifying purpose for a continuous period of at least 12 months, commencing within 2 years after acquisition, otherwise a reassessment of duty may be applied at the non-concessional rate.

The stamp duty concession to be applied is to gradually increase between 2019 and 2023 as follows:

*The Australian version of I’ve Been Everywhere was made popular by Lucky Starr in 1962 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UAh7ogwAYQ.

If this article has raised questions for you, the team at Partners Legal can help.  

This article contains information that is general in nature. It does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. You need to consider your financial situation and needs before making any decisions based on this information.