First Home Buyer Calculator Australia (2026–27)
Calculate Australian first home buyer upfront costs, state stamp duty concessions, required deposit, LMI premiums, and net home loan required.
1. Property Price & Buyer Savings
2. State & First Home Buyer Status
$642,400
Resulting Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR): 85.7%
Total Upfront Acquisition Costs
$2,400
Includes Stamp Duty ($0), Conveyancing & Inspection fees.
Net Deposit Remaining for Home Loan
$107,600
Savings minus upfront costs applied directly toward property deposit.
First Home Buyer Acquisition Cost & Deposit Breakdown
First Home Buyer Costs & Assistance Overview (2026–27)
Purchasing your first home in Australia involves navigating property purchase deposits, state transfer (stamp) duty exemptions, legal conveyancing fees, and government assistance schemes.
State governments provide significant stamp duty relief for eligible first home buyers, potentially saving buyers between $15,000 and $35,000 in upfront costs when purchasing below state thresholds.
State First Home Buyer Stamp Duty Relief Comparison Matrix
The table below outlines estimated first home buyer stamp duty payable across NSW, VIC, and QLD:
| Property Price Tier | NSW First Home Duty | VIC First Home Duty | QLD First Home Duty |
|---|---|---|---|
| $600,000 Property | $0 (Full Exempt) | $0 (Full Exempt) | $0 (Full Exempt) |
| $750,000 Property | $0 (Full Exempt) | ~$15,000 (Concession) | ~$8,750 (Concession) |
| $900,000 Property | ~$20,000 (Concession) | ~$49,000 (Standard Duty) | ~$31,500 (Standard Duty) |
How to Calculate First Home Buyer Costs: 5 Steps
Follow these steps to estimate upfront property costs and calculate your net home loan requirement.
- 1
Enter Target Property Price
Input the purchase price of the home you plan to buy.
- 2
Input Accumulated Cash Savings
Enter your total cash savings reserved for deposit and upfront fees.
- 3
Select State & First Home Buyer Exemption
Select your state to calculate state-specific stamp duty concessions.
- 4
Calculate Net Deposit & Required Loan
Subtract stamp duty and legal fees from savings to determine your net home loan required.
- 5
Check LMI & 5% Guarantee Eligibility
Check whether your resulting LVR exceeds 80% and evaluate government scheme eligibility.
First Home Buyer Settlement Checklist
Gather these documents before exchanging contracts of sale.
Signed Sale Contract & Deposit Confirmation
Provide your solicitor with sale documentation and deposit receipts.
First Home Guarantee Pre-Approval Place
Secure a participating lender spot for the federal 5% deposit scheme.
State First Home Buyer Exemption Form
Complete state revenue declarations for stamp duty relief before settlement.
5-Year Primary Residence Tax Records
Retain documents confirming primary residency for CGT main residence exemption.
Common First Home Buyer Mistakes & Pitfalls
Avoid these frequent errors when buying your first property.
Forgetting upfront legal and government fees when calculating required deposit
Assuming all savings go toward the loan deposit causes shortfalls when stamp duty and conveyancing fees become due at settlement.
Exceeding state first home buyer stamp duty exemption thresholds
Buying a property $10,000 over the state exemption threshold can trigger tens of thousands of dollars in unexpected transfer duty.
Failing to apply for the First Home Super Saver (FHSS) scheme early
FHSS super withdrawal requests must be formally approved before signing contracts of sale.
Not checking property price caps under the federal 5% Guarantee Scheme
Regional and metropolitan property price caps apply under the First Home Guarantee scheme; exceeding the cap disqualifies buyers from LMI waivers.
Disclaimer: This calculator is provided for general informational, educational, and first home buyer cost estimation purposes only. Calculations are based on state transfer duty rules, First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme thresholds, conveyancing averages, and LMI scales for 2026–27. These figures represent projections and do not constitute formal lending, legal, or financial advice. Consult a licensed mortgage broker or solicitor before signing property contracts.
Charlotte Smith
Senior Personal Finance & Taxation Specialist at AussieSpot
Charlotte Smith is the lead personal finance advisor and mortgage specialist at AussieSpot. Charlotte has over 12 years of experience helping Australian home buyers and investors optimize loan structures, reduce mortgage interest, and achieve financial independence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What upfront costs do first home buyers pay in Australia?
First home buyers pay the property purchase deposit, state stamp duty (unless exempt), conveyancing/solicitor fees ($1,500–$2,500), building/pest inspections ($500–$800), and mortgage registration fees (~$200).
What is the First Home Guarantee (5% Deposit Scheme)?
The federal First Home Guarantee allows eligible Australian first home buyers to purchase a home with a 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), as the government guarantees up to 15% of the loan.
Do first home buyers get stamp duty exemptions in NSW, VIC, and QLD?
Yes. In NSW, full exemption applies up to $800,000. In VIC, full exemption applies up to $600,000. In QLD, full exemption applies up to $700,000, with partial concessions above these limits.
Can I use the First Home Super Saver (FHSS) scheme for my deposit?
Yes. The FHSS scheme allows eligible first home buyers to release up to $50,000 of voluntary superannuation contributions to fund their home deposit tax-effectively.
How much cash buffer should I retain after paying my deposit?
It is recommended to retain at least $5,000 to $10,000 in cash reserves after settlement to cover moving costs, utility connections, and unexpected maintenance.