Property Buying Costs Calculator
Estimate the full cost of buying a property in Australia, including stamp duty by state, legal fees, building and pest inspections, LMI, and total funds required.
The purchase price of the property
Tick if you are eligible for first home buyer stamp duty concessions
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to buy a house in Australia beyond the purchase price?
On top of the purchase price you typically pay stamp duty, legal and conveyancing fees ($1,000–$2,500), building and pest inspections (~$800), a loan application fee (~$400), and potentially Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) if your deposit is under 20%. Total buying costs commonly range from 3% to 6% of the purchase price.
What is stamp duty and how is it calculated?
Stamp duty (transfer duty) is a state-based tax on property transactions. Each state has its own sliding-scale rates. For example, a $700,000 purchase in NSW attracts approximately $26,730 in stamp duty. First home buyers may be eligible for concessions or exemptions.
What is LMI and when do I have to pay it?
Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) is a premium you pay when your deposit is less than 20% of the purchase price (i.e. LVR above 80%). LMI protects the lender — not you — against default. On a $700,000 property with a 10% deposit, LMI can be $8,000–$18,000.
Do first home buyers pay stamp duty?
It depends on the state and the purchase price. NSW first home buyers pay no stamp duty on properties under $800,000 (established) or $1M (new). Victorian first home buyers pay no duty under $600,000. ACT first home buyers pay no duty under $900,000. Other states have varying thresholds.
Can I include buying costs in my home loan?
In some cases yes — some lenders allow you to capitalise costs like LMI into the loan. However, stamp duty and legal fees generally need to be paid from your own savings. Always confirm with your lender.
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