What will a first home actually cost you?
Not just the mortgage. The full monthly cost, as a percentage of the money that actually lands in your account.
1
You
Salary, HELP, health
2
Property
Price, deposit, state
3
Costs
Rates, insurance, strata
4
Results
Your real number
Steps 1 to 3 are your inputs. Step 4 is the result. Takes about 30 seconds.
Live preview updates as you go. You can always go back and change any number.
First home cost calculator
Four quick steps. See the real monthly cost, not just the mortgage.
About you
Your income determines how much you can borrow and how stretched you'll be.
Take-home: $6,072/mo after tax
What this calculator includes
ATO 2025/26 tax
Income tax brackets, Medicare levy, and Medicare Levy Surcharge if you earn over $93k without private health.
Stamp duty by state
First home buyer exemptions for NSW, VIC, and QLD. Other states use 4% estimate.
HELP/HECS + LMI
Your HELP repayment at your income level. Lenders mortgage insurance by LVR band.
The hidden costs
Council rates, water, insurance, maintenance (houses) or strata levies (apartments, townhouses, units).
Share your results
On the results step, you can download a PDF summary or copy a shareable link. The link pre-fills all your numbers so the other person sees exactly what you see. Useful for sharing with a partner, a mortgage broker, or your parents.
Understanding your percentage
Under 30%
Generally manageable. Room for savings and life.
30 to 40%
Tight but common for first buyers in capital cities.
40 to 50%
A stretch. Budget carefully and stress-test with higher rates.
Over 50%
Consider a lower price, bigger deposit, or longer term.
Related tools
Stamp duty calculator — see the exact stamp duty for your state and price point.
Deposit tracker — work out how long it takes to save your target deposit.
Eligibility checker — check which first home buyer grants and concessions apply to you.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only and is not financial advice. Figures are based on ATO 2025/26 tax rates, approximate stamp duty schedules, and general cost assumptions. Actual costs vary by lender, insurer, council, and individual circumstances.
Always confirm figures with your lender, conveyancer, or a licensed mortgage broker before making financial decisions. housematch.com.au is not a financial advisor or credit provider. See our terms.
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