Who pays Stamp Duty and when?
The buyer MUST pay Stamp Duty before settlement. You can transfer the funds via the internet or post a cheque to the settlement agent, 5 days prior to settlement. A stamped Transfer of Land has to be handed over to the buyer’s bank at settlement. A bank is unable to provide the stamping service. Borrowing 100%, ask your lender to advance the Stamp Duty before settlement. A bank can forward a cheque payable to ‘Commissioner of State Revenue’ to the settlement agent 3 days before settlement.