Property Buying Cost Checklist
The upfront costs of buying go beyond the down payment. Use this checklist so nothing surprises you.
Quick answer
When buying a property, budget for more than the deposit: MOT stamp duty, loan agreement stamp duty, SPA and loan legal fees, valuation fee, disbursements, and possibly consent or land-office fees. Knowing these upfront costs helps you avoid running short at completion. Treat all figures as estimates and confirm with your lawyer and LHDN.
Key takeaways
- Plan for stamp duty, legal fees, valuation and disbursements.
- MOT stamp duty and loan stamp duty are separate items.
- First-home buyers may get exemptions, subject to eligibility.
- All figures are estimates until your lawyer confirms.
Core upfront costs
- Down payment / deposit.
- MOT stamp duty (tiered on the price).
- Loan agreement stamp duty (around 0.5% of the loan).
- SPA and loan legal fees, plus disbursements.
- Valuation fee (usually when financing).
Possible extras
Consent or land-office fees for certain titles, and any management arrears for subsale strata units. Ask your lawyer what applies.
Checklist
- Down payment set aside.
- MOT and loan stamp duty estimated.
- Legal fees and disbursements estimated.
- Valuation fee and any consent fee checked.
Watch out for
- Entry costs can add up to several percent of the price — plan ahead.
- Estimates are not final — your lawyer confirms the exact figures.
Frequently asked questions
What costs come on top of the down payment?
MOT stamp duty, loan agreement stamp duty, SPA and loan legal fees, valuation fee, disbursements, and sometimes consent or land-office fees. Treat them as estimates until confirmed.
Are these costs the same for everyone?
No. They depend on price, loan amount, title type and eligibility for exemptions. Always confirm with your lawyer and LHDN.
Related guides
MOT Stamp Duty Explained (Tiered Rates)
MOT stamp duty uses a tiered scale. Here is how the bands work and a worked example, with a reminder to verify current rates.
Read guideLoan Fees: Stamp Duty, Legal and Valuation
The upfront costs of taking a home loan beyond the down payment: stamp duty, legal fees and valuation.
Read guideFirst-Home Buyer Stamp Duty Exemption
Eligible first-home buyers may get a stamp duty exemption up to a price cap. Here is the seed rule and how to confirm it.
Read guideImportant
This content is for general education only. It is not legal, financial, banking, valuation, tax, investment, or property advice. Always verify with the relevant bank, lawyer, valuer, agent, developer, auctioneer, land office, LPPSA, LHDN, or authority before making decisions.
Last reviewed: 2026 edition · Rules, rates and fees change over time. Always confirm the latest figures with the relevant authority before you act.