Buying my first home
How much do I need upfront?
The largest hurdle is generally getting your deposit together, although there are a number of other costs you need to be aware of.
How much do I need for a deposit?
If you have started saving you can start to look at buying once you have around 5% of the purchase price.
If you have between 5% and 20% of the purchase price, you may need to pay what’s called Lenders Mortgage Insurance, which enables us to lend you a larger percentage of the purchase price. This can be included either in your upfront costs or in your loan repayments so that it’s spread out over the term of the loan.
The estimates below do not take into account the money you need for upfront costs.
| Purchase price | Minimum deposit | |
| With mortgage insurance | Without mortgage insurance | |
| $200,000 | $10,000 | $40,000 |
| $300,000 | $15,000 | $60,000 |
| $400,000 | $20,000 | $80,000 |
| $500,000 | $25,000 | $100,000 |
| % of purchase price | 5% | 20% |
If you have a deposit of over 20%, you can avoid the extra costs of Lenders Mortgage Insurance.
These figures may differ if you are self-employed and applying for a low doc loan. For more information, read up on low doc loans for the self employed.
Use our deposit/equity calculator to work out the deposit you will need.
What if I don’t have a deposit?
If you don’t have a deposit, there are a number of options that can help you get your home sooner.
You may be able to use a guarantee from your parents (supported by a mortgage over their property, or a term deposit) as equity to assist you with your home purchase. These are generally referred to as family guarantees.
Another option is a Deposit Protect Bond, which lets you go ahead with a purchase before you have an actual cash deposit ready. It’s useful if your cash is tied up in other investments or if you’re eligible for the First Home Buyers Grant and using that to help fund your deposit. You can use a Deposit Protect Bond at multiple auctions or by private treaty.
Of course if you’re keen to do it by yourself we have a range of savings and investment accounts to help you save your deposit.
Review your options:
- Delay paying your deposit with a deposit bond
- Compare all savings and investment accounts
What other costs are there?
There are other up front costs you should factor in.
This will include things like:
- Conveyancing and legal costs
- Government fees including stamp duty, although this can be included in the loan
- Title search and registration fees
Use our upfront buying costs calculator to work out these upfront costs based on the type of property you are buying and the state you live in.
You’ll also want to consider:
- Pest and building inspections (typically about $500)
- Home building Insurance prior to settlement, and possibly contents insurance when you move in.
Review your options:
Things you should know
- The information contained within this page is general in nature. It serves as a guide only and does not take into account your personal financial needs. Before you act on this information you should seek independent legal and financial advice.
- Terms and Conditions apply and are available on request. Application subject to normal credit criteria and approval.
- 1. A redraw request is subject to approval. A redraw fee applies.
