What other upfront costs are involved in buying a home?

In addition to your deposit, there are several other upfront expenses when buying your home. These include:

Stamp duty - this varies by state and is typically linked to the purchase price of the property. If you’re a first home buyer, you may be entitled to an exemption, so check the government website in your state or territory: NSW, QLD, ACT, VIC, TAS, SA, NT, WA.
Transfer fee - a state government fee for property title transfers, which also varies by state. Use the links above to check your government website for details.
Mortgage registration fee - a government fee covering mortgage registrations.
Legal fees - covers the cost of a licensed conveyancer reviewing your contract and title, and drafting the settlement documents.
Mortgage application/establishment fee - a fee charged by your lender to set up your mortgage.
Inspection fee - you may need a building inspection to check for termites and structural issues.
Other costs - for example, home and contents insurance. You may also want to consider the cost of utility connections and removalist fees.