Home loan deposit, costs and stamp duty calculator

Most home loans can fund up to 85-95% of the value of your property, which means you’ll need a minimum of up to 5-15% as a deposit. However, there may be benefits in saving a larger deposit. For example, if you borrow more than a certain level (commonly 80% of the value of the property you’re using the loan to buy), you might have to pay lender’s mortgage insurance (LMI). This can add a sizeable amount to your overall costs. 

Generally, the more you have as a deposit, the less you’ll need to borrow and the lower your monthly repayments. Find out how much you really need for a house deposit.

If you already own a property, you might want to consider using the equity you’ve built up in that property to help with your deposit.

Find out more about home loan deposits and get tips on how to save for a deposit.

Stamp duty or land transfer duty is the tax that you pay when buying a property. 

Generally, when buying land in any state or territory in Australia, which may include buildings (such as a family home on a suburban block), you will need to pay stamp duty to the government. The amount of stamp duty depends on which state or territory the property is in and the property value.

Find out more about stamp duty and how it could affect you. 

Generally, the cheaper the property, the less stamp duty you’ll pay. But there are other variables that could impact your stamp duty bill. 

What’s more, each state and territory has its own rules for how to calculate stamp duty – and some are more complex than others. 

To get an idea of how much stamp duty you’ll need to pay, you should find out the rules that apply in your state or territory, or check with your solicitor or conveyancer. Or get an estimate the easy way with our stamp duty calculator.

In some states and territories, stamp duty exemptions and concessions may be available for eligible first home buyers, seniors and pensioners. There might also be concessions based on the value of the property purchased or the buyer’s annual income.

Just be aware that each state and territory has its own rules for calculating stamp duty and offering exemptions and concessions. Check with your solicitor or conveyancer if you’re eligible for a stamp duty exemption or concession.

Yes, there is stamp duty on land. 

When you buy an existing house, you pay stamp duty based on the value of both the land and the house. 

When you’re building a new house, you pay stamp duty based on the value of the land you buy. You don’t have to pay stamp duty on the house you then build, which could be a substantial saving.

In some states and territories, you may be able to save on stamp duty when you buy off the plan because you’re buying a new property before it’s actually been constructed. 

This can vary depending on which state or territory the property is in, whether you’re purchasing a home or an investment property, and your particular contract. 

Check with your conveyancer or solicitor about the stamp duty owed, whether any concessions are available, and when it must be paid.

Generally, stamp duty applies whether you’re buying a primary home, a holiday home or an investment property. 

Each state and territory has its own rules for how to calculate stamp duty, so to get an idea of what you’ll need to pay, you should find out the rules that apply in your state or territory.