Can I use a property I already own?

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.

Does PublicSquare help find the property?

Yes. Our buyers agency team sources properties that qualify for the program, in the locations where homebuyers are waiting.

Are these figures a quote?

No. The calculator is a general model using the assumptions listed on this page. Your own figures depend on the property, your circumstances and the agreement you sign. The assessment that produces your actual numbers is free.

PublicSquare | Rent-to-Own & Rent-to-Sell Homes in Australia

Acquisition costs

Purchase price$780,000

Property type

Deposit

State

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 much capital do you need to start Rent-to-Sell?

Most of it is the deposit — 20% of the price for most investors. Stamp duty at investment rates and the purchase costs make up the rest. Set the price, state and deposit to see your total. The minimum entry price for Rent-to-Sell investment properties is $600,000.

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. For how this compares with NDIS, rooming, co-living and dual occupancy, see 6 high-cashflow property strategies compared.

What does the acquisition cost calculator assume?

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

Investors pay transfer duty at each state's general rates, with no owner-occupier or first-home concession. The calculator applies Queensland or New South Wales rates to the price you set.

Written by

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.

Reviewed by

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.

How this calculator was made

Written by Jarrod Wills (Property Lead) and reviewed for accuracy by Dean Arnold (Founder & CEO) before publishing. Program terms are quoted from PublicSquare's own agreements. We check it again whenever the numbers change; it was last updated 27 September 2026.

For more information, visit our Editorial Guidelines.

Rent-to-Sell Acquisition Cost Calculator