Australian Property Settlement Calculator
Calculate your total property settlement costs as a buyer or seller: stamp duty by state, conveyancer fees, inspections, and pro-rata rate adjustments. AUD.
Full itemised buyer cost breakdown at settlement. Ranges reflect typical 2024 figures across NSW conveyancers.
| Cost Item | Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stamp Duty | A$28,855 | NSW standard rate |
| Conveyancer / Solicitor | A$1,600 | Range: A$1,000 – A$2,500 |
| Title Search | A$200 | Government title search fee |
| Mortgage Registration | A$165 | Lender registers mortgage on title |
| Building Inspection | A$500 | Strongly recommended for houses |
| Pest Inspection | A$600 | Termite + pest check |
| Council Rate Adjustment | A$302 | Buyer reimburses seller for 46 remaining days |
| Water Rate Adjustment | A$101 | Pro-rata to settlement date |
| Total Buyer Costs | A$32,323 | In addition to deposit and mortgage |
Settlement period (from exchange of contracts to completion) varies by state. Your conveyancer manages this process.
| State | Exchange to Settlement | Finance Clause | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | 42 days default (can vary) | 14-21 days typical | Cooling-off: 5 business days |
| VIC | 30-60 days | 14 days typical | Cooling-off: 3 business days |
| QLD | 30 days standard | 14-21 days | Cooling-off: 5 business days; REIQ contract |
| WA | 30-60 days | 14-21 days | No statutory cooling-off |
| SA | 30-90 days | 14-21 days | Cooling-off: 2 business days |
How to Use This Property Settlement Calculator
Enter your property price, state, and whether you are a buyer, seller, or both. Add your council and water rates, and strata levy if applicable, to calculate accurate settlement adjustments. The calculator shows stamp duty (with first home buyer concessions), conveyancer fees, inspection costs, and pro-rata rate adjustments.
What Is Property Settlement in Australia?
Settlement is the legal process that transfers property ownership from seller to buyer. On settlement day, the buyer's lender transfers the purchase funds to the seller, the seller's mortgage is discharged, and ownership is transferred via the title register. In most states this is now done electronically via PEXA (Property Exchange Australia). Settlement typically occurs 30-60 days after exchange of contracts.
What Are Settlement Adjustments?
Settlement adjustments are financial calculations that ensure buyer and seller each pay their fair share of ongoing property expenses (council rates, water rates, strata levies) based on who owned the property on each day. If the seller pre-paid council rates covering a period after settlement, the buyer reimburses them for those remaining days. These adjustments are calculated by your conveyancer and appear on the settlement statement.
Settlement Cost Formula
= Stamp Duty + Conveyancer Fees + Title Search + Mortgage Registration
+ Building Inspection + Pest Inspection + Strata Report
+ Council Rate Adjustment + Water Rate Adjustment + Strata Levy Adjustment
Seller Settlement Costs:
= Agent Commission (1.5-3%) + Marketing Budget + Conveyancer Fees
Rate Adjustment = Annual Rate ÷ 365 × Days Remaining in Quarter
Example: $800/yr water rates, 75 days remaining
Water adjustment = $800 ÷ 365 × 75 = $164 (buyer pays seller)
Example: Settlement Statement
Sarah Buying a $750,000 House in Sydney (NSW)
| Purchase Price | $750,000 |
| Stamp Duty (NSW) | $29,130 |
| Conveyancer Fees | $1,600 |
| Title Search + Mortgage Registration | $365 |
| Building Inspection | $500 |
| Pest Inspection | $600 |
| Council Rate Adjustment (30 days) | $197 |
| Water Rate Adjustment (30 days) | $66 |
| Total Settlement Costs | $32,458 |
| Plus Deposit / Mortgage | Separate |
Sarah needs $32,458 in addition to her deposit and mortgage costs on settlement day. Her conveyancer provides the exact settlement statement 3-5 business days before the settlement date, confirmed via PEXA.