BUDGET FOR THE WHOLE PURCHASE.

Separate the deposit from the buying costs.

The deposit contributes towards the price, while duties, fees, inspections and moving costs require their own allowance.

Ask your lender to confirm the deposit needed for your loan and whether lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) applies.

LMI protects the lender, and its cost and availability depend on the loan, lender and any applicable scheme.

Confirm whether any premium is paid upfront or added to the loan, and how that affects repayments.

Confirm the transaction costs.

Ask your conveyancer to estimate the transfer and registration costs for your purchase.

Stamp duty depends on the transaction and any relief you're eligible for, so use current RevenueSA guidance and have your entitlement checked.

Your broker can explain loan application, valuation and settlement fees, while your conveyancer checks adjustments such as rates and water charges between buyer and seller.

Allow for professional support.

Building inspections, conveyancing and any specialist reports should be considered alongside the price.

If you're engaging a buyer's agent, confirm the scope, fee and payment timing in writing.

• Conveyancing and legal advice
• Building, pest and any relevant specialist reports
• Buyer's agent support if engaged
• Loan and lender-related charges where applicable

Plan for moving and ongoing ownership.

Allow for moving, insurance and any immediate maintenance you intend to carry out.

Rates, utilities and strata or community costs can also affect the first months of ownership.

Your property-specific budget should be checked against current figures before you commit.

General information only, not financial, tax or legal advice; obtain current property-specific quotes and confirm an allowance for unplanned costs with your advisers.