How to buy a $360,000 house in Australia

In this article, we’ll look at all the factors that go into buying a $360,000 property in Australia. We’ll look at the deposit you’ll need to save, LMI considerations, the average fees & stamp duty on a $360,000 house, the estimated FHOG, how much interest you’ll pay on the mortgage and the amount you need to earn to buy a $360,000 home.

We’ve provided this information to give rough estimates. Need specific information that suits your financial situation? Speak to a local mortgage broker.

Note: This article provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product. It does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances.

Minimum deposit to buy a $360,000 property (no LMI)

In Australia, to avoid paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), you typically need a deposit of at least 20% of the property’s purchase price. For a house priced at $360,000, this means you would need a minimum deposit of $72,000. This 20% deposit reduces the lender’s risk and eliminates the need for LMI, which can be a significant additional cost. Therefore, to buy a house priced at $360,000 without incurring LMI, you should aim to save at least $72,000 for the deposit.


Minimum deposit to buy a $360,000 property (with LMI)

To buy a house priced at $360,000 in Australia with Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), you typically need a minimum deposit of 5%, which is $18,000. LMI is required when the deposit is less than 20% of the property value. The cost of LMI varies but is generally around 2% of the loan amount. For a $342,000 loan ($360,000 – $18,000), the LMI could be approximately $6,840. Therefore, the total minimum deposit needed, including the estimated LMI cost, would be around $24,840.

Mortgage fees for a $360,000 house

When purchasing a house in Australia for $360,000, you can expect additional fees such as stamp duty, legal fees, and inspection costs. Stamp duty varies by state but can be approximately $10,000 to $15,000. Legal fees for conveyancing typically range from $800 to $2,000. Building and pest inspections may cost around $400 to $800. Additionally, you might incur mortgage registration and transfer fees, which can add another $200 to $500. Overall, the estimated additional fees could range from $11,400 to $18,300.

Estimated FHOG for $360,000 purchase

The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in Australia varies by state and territory, and eligibility criteria must be met. Generally, the grant ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 for new homes, but it is not typically available for established homes. For a house priced at $360,000, if it is a new home and you meet all other eligibility requirements, you could receive a grant of up to $10,000 to $20,000, depending on your location. It is essential to check the specific guidelines and amounts for your state or territory to get an accurate estimate.

Estimated mortgage interest on a $360,000 home purchase

Over the past 50 years, the average mortgage interest rate in Australia has been approximately 7%. Assuming a 30-year loan term and a fixed interest rate, the total interest paid on a $360,000 mortgage can be estimated using the formula for calculating total interest on a fixed-rate mortgage. The monthly payment would be around $2,395.98. Over 30 years, this amounts to $862,552.80 in total payments. Subtracting the principal of $360,000, the estimated total interest paid would be approximately $502,552.80. This is a rough estimate and actual interest paid can vary based on the specific terms of the loan and changes in interest rates.

How much do you need to earn to buy a $360,000 house?

To afford a mortgage on a $360,000 house in Australia with a 20% deposit, you would need to borrow $288,000. Over the last 50 years, the average interest rate in Australia has been around 7%. Assuming a 30-year loan term, your monthly repayments would be approximately $1,915. To comfortably afford these repayments, financial experts recommend that mortgage payments should not exceed 30% of your gross monthly income. Therefore, you would need to earn at least $6,383 per month, or approximately $76,600 annually, to manage the mortgage repayments on a $360,000 house.

Mortgage advice

The above information is to be used as rough estimates – we’d recommend you speak to a mortgage broker to give you specific information about your unique circumstances.