The Costs Of Buying A House In Qld in 2025

Buying a house is a huge financial milestone but it's not just the sale price that buyers need to budget for. If you're buying a house in Qld in 2025, understanding the full range of expenses involved is essential to avoid surprises down the track. Beyond your deposit, there are a number of hidden costs of buying a home that can impact your financial planning.

In this blog, we'll break down the costs of buying a house in Queensland, including transfer duty, legal fees, inspection reports, government charges and more. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, this guide will help you prepare for the real cost of home ownership.

1. Transfer Duty (Stamp Duty)

Transfer duty (commonly known as stamp duty) is one of the largest upfront fees when buying a house in Queensland. It is a government tax calculated based on the purchase price of the property or its market value - whichever is higher.

Stamp Duty Rates in Queensland (as of 2025):

• Up to $5,000: Nil

• $5,001 to $75,000: $1.50 per $100 or part thereof over $5,000

• $75,001 to $540,000: $1,050 plus $3.50 per $100 or part thereof over $75,000

• $540,001 to $1,000,000: $17,325 plus $4.50 per $100 or part thereof over $540,000

• Over $1,000,000: $38,025 plus $5.75 per $100 or part thereof over $1,000,000

First Home Buyer Concessions

If you're a first-time buyer, you may be eligible for a stamp duty concession, potentially saving you thousands.

2. Conveyancing and Legal Fees

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of property from the seller to the buyer. You'll need a licensed conveyancer or solicitor to manage this process.

Estimated Cost Of Conveyancing and Legal Fees in 2025:

• $800 to $2,000 depending on the complexity of the transaction

What's Included:

• Reviewing the contract of sale

• Conducting title and property searches

• Preparing and lodging documents with the relevant authorities

Legal advice during the buying process is invaluable and ensures your rights and interests are protected.

3. Pest and Building Inspections

Before finalising your purchase, it’s wise to conduct pest and building inspections to assess the condition of the property. These inspections can identify costly issues such as termite damage, structural problems, or moisture-related defects.

Estimated Cost of Pest and Building Inspections In Qld In 2025:

• $400 to $800 for both inspections (often offered as a package)

Although not mandatory, these inspections are highly recommended to avoid unexpected repair costs after settlement.

4. Mortgage Registration and Transfer Fees

When you take out a home loan, there are government fees associated with registering the mortgage and transferring the property title.

Estimated Costs in QLD (2025):

• Mortgage Registration Fee: ~$232

• Transfer Registration Fee: Varies based on the property value. For example:

  • $500,000 property = ~$1,625

  • $750,000 property = ~$2,715

These charges are estimates and are payable to the Queensland Government. They are usually handled by your conveyancer or lender. You can check the latest fees associated with transfers by visiting the Titles Queensland website.

5. Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)

Lenders Mortgage Insurance is applicable if you’re borrowing more than 80% of the property’s value. It protects the lender (not the borrower) if you default on your loan. The cost of LMI depends on the loan amount and deposit size.

Estimated Cost of LMI in Qld in 2025:

• This varies significantly - for a $600,000 home with a 10% deposit, LMI could cost over $15,000.

Some professions (like nurses, doctors, and accountants) may be eligible for LMI waivers, so it’s worth speaking to a finance broker to explore your options.

There are also some scenarios where you can avoid paying LMI.

Other Costs to Consider When Buying a House in QLD

In Queensland the property is at the buyers risk from 5pm on the first business day after the contract date. While the above are the major expenses, other hidden costs of buying a home may include:

• Loan Application Fees: $200 to $700 depending on the lender

• Valuation Fees: Some lenders charge $200 to $500 for property valuations

• Home and Contents Insurance: Best to shop around and find the cover that is right for you

• Council and Utility Adjustments: You may need to reimburse the seller for prepaid rates or services

• Moving Costs: Removalist fees, truck hire, utility connection fees, etc.

Budgeting for the Real Costs of Buying a Home

As you can see, the costs of buying a house in Qld in 2025 go well beyond the deposit and purchase price. Factoring in these additional expenses will help you set a more accurate budget and avoid financial stress during the buying process.

The information contained in this post is for general guidance only and does not constitute personal advice. Fees and charges change over time.

At CJG Finance, we’re here to help you find the most appropriate home buying finance and guide you through your home loan journey. Whether you’re a first home buyer or an experienced investor, we can help you secure the right loan and navigate every fee along the way.