From Tim Pallas:
The Andrews Labor Government is taking action to ensure foreign buyers of residential real estate contribute their fair share to the liveability of our state.
It is only fair that foreign buyers – who do not pay taxes such as payroll tax and GST – fairly contributed to the maintenance and development of government services and infrastructure, just like Victorian taxpayers do.
The 2016/17 Victorian Budget will increase the stamp duty surcharge on foreign buyers of residential real estate from 3 per cent to 7 per cent, and apply to contracts signed on or after 1 July 2016.
The land tax surcharge on absentee owners will also rise from 0.5 per cent to 1.5 per cent from the 2017 land tax year.
No Victorians will pay these surcharges.
There have been sustained and strong levels of foreign purchasing of residential real estate in recent years. This increase will ensure a fair and equitable contribution is made by foreign purchasers of Victorian real estate.
Victoria’s surcharges on foreign owners of residential real estate have been in operation since 1 July 2015 and have had little impact on foreign demand for Victorian dwellings.
The measures are expected to raise $486 million over the next four years.
Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas
“No Victorians will pay these surcharges. This is about ensuring foreign owners pay their fair share.”
“It’s only fair that foreign buyers of residential real estate, who enjoy the capital growth as a result of Victoria’s liveability and the amenity of our cities, contribute to the maintenance of government services and infrastructure.”
“Since we introduced these surcharges last year, there has continued to be a welcome and steady stream of foreign interest in our residential real estate. The surcharges ensure that buyers will continue to benefit from the best services and infrastructure.”
Excellent policy, helping tax gains accrue to wider services for Victorians. The move to a vacancy tax is also excellent and should be boosted further to lean against foreign domiciled land banking. There is a question over implementation given it’s not easy to determine vacancy, perhaps utility usage will be used.
Nonetheless, well done and other states should follow.
