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Whether this is your first or your fifth investment property, we've put together some helpful tips for navigating the common upfront costs you might encounter when purchasing a house, and a few reasons why you might choose to have your home loan with Auswide Bank. If you prefer talking with someone face-to-face or over the phone, our Lending Consultants are always here to help you through to process. 

Why choose Auswide Bank?

We’ve been helping Australians achieve home ownership for over 57 years and have even won awards for our products, including our home loans.

We would love the opportunity of growing with you as you take steps to buy your first (or your next) investment property.

0.20% discount on investment home loans**

Reduce the interest rate on your investment loan and take advantage of our bonus discount offer that provides you with long-term financial benefit available immediately from the day of settlement.

  • Available when you bring your owner occupied loan at the same time
  • Available when constructing, refinancing or purchasing
  • No Loan to Value Ratio (LVR) limitations
  • No minimum loan amount required

Upfront Costs

A building and pest inspection will determine the condition of the property and most importantly, it’s structural integrity. If the inspector finds a number of concerns such as asbestos, termites, cracks or drainage issues you might decide not to proceed with the purchase or request a reduction in the price.

Lenders Mortgage Insurance is a one-off premium that you can pay upfront or as part of your loan and is designed to give those with a lower deposit an opportunity to buy a property.

Essentially, LMI protects the lender if you are unable to pay for your loan in the future and is calculated based on the size of your deposit and how much you need to borrow. The best way to avoid paying LMI is to have a deposit of at least 20% of the property purchase price.

A loan application or establishment fee is a one-off payment per application, which may also include a valuation fee.

When buying or selling a home, a conveyancer or solicitor will arrange documentation for your sale or purchase. Often this includes preparation of the contract, title searches and organising settlement costs.

A mortgage registration fee is a government fee paid during settlement when a mortgage is established (buyer) or when the mortgage is discharged against the property (seller). The fee register’s the physical property as the security on the home loan, allowing any future buyers to check claims that may exist on the home.

A transfer fee, also required by the state government, covers the transfer of title of the property from one party to another.

Stamp duty, sometimes called transfer duty, is a tax charged by the state government when buying a house or transferring to a new owner. It’s one of the more expensive costs you will incur outside of the property purchase price and the amount paid can vary greatly depending on the price of the property and which state or territory you live in. If you’re a first-time home buyer, you may be eligible for stamp duty exemptions or concessions which can significantly reduce the cost.

When you purchase an apartment or townhouse within a development, you will generally incur body corporate fees, which go towards the management and maintenance of the building or complex. Body corporate fees can vary depending on a few factors but may take into account the services provided and the type of dwelling.

Once you have your investment property and you’re ready to have tenants move in, you’ll likely consider the help of a property manager who will, as their title suggests, manage your property. This often includes listing your property, screening applicants, managing tenant maintenance requests and rent collection.

Landlord insurance is designed to cover the cost of replacement or repair needed when certain events occur that damage your residential investment property. It can also cover any contents you provide for your tenant’s use that could leave you out of pocket. Find out more about Auswide Bank Landlord Insurance.

Home Loan Calculators

Use our calculators to give you an idea of what your repayments could be.

Compare Home Loans

Chat to a Home Loan Consultant

Whether it's face-to-face or over-the-phone our lending consultant can provide professional personalised advice and will help you through the process quickly and easily. They can also help you apply for a pre-approved loan, so you know how much you can afford to pay.

Have some questions?

We’re here to help.

  • 1 This rate is available for new loans only and is only available on the relevant product, purpose and LVR. After expiry of any fixed term, the rate reverts to the applicable Freedom Package Revert Variable.
  • 2 Comparison rates based on secured loan of $150,000 over 25 years. WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the examples given. Different amounts & terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees & cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan.
  • 3 This rate is available for new loans only and is only available on the relevant product, purpose and LVR.

~Redraw is subject to Auswide Bank's discretion – limits may apply.

+A break cost may apply if the fixed loan is paid out in full or any change made to the loan structure within the fixed term.

* Full details of the Freedom Package are available in the Freedom Package Schedule of Benefits and Freedom Package Terms & Conditions. As per the Freedom Package terms and conditions, some benefits will not be applied to your products unless you advise us that you're a Freedom Package customer. Freedom Package benefits not available on Bridging Loans.

**An additional discount of up to 0.20%p.a. will be applied to the applicable investment home loan annual percentage interest rate when the applicant also applies at the same time for a new owner occupied home loan, or refinances an existing owner occupied home loan from another lender to Auswide Bank. If the application of the additional discount results in the investment loan rate falling below the associated owner occupied rate, the owner occupied interest rate will apply to the investment loan. This offer is subject to change at any time without notice. This offer is not available with the 2 Year Fixed Rate Special Offer (refer to Home Loan & Line of Credit Interest Rate Schedule).


This information is a summary of features & benefits only. This is not an offer to lend - credit assessment criteria, terms and conditions & fees and charge apply - full details on application. Loans are only available to approved applicants offering security in approved property in Australia. Prior to entering into a credit contract with us you should read our Credit Guide