Saving for a home deposit is a huge milestone—congratulations! 🎉 But before you start house hunting, it’s important to know that the deposit is only part of the picture. There are several upfront costs that many first-home buyers don’t anticipate.
At W & G Lawyers, we help Queensland buyers understand what’s involved and avoid unpleasant surprises at settlement. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.
1. Stamp Duty (Transfer Duty)
Stamp duty is a government tax on property purchases. The amount depends on the purchase price and whether you qualify for concessions.
✅ Good news for first-home buyers: You may be eligible for a stamp duty exemption if you meet certain criteria.
🔗 Check your eligibility for the First Home Owner Grant (CommBank)
Read our article on QLD Stampt Duty Chaneges: Big Savings for First Home Buyers From May 2025
2. Legal (Conveyancing) Fees
Our property lawyers will guide you through all legal aspects of your purchase, including:
- Title and council searches
- Liaising with the seller’s solicitor
- Preparing settlement documents
- Lodging everything with the Titles Office
These services are essential to ensure your transaction is legally sound and stress-free.
3. Loan Application & Bank Fees
When applying for a home loan, your lender may charge:
- Application fees
- Property valuation fees
- Settlement or handling charges
💡 Ask your lender for a full fee breakdown before signing.
4. Registration Fees
Government fees are payable when registering:
- Your ownership (title transfer)
- Any mortgage over the property
These are processed by your solicitor as part of the settlement.
5. Building & Pest Inspection Fees
A licensed inspector can assess the property’s condition to ensure it’s free from:
- Structural issues
- Pest infestations
Expect to pay around $400–$800, but this can prevent thousands in repairs later.
📎 Want to know what’s included in a building inspection? Read our article on Avoid Costly Surprises: The Truth About Building and Pest Inspections
6. First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)
Eligible first-home buyers may receive a $30,000 grant when buying or building a new home in Queensland (contract signed between 20 Nov 2023 and 30 Jun 2025).
✅ Eligibility basics:
- You haven’t owned property in Australia before
- The property is new or substantially renovated
- It’s valued under $750,000
🔗 QLD Revenue Office – First Home Grant
🔗 QLD Government – Housing Assistance
🔗 Mortgage Choice – FHOG QLD Guide
Read our article on First Home Buyer in QLD? Government Grants and Low Deposit Loans You Should Know About
Why You Should Talk to a Solicitor Early
It’s easy to overlook the fine print. Our legal team can:
- Give you a pre-purchase cost breakdown
- Explain your rights and obligations
- Help you apply for grants and exemptions
- Make settlement smooth and stress-free
Ready to Buy Your First Home?
Let us help you get started on the right foot.
Contact W & G Lawyers today at
📧 info@wglawyers.com.au
📱 0433 071 350
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Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is provided for general guidance and informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice or to substitute for obtaining legal advice specific to your individual circumstances. While we endeavour to ensure that the content is accurate and up to date at the time of publication, laws and regulations may change. W & G Lawyers makes no warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information provided.
We strongly recommend that you seek independent legal advice before making any decisions or taking any actions based on the content of this article. W & G Lawyers accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage suffered as a result of reliance on this information