How much cash is needed to buy a home in Australia?

Most buyers need deposit plus stamp duty, lender and legal costs. Total upfront cash can be several percent above deposit alone.

LMI is commonly required when loan-to-value ratio is above 80%, depending on lender policy and eligibility schemes.

Are transfer and registration fees the same in every state?

No. Government transfer and registration fee structures differ by Australian state and territory.

House Purchase Upfront Costs Calculator

Estimate the total cash you need to buy a property in Australia, including Stamp Duty, LMI, and other hidden fees.

Property Details

State

Buyer Type

Property Price

Your Deposit

Loan Value Ratio (LVR)

Total Cash Required

$193,159

(Deposit: $160,000 + Costs: $33,159)

Stamp Duty

$30,735

Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)

Govt. Transfer Fees

$324

Conveyancing & Inspections

Est. Legal + Building/Pest check

$2,100

Fees Only$33,159

Government Fees

Includes Stamp Duty, Transfer Fee, and Mortgage Registration Fee.

First Home Buyers may be eligible for concessions depending on the state and property value.

Service Fees

Estimated legal and inspection costs.

• Conveyancing / Legal: ~$1,500
• Building & Pest Inspection: ~$600
• Bank Settlement Fees: varies (often waived)

House Purchase Upfront Costs Calculator (2026)

Last updated: February 20, 2026

This page estimates total upfront purchase costs, including deposit, duty, lender mortgage insurance, and common settlement services. Use it to avoid under-budgeting before property search.

Included in this estimate

Deposit and resulting LVR
Indicative transfer duty by state and buyer type
LMI assumptions by LVR tier
Transfer, registration, legal, and inspection costs

Data references

State revenue office fee schedules and concession guidance
Public lender references for LVR and mortgage insurance context