01
True-cost calculator
Calculate the deposit, Victorian duty, registration, legal, inspection, finance, moving and move-in costs in one place.
Launch price: $19Guide + editable calculator
The Geelong First Home Buyer Cost & Decision Kit
Know your real buying budget before you fall in love with the house.
A simple toolkit that helps first home buyers calculate every major buying cost, assess a property objectively and know what to check before making an offer.
Created by Vicky Whittaker, Geelong Buyer's Advocate
Launch price$19Usually $27
Printable PDF
Editable calculator
The $20 guide that could help you avoid a $20,000+ mistake.
Because the advertised price and your deposit are only the beginning. The real decision needs to include every cost before and after settlement.
A real budget check
A 10% deposit does not mean $65,000 is enough.
Using the planning figures built into the calculator, a $650,000 property can require approximately $92,185 upfront—before any Lenders Mortgage Insurance or property-specific surprises.
10% deposit$65,000
Estimated upfront cash$92,185
The potential hidden gap$27,185
Worked example only. Actual costs depend on eligibility, finance, property and professional advice.
A decision system, not another checklist
Calculate the numbers. Inspect objectively. Prepare the offer.
The kit walks you through the decision in the same order a careful buyer should make it.
02
Realistic affordability worksheet
Compare your available cash, comfortable repayments and lender limit—then work from the lowest number.
03
Property viewing scorecard
Assess location, condition, building risk, layout, ongoing costs and comparable value without letting emotion run the decision.
04
Offer-readiness checklists
Know what to confirm with your broker, conveyancer and inspector before discussing price or signing an offer.
Everything included
One small purchase. A much clearer buying decision.
Use the PDF beside the spreadsheet while you compare properties, check quotes and decide what you can comfortably offer.
Get instant access — $1920-page Geelong-specific buyer guide
Editable Excel cost calculator
Deposit and government-cost worksheets
Moving, repair and furnishing planner
Ongoing ownership-cost worksheet
Printable viewing scorecard
Offer-readiness checklist
One-page Before You Make an Offer check
Made for first home buyers
This kit is for you if…
You know your deposit but are unsure how much cash you will really need.
You keep changing your budget as different properties appear.
You want a calmer way to compare homes without being led by emotion.
You are preparing to make an offer and do not want to miss an important check.
Ready before the property appears
Know the real number before you make the emotional decision.
Download the guide and editable calculator, enter your own figures and create a buying limit you can trust.
Immediate digital access PDF + Excel files Personal-use licence
Questions
Before you buy
Is the calculator editable?
Yes. The kit includes an Excel workbook with editable input cells, automatic calculations and printable decision worksheets.
Can I use it for more than one property?
Yes. You can update the calculator and repeat the scorecard while searching for your own home. The files are licensed for your personal use and cannot be redistributed.
Does this replace professional advice?
No. It is a planning and decision tool. Obtain property-specific financial, lending, legal, building and other relevant professional advice before signing an offer.
How current are the government figures?
The official rules and planning figures were checked on 24 August 2026. Government thresholds and charges can change, so the kit links directly to the official sources for confirmation.