Upfront costs to consider
Lemon Tree Finance Fee: $0
Our service is completely free for you—we’re paid by the lender, so you can benefit from expert advice without any added cost.
Registered Valuation: $500 – $1,500
Required by the bank in low deposit situations (typically where you're borrowing more than 80% of the property's value).
Legal / Solicitor Fees: $1,000 – $2,000
Covers conveyancing, title search, and legal due diligence. This varies depending on the solicitor and complexity of the purchase.
LIM Report (Land Information Memorandum): $300 – $500
A report from the local council providing important details about the property’s zoning, consents, drainage, and more. Often required during the due diligence phase.
Ongoing & Hidden Costs
Low Equity Margin: +0.25% – 1.75%
If your deposit is less than 20%, banks may charge a low equity margin on top of your interest rate until your equity improves.
Insurance Requirements
· Home insurance: Required by lenders to protect the property
· Life/income protection insurance: Strongly recommended to safeguard against financial hardship in the event of illness, injury, or death
Property Rates & Maintenance
Ongoing council rates, water charges, and general maintenance can vary depending on location and property type.
Moving Costs
Includes moving services, temporary storage, cleaning, and set-up of utilities in your new home.
How Lemon Tree Finance Helps
At Lemon Tree Finance, we:
· Walk you through every cost so you know exactly what to budget for
· Negotiate maximum cashback offers from banks to offset these upfront costs
· Offer strategic advice to avoid unnecessary fees and structure your loan for long-term savings
We Make Home Buying a Breeze—Not a Burden
Our goal is to take the stress out of financing your home. We help you budget wisely, secure favourable terms, and ensure that you’re not caught off guard by hidden costs. With Lemon Tree Finance, you get more than a loan—you get a clear path to confident homeownership.
