If I buy a proprty in Melbourne - without the need for a mortgage - am I still liable to pay stamp duty?

Also will the purchase price I pay be subject to GST?

Thanks

Yes - Stamp Duty is payable even if you have no mortgage. In VIC there is much lower Duty payable if you buy a property "off the plan".

I'd expect there to be no GST payable.

Do you have a solicitor acting for you? Let me know if you would like a name and contact details.

Best regards.

Alan: thanks. At the moment I don't need a solicitor. However if what I read in another thread about changes to UK Pension overseas transfer rules is correct it might all be academic since my plans would be screwed.

Can you throw any light on the impending (1st April) changes?

Where do you want me to start?! Anything in particular you are thinking of?

Best regards.

Alan: all I know is that there could now be a big tax hit regarding transfers to Oz funds where before there were none. As I was on the verge of selling my house to move to Oz this is a big setback for which I currently have no information on which to see how my financial strategy might be affected. So any light you can shed would be greatly appreciated.

Paolo

It is only pension transfers that are part of the new rules.

Is it only the money from the sale of your house you are transferring to Australia? Do you have pensions to transfer aswell?

Shell

I'm planning to transfer all my cash - house and pensions included

Paolo