When people think about the cost of buying their first home, they usually focus on the deposit.

But the true cost includes a range of extra expenses, and if you're not prepared, they can catch you off guard.

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates share a full breakdown of the real costs involved in buying your first home, from government charges and lender fees to legal costs, building and pest inspections, moving expenses, and more.

Whether you’re early in your planning or getting close to buying, this episode will help you build a clear, realistic budget so you’re prepared at every step.

You’ll walk away knowing exactly what to expect, what to plan for, and how to move forward with confidence.

In this episode:

🔑 A full breakdown of government, legal, lender, and moving costs

🔑 What’s paid inside your loan vs out of your pocket

🔑 A real NSW case study: $900K purchase example

🔑 Why a building and pest inspection is essential

🔑 Why having a cash buffer is key for peace of mind

Timestamps:

00:00 – What are the real costs to consider?

01:48 – Government fees explained

03:23 – NSW case study: $900K purchase example

04:08 – Stamp duty breakdown

06:33 – Legal fees: What a conveyancer does and why it matters

09:28 – Lender fees and LMI: what to watch for

13:28 – Why you need a building & pest inspection

15:56 – Planning for moving, setup, and furniture

16:49 – Hidden costs and the value of a cash buffer

🎧 Listen now and get clear on exactly what to budget for.

At the time of filming, we were in the 2024/25 financial year. Since then, NSW mortgage registration and transfer fees have increased slightly from $171.70 to $175.70 each in the 2025/26 financial year.

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