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How much deposit do I need? Deposit and upfront costs calculator.

The deposit is only part of what you need on settlement day. Enter the price you are aiming for and the deposit you have, and this calculator shows the loan you would need, your loan-to-value ratio (LVR), whether lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) is likely, and the total cash required once stamp duty, registration fees, conveyancing and inspections are added.

First home buyers can also test the Home Guarantee Scheme, which lets an eligible buyer borrow up to a 95% LVR without paying LMI.

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How this calculator works.

  1. The loan is the price less your deposit, and the LVR is the loan divided by the price.
  2. LMI is an indicative flat rate by LVR band, and none is charged at or under 80% LVR: 1.05% of the loan from 80% up to 85% LVR; 1.9% of the loan from 85% up to 90% LVR; 3.1% of the loan from 90% up to 95% LVR; 3.9% of the loan from 95% up to 100% LVR. A first home buyer using the Home Guarantee Scheme at an LVR of 95% or less pays no LMI.
  3. Transfer duty and registration fees come from the state you choose, for an owner-occupier buying an established home, with first home buyer concessions where they apply.
  4. Conveyancing ($1,500) and a building and pest inspection ($600) are added.
  5. Total cash needed is your deposit plus duty, registration fees, conveyancing and inspections. LMI is not included because it is typically added to the loan rather than paid in cash.

What it assumes

  • The starting scenario is a purchase of $700,000 with a deposit of $70,000, which is a 90% LVR.
  • Duty assumes an owner-occupier buying an established home.
  • The Home Guarantee Scheme is modelled only as its LMI waiver up to a 95% LVR. Places, price caps and eligibility are not checked.
  • Grants, moving costs and lender fees are not included.
  • Duty rules and fees are as at 25 September 2026.

Questions people ask.

How much deposit do I need to buy a house?

There is no single number. A deposit of 20% or more keeps you at or under 80% LVR, where LMI is generally not charged. Many lenders will lend with less, usually with LMI, and eligible first home buyers may be able to buy with a 5% deposit under the Home Guarantee Scheme. On top of the deposit you need cash for stamp duty, registration fees, conveyancing and inspections, which this calculator adds up.

Do I really need a 20% deposit?

No, but it changes what you pay. Under 20% you will generally pay LMI, which protects the lender and can be added to your loan, and the larger loan costs more interest. Use the calculator to compare a smaller deposit with a bigger one.

What upfront costs should I budget for?

This calculator includes stamp duty, the transfer and mortgage registration fees, conveyancing and a building and pest inspection. It does not include moving costs, lender fees, insurance or any repairs, so add a buffer for those.

Is LMI included in the cash I need?

No. LMI is typically capitalised, added to the loan, rather than paid at settlement, so it is shown separately. It still increases your loan and the interest you pay.

Does the calculator include the First Home Owner Grant?

No. It applies stamp duty concessions for first home buyers where the state offers them, but grants are not modelled. Check your state revenue office for grants you may qualify for.

More calculators.

How Much Deposit Do I Need? Deposit Calculator | Siare