Application & establishment fees, stamp duty + more.
When taking out a mortgage, many people forget to consider the associated fees and expenses. Here are some of the extra costs that you’ll need to consider when you take out a home loan.
Home loan application fees
Most lenders charge a home loan application fee. This can range from loan to loan, and covers:
- Loan contracts
- Property title checks
- Credit checks
- Attending a settlement
Mortgage fees and costs
- Mortgage establishment fees– Lenders generally charge a mortgage establishment fee – a fee for setting up a mortgage.
- Property valuation– A third party chosen by the lender, is appointed to determine the value of your land and improvements.
- Mortgage registration– Your Mortgage deed needs to be registered with the government.
- Mortgage stamp duty– Some State Governments charges stamp duty to register your mortgage.
- Lenders mortgage insurance– If you don’t have 20% of the purchase price or the value of the property, the lender will require you to pay for a lenders mortgage insurance policy that covers their risk in the event you default on your repayments.
Property fees and costs
- Building, Pest and Electrical Inspection fees– It’s wise to have your property inspected for any structural or electrical problems and for pests (e.g. termites).
- Stamp duty– Governments charge Stamp Duty to transfer the ownership of a property.
- Registration of transfer fee– The new owner of the property needs to be registered at the Land Titles Office.
- Legal fees– You generally need to pay a Solicitor of Settlement Agent to handle the transfer of ownership of the property on your behalf
- Home & contents insurance– Most homeowners insure their home and contents against a range of threats: burglary, fire, storm, etc. Lenders insist that your property is insured while you have a mortgage.
- Life and income protection insurance– Borrowers should consider protecting their incomes and themselves while they have a mortgage.
- Utility costs– Connecting electricity, gas and telephone can attract a fee.
- Council Rates– Your local council charges rates to cover garbage collection and a host of other services.
- Water Rates– The water corporation charges rates for the supply and upkeep of water to your property.
- Body corporate fees– If you buy an apartment or Strata Titled property, body corporate fees are charged, and some fees can be significant – particularly if the building is in need of a major work (e.g. concrete cancer, security upgrade, new hot water system, etc) or if there are lifts, pools and other communal facilities.
- Maintenance costs– Don’t forget to make provision for regular maintenance on your home – even if you decide not to undertake significant renovation.
Give us a call at 08 8211 7180 or you may also reach us at info@centramoney.com.au to learn more about the hidden costs of buying a home.