Settlement Cash Buffer Calculator
You have paid the deposit at exchange. This works out the cash still due on settlement day, the cash you need straight after, and the total you have to find — without counting the deposit twice.
Last verified: 12 September 2026Reviewed by the Savings Mate editorial team — figures fact-checked against the ATO, Services Australia and ASIC MoneySmart.
I've paid my deposit — how much cash do I still need at settlement?
Take the purchase price, subtract the loan and the deposit you have already paid, then add stamp duty, conveyancing, lender and registration fees, any lenders mortgage insurance paid in cash and the rates adjustment, less any grant paid at settlement. On the default example that is $106,550 due at settlement, and $120,550 in total once moving costs, set-up costs and a $10,000 reserve are added. Estimate only.
How this is calculated
Balance of price = purchase price − loan − deposit already paid. The deposit is deducted here once and never added back as a cost.
Cash due at settlement = balance of price + stamp duty + conveyancing + lender fees + transfer and mortgage registration + building and pest inspection (only if not already paid) + lenders mortgage insurance (only if paid in cash, not capitalised) + settlement adjustments − grant or credit received at settlement. If this comes out below zero the requirement is shown as $0 and the difference as a surplus refunded or credited to you.
Cash needed after settlement = moving costs + immediate costs + the reserve you want left. Total still to find = cash due at settlement + cash needed after settlement. Total cash outlay = deposit + cash due at settlement + items already paid before settlement (it excludes moving costs and the reserve). LVR = loan ÷ price.
Assumptions: stamp duty is entered, not calculated, and the $28,000 default is an example figure; adjustments are a single net amount; negative money inputs are treated as zero. Sources: ASIC MoneySmart — Buying a house (deposit at exchange, settlement, stamp duty timing and first home buyer exemptions) — checked 12 Sep 2026.
What to do next. Read deposit paid versus cash still needed at settlement for what your conveyancer's settlement statement will show line by line. Then replace the example stamp duty with your own figure from the stamp duty calculator, and if your loan is above 80% of the price, check the premium with the LMI calculator.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.
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