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Property Settlement Costs Calculator

Estimate all upfront buying costs including stamp duty, conveyancing, title registration, and loan fees by state.

Total Upfront Costs
$0
Stamp Duty
$0
Conveyancer / Solicitor
$2,000
Title Search & Registration
$500
Loan Establishment Fee
$600
Building Inspection
$500
Total as % of Purchase
0%

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What Settlement Costs Do You Pay When Buying Property?

Settlement costs are the additional expenses above the purchase price that you must pay when completing a property purchase. These can add up to 3–6% of the purchase price, so it's essential to factor them into your budget — especially as they generally must be paid upfront in cash, not financed.

Stamp Duty (Transfer Duty)

Stamp duty is the largest additional cost in most purchases. It is a state and territory government tax on the transfer of property. It ranges from relatively modest amounts for lower-priced properties to tens of thousands of dollars on higher-value purchases. Rates and concessions vary significantly by state — use the individual state stamp duty calculators on AussieCalc for precise figures.

First Home Buyer Concessions

All states and territories offer first home buyer exemptions or concessions on stamp duty for properties below certain price thresholds. Some states also offer first home buyer grants (separate to stamp duty concessions). This calculator applies standard first home buyer indicative exemptions — check your state's revenue office for exact current thresholds.

Conveyancing Fees

A licensed conveyancer or solicitor handles the legal transfer of the property title. They review the contract, conduct property searches, manage settlement, and ensure title is properly transferred to you. Costs are typically $1,500–$2,500 for a standard residential purchase. This calculator uses $2,000 as a central estimate.

Other Settlement Costs

  • Title search and registration: Approximately $500 depending on the state registry
  • Loan establishment fee: Most lenders charge a one-off fee of $300–$900 to set up your home loan. Some waive this for package loans.
  • Building and pest inspection: Highly recommended before purchase; typically $400–$600 for a house
  • Moving costs, utility connections, council rates adjustments: Budget an additional $1,000–$3,000
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical settlement costs when buying a property in Australia?
The main settlement costs include stamp duty (the largest cost, varies by state and purchase price), conveyancer or solicitor fees ($1,500–$3,000), loan establishment fee (~$600), title search and registration (~$500), and building and pest inspections (~$500). Total costs are typically 3–6% of the purchase price.
How much is stamp duty in Australia?
Stamp duty varies significantly by state and territory and by purchase price. On a $700,000 home, stamp duty ranges from around $18,000 (QLD) to over $37,000 (VIC). Many states offer concessions for first home buyers on properties below certain price thresholds.
Do first home buyers pay stamp duty?
Most states and territories offer first home buyer stamp duty exemptions or concessions. In NSW, first home buyers are exempt from stamp duty on properties up to $800,000. In VIC, first home buyers are exempt on properties up to $600,000. Thresholds and rules vary by state.
How much does a conveyancer cost in Australia?
Conveyancing fees typically range from $1,500 to $2,500 for a standard residential purchase. Solicitors (who can handle more complex matters) may charge more. The fee covers the legal transfer of the property title from the seller to you.
Are settlement costs tax deductible?
For investment properties, stamp duty and conveyancing costs are generally included in the cost base for CGT purposes (reducing your future capital gain), but are not immediately tax deductible. Loan establishment fees may be partially deductible over five years. Consult a tax agent for your specific situation.
Disclaimer: Stamp duty calculations in this calculator are indicative estimates. First home buyer concession thresholds change periodically. Always verify stamp duty amounts with your state revenue office or a licensed conveyancer before exchanging contracts. This is not legal or financial advice.

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