Property Buying Fees Calculator
Buying property involves more than just the purchase price. Our comprehensive calculator helps you understand all the costs involved so you can budget accurately.
Costs to Consider
Government Charges
Stamp Duty
- Largest Extra Cost: Varies by state and property value
- Concessions Available: First home buyers often pay less
- Investment Premium: Higher rates for investors
- Foreign Buyer Surcharge: Additional charges for non-residents
Registration Fees
- Title Transfer: Recording you as owner
- Mortgage Registration: Securing lender's interest
- State-Based: Fees vary by state
- Fixed Amounts: Usually few hundred dollars
Professional Services
Legal/Conveyancing
- Contract Review: Ensuring your interests protected
- Searches: Title, rates, water, contamination
- Settlement: Managing the exchange
- Typical Cost: $1,500 - $3,000
Building & Pest Inspection
- Pre-Purchase: Identify issues before buying
- Professional Report: Detailed condition assessment
- Negotiation Tool: Use findings to adjust price
- Cost Range: $400 - $800
Lender Fees
Application Fees
- Establishment Fee: Setting up your loan
- Valuation Fee: Professional property assessment
- Legal Fees: Lender's legal costs
- Package Discounts: Some loans waive fees
Lenders Mortgage Insurance
- When Required: Less than 20% deposit
- Protects Lender: Not the borrower
- One-Off Premium: Can be added to loan
- Varies Significantly: 1-4% of loan amount
Moving Costs
Removalist Services
- Professional Movers: $500 - $3,000+
- Distance Factor: Local vs interstate
- Volume Based: Number of rooms
- Insurance: Protect your belongings
Utilities Connection
- Electricity/Gas: Connection fees
- Internet/Phone: Installation costs
- Mail Redirection: Postal service fees
- New Services: If not existing
State-by-State Variations
New South Wales
- Stamp duty on $800,000: ~$31,000
- First home buyer exemption: Up to $800,000
- Foreign buyer surcharge: 8% additional
Victoria
- Stamp duty on $800,000: ~$43,000
- First home buyer exemption: Up to $600,000
- Foreign buyer surcharge: 8% additional
Queensland
- Stamp duty on $800,000: ~$28,000
- First home buyer concession: Up to $550,000
- Foreign buyer surcharge: 7% additional
Other States
Each state has different:
- Duty rates and thresholds
- First buyer concessions
- Foreign buyer charges
- Grant schemes
First Home Buyer Benefits
Stamp Duty Concessions
- Full Exemption: Below certain thresholds
- Partial Discount: Graduated reduction
- New vs Existing: Different rules
- Eligibility Criteria: Must be checked
First Home Owner Grant
- New Homes Only: Most states
- Amount Varies: $10,000 - $20,000
- Regional Bonuses: Some areas higher
- One-Time Only: Cannot have owned before
First Home Loan Deposit Scheme
- 5% Deposit: Government guarantees difference
- No LMI: Saves thousands
- Limited Places: Annual allocation
- Eligibility Rules: Income and price caps
Hidden Costs to Budget
Pre-Settlement
- Loan Structure Advice: Financial planning
- Insurance Quotes: Shopping around
- Final Inspection: Before settlement
- Rate Adjustments: Council and water
Post-Settlement
- Council Rates: Quarterly payments
- Strata Fees: If applicable
- Insurance Premiums: Building and contents
- Maintenance Fund: Repairs and upkeep
Cost-Saving Tips
1. Compare Conveyancers
- Get multiple quotes
- Check included services
- Ask about hidden fees
- Consider online options
2. Shop Insurance
- Don't auto-accept bank option
- Compare comprehensive policies
- Bundle for discounts
- Review annually
3. Negotiate Fees
- Ask lenders to waive fees
- Professional packages
- Loyalty discounts
- Refinance rebates
4. Time Your Purchase
- End of financial year
- Before rate changes
- Stamp duty thresholds
- Grant deadlines
Typical Total Costs
$600,000 Property Purchase
- Stamp duty: ~$22,000
- Legal/conveyancing: $2,000
- Inspections: $600
- Loan fees: $1,000
- Moving costs: $1,500
- Total: ~$27,100 (4.5% of purchase price)
$1,000,000 Property Purchase
- Stamp duty: ~$50,000
- Legal/conveyancing: $2,500
- Inspections: $800
- Loan fees: $1,500
- Moving costs: $2,000
- Total: ~$56,800 (5.7% of purchase price)
Planning Your Budget
Allow Extra
- Budget 5-7% above purchase price
- Keep emergency fund
- Factor in initial repairs
- Consider furnishing costs
Payment Timing
- Deposit: On exchange (usually 10%)
- Stamp duty: Before settlement
- Legal fees: Progressive billing
- Other costs: Various times
Get Accurate Estimates
Our mortgage brokers can provide:
- Precise stamp duty calculations
- Fee estimates from lenders
- First buyer benefit assessment
- Total cost projections
Costs vary by state, property type, and individual circumstances. This calculator provides estimates only.