Buying Costs Beyond the Deposit Australia | Full Cost Guide
Stamp duty
Usually the largest single cost after the deposit. Rates vary by state, property value, and buyer status. First home buyers may qualify for concessions — but only below state-specific price thresholds.
Lenders Mortgage Insurance
Commonly charged when the combined loan exceeds 80% of the lender's property valuation, although policies and waivers vary. LMI protects the lender, not you, and may be paid upfront or capitalised; obtain the lender's actual premium rather than relying on a generic range.
Legal and inspection costs
Conveyancing ($1k–$3k), building and pest inspection ($400–$800), strata report if applicable, and title search fees. Small individually, but they compound — especially if you inspect multiple properties before buying.
Common mistakes
- Budgeting only for the deposit and being surprised by $30k+ in stamp duty and fees at settlement.
- Not realising LMI can be capitalised into the loan — avoiding the upfront hit but increasing total interest paid.
- Skipping building inspections to save $500 and discovering $20k of structural issues after purchase.
- Forgetting ongoing costs that start immediately — council rates, strata fees, insurance, and connection fees.
Buying costs calculator
See every upfront cost — stamp duty, LMI, legal, and more — for your specific purchase scenario.
First home buyer calculator
Factor in FHOG, stamp duty concessions, and deposit requirements together.
Check borrowing power
Make sure your borrowing capacity covers the purchase price plus all upfront costs.
First home buyer guide
Government grants and concessions that can reduce your upfront cost burden.
Loan fees explained
Application, valuation, and settlement fees that add to your buying costs.
Budget the full picture
The deposit gets you in the door. The other costs determine whether you can afford to stay.
Model every upfront cost before making an offer — surprises at settlement are expensive.
Open buying costs calculatorRelated Guides
Fortnightly vs Monthly Repayments
Why 26 fortnightly repayments beat 12 monthly ones, and the true-halves vs bank-fortnightly distinction that decides whether it actually saves anything.
First Home Buyer Guide
Government grants, stamp duty concessions, and the costs most first buyers miss.
Refinancing Guide
When switching loans saves money and when break costs eat the benefit.