Financing a DHA property involves more than choosing a loan product and structure that’s right for you. You need to consider the costs you will incur at the time of purchase and during the lease.


Purchasing costs

Borrowing costs: Each lender sets their own fees and charges. You may be charged loan establishment fees; mortgage registration fees; title search fees; property valuation fees; and lender’s mortgage insurance (if you borrow more than a set proportion of the property’s value), among other possible fees and charges.

Conveyancing costs: Conveyancing is the act of transferring property title from one person to another. Typically, you would engage a solicitor or specialist conveyancer to act on your behalf. They will usually charge you a fixed fee plus disbursements.

Stamp duty: On transfer of the property title, you are required to pay stamp duty—a state or territory tax that is calculated based on the total value of the property. Visit the ‘Tools’ section on for a stamp duty calculator.

Building and pest inspection fees: Although our properties are of a high standard, you should conduct your own due diligence. A building inspector will check the structural soundness of the property and list any visible defects or necessary repairs. A pest inspector will check for any signs of past or present pest infestation.


DHA leasing costs

DHA Property Care service fee: You are required to pay us a fee to undertake property related services on your behalf during the lease, including property management; most non-structural repair and maintenance; annual rent review to market value; and restoration at lease-end.

The service fee is calculated as a percentage of the rent and varies depending on the property type: we charge 16.5% (including GST) for freestanding houses and 13% (including GST) for properties where a Body Corporate is responsible for some items we would otherwise cover. Visit DHA Property Care for more information.

Insurance: You are required to maintain insurance with a reputable company to cover the property; accidental damage; damage from insurable events (e.g. flood, fire, storm and tempest); and public liability.

Council rates, land tax and other charges: You are required to pay all taxes and local government rates; charges for the provision of water and sewerage services (except charges for excess water, water usage or metered water consumption); levies and charges payable under any Strata Scheme or other legislation; and any other statutory and council charges.

The DHA Lease Agreement sets out each party’s obligations. A copy is available upon request.



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Attention: This guide is intended to provide general information only. All references to the lease are in accordance with DHA Lease Agreement Edition 6b. Investment is subject to DHA’s lease terms and conditions of sale. Investors retain some responsibilities and risks. Prospective investors should seek independent advice. DHA will not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy or actions taken in reliance on this information.