How Irish residential stamp duty works
Stamp duty is a tax paid by the buyer on the purchase of a property in Ireland, collected by Revenue. For residential property, the standard rate is 1% on the portion of the purchase price up to €1,000,000, and 2% on any amount above that threshold. Unlike income tax bands, there's no complex tapering — it's a simple two-band calculation.
Worked example
For a property priced at €400,000, stamp duty is simply 1% of €400,000 = €4,000, since the full price falls under the €1 million threshold.
For a more expensive property priced at €1,500,000: the first €1,000,000 is charged at 1% (€10,000), and the remaining €500,000 is charged at 2% (€10,000). Total stamp duty due: €20,000 — an effective rate of about 1.33% of the total price.
Frequently asked questions
What is the stamp duty rate on residential property in Ireland?
Stamp duty is charged at 1% on the portion of the price up to €1 million, and 2% on any amount above €1 million.
Who pays stamp duty in a property purchase?
The buyer pays stamp duty, not the seller. It's typically handled by your solicitor as part of conveyancing and paid to Revenue shortly after closing.
Is stamp duty different for first-time buyers?
As a general rule, the standard residential rates (1% up to €1 million, 2% above) apply regardless of first-time buyer status. Always check Revenue.ie for any current reliefs or exemptions.