How much cash do I need to buy a property?

Beyond your deposit, you'll need to cover stamp duty, conveyancing/legal fees, building and pest inspections, loan fees and possibly LMI. This calculator adds them up so you know your true upfront cash requirement.

What are typical buying costs in Australia?

As a rough guide, allow around 4–6% of the purchase price for stamp duty and fees combined (more if LMI applies). Conveyancing is typically $1,000–$2,500 and inspections a few hundred dollars each.

Can any of these costs be reduced?

Yes — first home buyer concessions can slash stamp duty, and a larger deposit can avoid LMI. A broker can help you structure your purchase to minimise upfront costs.

Property Purchase Cost Calculator

See the full upfront cost of buying — your deposit, stamp duty, LMI, conveyancing and other fees — so there are no surprises at settlement.

Purchase price

Deposit

That's a 15.0% deposit

State or territory

Conveyancing & other fees

Legal, inspections, loan fees

I'm a first home buyerApplies indicative first home buyer stamp duty concessions for your state.Eligible for the First Home Guarantee (5% deposit scheme)Waives LMI for eligible first home buyers with a deposit below 20%.

Upfront cash needed

$153,412

Loan required

$680,000 (85% LVR)

Stamp duty

$30,412

Est. LMI

$8,024

LMI shown can often be added to your loan rather than paid in cash. Estimates only.

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Book with these numbers

Know your numbers before you offer

Going to an auction or making an offer without knowing your full costs is risky. This calculator gives you a clear picture of the cash you'll need and the loan you'll require, so you can buy with confidence.

Key terms explained

The main terms used in this calculator and its results.

Conveyancing: The legal process of transferring property ownership from the seller to the buyer, usually handled by a conveyancer or solicitor.
Deposit: The upfront portion of a property's price you pay yourself, with the remainder funded by your home loan.
Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI): A one-off premium that protects the lender (not you) if you default, typically required when borrowing more than 80% of the property value.
Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR): Your loan amount expressed as a percentage of the property's value. A lower LVR generally means better rates and no LMI.
Settlement: The final stage of a property purchase when ownership legally transfers and your loan funds are paid to the seller.
Stamp Duty: A state government tax charged on property purchases, calculated on the property's value and varying by state.

View the full mortgage glossary

Frequently asked questions

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