Land Tax Update
Vacant Residential Land Tax (VRLT) & Absentee Owner Surcharge
As we approach the new year, Victorian property owners should be aware of upcoming obligations relating to the Vacant Residential Land Tax (VRLT) and the Absentee Owner Surcharge.
Key Deadlines
VRLT Notification: 15 February 2026
Absentee Owner Surcharge Notification: 15 January 2026
If you have previously lodged a notification, you only need to submit a new one if your circumstances have changed.
Vacant Residential Land Tax (VRLT)
The VRLT applies to residential land across Victoria that has been vacant for more than six months during the preceding calendar year. For example, if a property was vacant in 2025, it may be subject to VRLT in 2026.
What’s Changing from 1 January 2026?
VRLT will extend to undeveloped land in metropolitan Melbourne:
Which has remained undeveloped for five or more continuous years, and
Is capable of residential development.
When Does VRLT Apply?
Residential land with an existing dwelling that was vacant for more than six months in the previous calendar year.
Residential land where a dwelling has been under construction or renovation for two years or more.
Residential land where a dwelling has been uninhabitable for two years or more.
Exemption: Alpine Resorts.
From 2025, VRLT applies to all land in Victoria except land owned in the Alpine Resorts. The property must not have been used and occupied as a home for at least six months in the preceding year by:
The owner,
A permitted occupant, or
A natural person under a lease or short-term letting arrangement.
Tax Rate
The VRLT is calculated at 1% to 3% of the property’s Capital Improved Value (CIV), depending on the number of consecutive years the land has been liable for VRLT.
Absentee Owner Surcharge
This surcharge applies to Victorian land owned by an absentee individual, corporation, or trust—that is, owners who reside outside Australia.
Need Assistance?
If you are unsure whether these obligations apply to you, or if you require assistance with notifications, please contact our office for our assistance.
Please Note:
While we endeavour to assist where we can with State Revenue matters, these fall under entirely separate legislation from the Commonwealth tax laws that govern our registration as Australian Taxation Office (ATO) agents. Our ATO registration authorises us to act only in relation to federal taxes such as income tax, GST, and superannuation obligations. The Victorian State Revenue Office (SRO), which administers state‑based taxes including land tax, payroll tax, and stamp duty, does not provide a client support system for agents and will not discuss your State Revenue matters with us without your explicit, case‑specific authorisation.