PublicSquare

Acquisition Cost Calculator: The Capital to Get Started

Buying a property for Rent-to-Sell? This tool adds up the capital you need at the start — deposit, stamp duty at investment rates, and the purchase costs — for a new build or an established home in Queensland or New South Wales.

Acquisition costs

Total capital required
$200,025
We structure every Rent-to-Sell property with the aim of being cashflow positive from day one — even on a 20% deposit.
Where it goes
  • Deposit (20%)$156,000
  • Stamp duty (QLD, investment)$28,125
  • LMI (80% LVR or below)$0
  • Building & pest$650
  • Loan & government fees$950
  • PublicSquare engagement fee$1,100
  • Rent-to-Sell setup fee$13,200
  • Buyer's agency & conveyancingComplimentary
Assumptions

Figures follow PublicSquare's investor worksheet. Stamp duty is charged at investment rates for the selected state — no owner-occupier concession applies. On an established home it is assessed on the full purchase price; on a new build (house and land, or off the plan) it is assessed on the land value only, because the building contract is not dutiable. Progress payments during construction, and the interest on them, are not modelled. Lenders Mortgage Insurance is an indicative premium by LVR band and is nil at 80% LVR or below; actual LMI varies by insurer. Building and pest inspection $650; loan establishment, mortgage registration and transfer fees $950 combined (lender and government fees, indicative). PublicSquare's fees are the $1,100 engagement fee and the $13,200 Rent-to-Sell setup fee — discounts apply for referred clients. Buyer's agency and conveyancing are complimentary. Your deposit percentage is your choice with your lender. Rental income, holding costs and repayments aren't part of this calculator — see Weekly cashflow for what the property pays you while the lease runs.

General information only — not financial, legal, or tax advice. All figures are estimates inclusive of GST, and actual results may vary. Results are based on the stated assumptions and your inputs; obtain independent professional advice before making any decision. More information is available on the How It Works page and in the pricing section.

How to read the result

The total is the cash to have ready. The deposit is the largest part and the only one that comes back to you as equity; stamp duty and purchase costs are sunk. Compare the 20% and 30% settings to see how much lenders mortgage insurance a larger deposit avoids.

What the calculator assumes

  • Stamp duty is calculated at each state's general (investment) rates, with no owner-occupier or first-home concession.
  • Building and pest inspection and conveyancing are included at indicative flat fees; you can edit them.
  • Lenders mortgage insurance applies below a 20% deposit at indicative rates; real premiums vary by lender.
  • The program's minimum initial home value for Rent-to-Sell is $600,000.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Existing rentals can be switched into Rent-to-Sell; the acquisition costs on this page do not apply, because you already own it. Order a free appraisal to see the figures for your property.

Written by

Dean Arnold
Dean Arnold

Founder & CEO

Licensed real estate agent

I started PublicSquare in 2021 to give homebuyers a real path to ownership without a deposit, and investors a stronger-cashflow alternative to a standard rental. I hold real estate licences in Queensland and New South Wales and personally review every property that enters the program.

Reviewed by

Jarrod Wills
Jarrod Wills

Property Lead

Licensed agent · Former mortgage broker

I was a mortgage broker before joining PublicSquare, so I look at every property and every purchase the way a lender would. I now lead the property side of the program, helping homebuyers from their first info session through to move-in, and working with our buyers agency team on each acquisition for our investors.

Read more about Rent-to-Sell.

This article is general information only and does not take your personal circumstances into account. PublicSquare is a licensed real estate agency, not a financial adviser or credit provider. Consider seeking independent advice before making a decision.