What are the hidden costs when buying a new home?

What are the hidden costs when buying a new home?

When taking out a mortgage, many people forget to consider the associated fees and expenses.

Here are some of the extra costs that you will 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 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 needs 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, remember to make provision for regular maintenance on your home, even if you decide not to undertake significant renovation.

Speak to your broker to establish what costs and how much will apply to your situation and if you have any questions we can assist with please call 03 9988 6170 or email reception@enhancedgroup.com.au