Costs of buying a house in WA
The hidden costs of buying a house
On top of your deposit, buying a house in WA usually means paying transfer duty, Landgate registration fees, a settlement agent, inspections, insurance and a few smaller adjustments at settlement. Here's what each one is, roughly what it costs and how we help you budget for it.
- 5.0★★★★★5.0 on GoogleRated by our clients
MFAA memberIndustry body for brokers- Fully accreditedAuthorised to arrange home loans
- IndependentNot tied to any one bank
- Perth basedOur team works from Subiaco
What are the hidden costs, really?
The hidden costs of buying a house are the government fees, professional fees and adjustments you pay on top of the deposit, and together they can add several thousand dollars to what you need upfront.
They're not really hidden. They just don't show up in the listing price, so they're easy to forget until a settlement statement lands in your inbox.
Some are fixed by government, like Landgate's fees. Others depend on who you choose, like your settlement agent or building inspector. A few, like rates and water, depend on the day you settle.
Knowing them early matters for two reasons. It changes how much of your savings can go towards the deposit, and lenders want to see you can cover them. We build them into your numbers from the first chat, so there are no surprises.
Upfront costs of buying a house
Apart from transfer duty and any lenders mortgage insurance, most upfront costs of buying a house in WA sit in the hundreds of dollars each, and they add up quickly.
| Cost | Typical range | Who sets it |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer duty (stamp duty) | Depends on the price and any first home concession. Use the calculator | RevenueWA |
| Landgate transfer registration | About $315 to $375 for a home priced $500,000 to $800,000 | Landgate |
| Landgate mortgage registration | $225.10 per mortgage | Landgate |
| Settlement agent | About $700 to $1,500, plus disbursements | Your settlement agent |
| Building and pest inspection | About $450 to $1,200 | Your inspector |
| Strata report (units, villas, townhouses) | About $400 to $1,000 | Your inspector or strata provider |
| Lenders mortgage insurance | Usually applies under a 20% deposit. What LMI is | The lender's insurer |
| Loan application and valuation | Varies by lender, and some charge none | Your lender |
| Building and contents insurance | Quoted on your home and level of cover | Your insurer |
| Council rates and water | Your share from settlement day | Council and Water Corporation |
| Moving | Varies with distance and how much you move | Your removalist |
What each cost actually covers
Each upfront cost pays for a specific part of the purchase, from checking the home's condition to transferring the title into your name.
Landgate fees
Landgate charges to register the transfer of the title into your name and to register your lender's mortgage. The transfer fee rises slightly with the price.
Settlement agent
WA buyers usually use a licensed settlement agent to handle the legal side and run settlement. Agents set their own fees, which they must disclose in writing before you engage them.
Building and pest inspection
An inspector checks the home's structure and looks for termites and other timber pests. It's usually done while your offer is still conditional.
Strata report
For strata homes, a report reviews the scheme's records, levies, minutes and any planned works, so you know what you're buying into.
Insurance
Lenders usually want building insurance in place by settlement. For strata homes, the building is often covered through your strata levies, so you may only need contents cover.
Rates and water adjustments
If the seller has prepaid council rates or water, you pay them back your share from settlement day. Your settlement agent works this out for you.
Moving is the one people leave until last. A removalist, a van for the weekend or a few trips with friends all cost something, and so does connecting power and internet.
Costs that come with the loan
Your home loan can bring its own upfront costs, such as application, valuation or settlement fees, and lenders mortgage insurance if your deposit is under 20%.
Fees vary a lot between lenders. Some charge an application or establishment fee, some charge for the valuation, and some waive both. These are set out in your loan documents before you sign.
Lenders mortgage insurance is usually the biggest lender cost for a first home buyer. It can be avoided through schemes like the 5% Deposit Scheme or Keystart, or through an LMI waiver for some professions.
When we compare lenders, we look at the full upfront cost, not only the interest rate, so you can see where each option really lands.
How we help you budget
We add every upfront cost into your plan from the start, so you know exactly how much you need before you make an offer.
Have a chat
Tell us about your savings, income and the kind of home you're after.
Map the full cost
We list your deposit, duty, fees and the smaller extras in one place.
Compare lenders
We compare loan fees and LMI options across our panel, alongside the rate.
No surprises at settlement
We work with your settlement agent so the final figures match what you planned.
Rated five stars by the people we help
"As first home buyers, Lucy made the entire process simple, stress-free and easy to understand. Her communication, professionalism and genuine care were outstanding. We secured our dream first home in record time!"
"Friendly, knowledgeable and incredibly responsive throughout. She made everything feel easy and stress-free, and always took the time to patiently answer all of our questions. We felt supported every step of the way."
"Maddy has been exceptional helping us navigate getting our mortgage to build our home. Always super friendly and always has the time to answer any burning questions. Would highly recommend Maddy and Oui Finance to everyone!"
Frequently asked questions
What are the upfront costs of buying a house?
The upfront costs of buying a house are the deposit plus transfer duty, registration fees, settlement agent fees, inspections, any lenders mortgage insurance and loan fees, insurance and a few adjustments at settlement.
The table above shows typical ranges for each one in WA.
How much should I budget for costs on top of the deposit in WA?
It depends mostly on transfer duty and whether you pay lenders mortgage insurance, because the other costs of buying a house in WA usually add up to a few thousand dollars.
A first home buyer who qualifies for the duty concession and a no-LMI scheme can have much lower upfront costs. We work out your own figure in a first chat.
Do first home buyers pay stamp duty in WA?
Eligible first home buyers in WA may pay no transfer duty or a reduced amount, depending on the value of the home.
Our stamp duty calculator shows the concession and works out your figure.
Who pays the settlement agent in WA?
In WA the buyer and the seller each usually pay for their own settlement agent.
Agents set their own fees, so it's worth asking for a written quote that includes disbursements.
Can upfront costs be added to my home loan?
Some costs, such as lenders mortgage insurance, can often be added to the loan, while most others need to be paid from your savings.
Adding costs to the loan means paying interest on them over time. We show you both ways so you can decide.
Know your full cost before you buy
A first chat with Oui Finance is complimentary, and we'll map out every cost of your purchase so you know exactly where you stand.
Send us a few details and one of our brokers will be in touch. You can also call us on 0448 383 336.
This page is general information only and does not take your personal circumstances into account. Cost ranges are typical figures from the sources listed and are a guide only; government fees can change and professional fees are set by each provider, so get your own quotes. Lender credit criteria, terms, conditions, fees and charges apply, and your full financial situation will be reviewed before any offer or product is accepted.