Home Loan Fees & Other Costs

Buying a property costs more than just the purchase price. When it comes to getting a home loan, government fees can be a factor in knowing how much to budget. It's important to be aware of all the additional costs you'll incur when buying a property – and budget for them accordingly before you sign a contract.

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Government Fees

It is important to be aware of any government taxes or home loan fees, e.g. Stamp Duty, Mortgage Registration and Transfer Fees, that may apply to your purchase as they can sometimes be quite large and can vary according to the purchase price of your new property and the amount you borrow.

Stamp duty can be one of the biggest costs outside of the purchase price and varies by State
GST may apply to the inspection and valuation of new properties. It may not be payable on bank charges and fees or when you buy an established property
Some states and territories offer stamp duty reductions or exemptions on stamp duty for some first home buyers

Extra cost considerations

Before you buy, it's important to not only obtain legal advice, but to properly inspect the home for any pests and building issues to ensure you aren't faced with any unwanted (and costly) surprises down the track.

Pest and building inspections

These should be arranged before any contracts have been signed, and ideally before you make an offer or consider signing a contract subject to building and pest inspections.

Legal Fees

A quality legal team will secure your purchase. They will investigate your property by carrying out the property searches that need to be done. They will review and explain the sale contract guiding you through the often-confusing legal process.

Property Valuation

Property valuations give you an independent view on how much the property is actually worth, so you can feel some comfort that the asking price for a property is reasonable and take the next step with confidence.

Planning to refurbish, update, or improve your property?

Before you get building, you may need to seek approval, and in some cases special permits, from your local council before you can start making these changes. Get in touch with your local council to see what approvals you need.

Lenders Mortgage Insurance

If you borrow more than 80% of the purchase price for Full Doc Loans you will need to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance to protect the Bank against potential loss in the event of a forced sale of a mortgaged property.

Home/Building Insurance

It's a requirement that you take out insurance for a mortgaged property, to protect both you and the Bank in the unfortunate event of damage or destruction of the property.

You should carefully consider which insurance product and what level of cover is right for your individual needs, as this will help you get back on your feet quickly if you ever experience an insured loss or damage.

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Find out more about Home & contents insurance

Other potential costs

Utilities (phone, internet, electricity and gas)
Council and water rates
Body corporate fees
Removalists & cleaners (or DIY and save!)
Any new furniture or white-goods
Ongoing maintenance

A range of fees and charges apply both to home loan applications and home loans. You should make sure you understand all the costs before you apply. Download our Lending Fees and Charges brochure, or pick one up from your nearest Suncorp Bank store.

Fees for our Back to Basics Variable home loan – Our lowest variable rate

Fees for our Standard Variable home loan – Our offset facility loan

Fees for our Fixed rate home loan

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Banking products are issued by Suncorp-Metway Ltd ABN 66 010 831 722 AFSL No 229882 Australian Credit Licence 229882 (“Suncorp Bank”) to approved applicants only. Please read the relevant Product Information Document, Lending Fees and Charges and the Home Package Plus terms and conditions before making a decision regarding any Suncorp Bank products. Fees, charges, terms and conditions apply and are available on request or on our Product Information Documents and Forms page.