If you are buying or selling property in Australia, you will need to pay a PEXA fee. This is a mandatory transaction fee charged for electronic property settlements.
In 2026, most buyers and sellers in Australia will encounter PEXA fees during title transfers, mortgage registrations, or mortgage discharges.
This guide explains exactly how much PEXA fees are, who pays them, whether GST is included, and why the amount can vary, with a clear focus on practical, up-to-date information.
What Is PEXA?
PEXA (Property Exchange Australia) is Australia’s national electronic conveyancing platform. It is used by conveyancers, solicitors, and banks to lodge and settle property transactions online.
PEXA has largely replaced traditional paper or “copper” lodgements in most states, including Victoria and New South Wales, because it allows:
- Faster settlements
- Real-time tracking
- Fewer document errors
- Same-day settlement in many cases
If your settlement is processed electronically, the PEXA fee is mandatory.
How Much Is the PEXA Fee in Australia?
PEXA fees depend on the type of transaction, not the property price. The amounts below are GST-inclusive and reflect commonly charged fees for FY26.
Common PEXA Fees (GST Included)
| Transaction Type | Typical PEXA Fee |
| Title transfer (single title) | ~AUD 140 |
| Mortgage registration | ~AUD 70 |
| Mortgage discharge | ~AUD 50 |
| Caveat or encumbrance | ~AUD 20–40 |
Typical Total PEXA Cost
- Buyer with a mortgage: ~AUD 210–230
- Buyer without a mortgage: ~AUD 140
- Seller with an existing loan: ~AUD 50–90
These fees cover PEXA’s platform services only. They do not include:
- Stamp duty
- State land registry fees
- Conveyancer or solicitor professional fees
Are PEXA Fees the Same in Every State?
PEXA’s fee schedule is national, but the total cost you see on your settlement statement may vary slightly by state due to:
- Different document types
- Additional instruments
- State-specific processes
In Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, electronic conveyancing is now standard practice, so PEXA fees are almost always applied.
Who Pays the PEXA Fee?
PEXA charges the subscriber in the workspace, usually the conveyancer, solicitor, or lender. That professional then passes the fee on to their client as a settlement disbursement.
In practice:
- Buyers usually pay PEXA fees for:
- Title transfer
- Mortgage registration (if applicable)
- Sellers usually pay PEXA fees for:
- Mortgage discharge
- Removal of caveats or liens
However, the final responsibility depends on the contract of sale. Some contracts shift costs between parties, so always check your settlement statement.
Is GST Included in the PEXA Fee?
Yes.
All published PEXA fees are GST-inclusive. You do not add GST on top of the quoted amounts.
Why Did PEXA Fees Increase?
PEXA fees are adjusted annually in line with inflation under regulatory oversight.
For FY26, fees increased by approximately 2.4%, reflecting CPI movements.
The exact amount you pay can also increase if:
- Multiple titles are involved
- Additional instruments are lodged
- The transaction is complex (e.g., subdivisions or staged settlements)
PEXA vs Paper Lodgement: Is PEXA More Expensive?
| Feature | PEXA (Electronic) | Paper Lodgement |
| Settlement speed | Same day to 2 days | 5–10 business days |
| Error risk | Low | Higher |
| Tracking | Real-time | Limited |
| Convenience | Fully online | In-person visits |
| Typical cost | ~AUD 140–230 | ~AUD 100–400 |
While paper lodgement can sometimes appear cheaper, delays, errors, and lender preferences mean PEXA is now the default choice for most transactions.
How to Budget for PEXA Fees
To avoid surprises:
- Allow ~AUD 140 per title transfer
- Add ~AUD 70 if a mortgage is being registered
- Budget extra for multiple titles or special documents
- Confirm fees in writing with your conveyancer early
- Allow for CPI increases if settlement crosses into a new financial year
PEXA fees are small compared to stamp duty or build costs, but clarity upfront helps with accurate budgeting.
Common Misconceptions About PEXA Fees
Myth | Reality |
| PEXA fees are optional | False. If settlement is electronic, the fee is mandatory |
| The buyer always pays | False. Costs depend on the contract |
| GST is added later | False. Fees already include GST |
| PEXA fees can be negotiated | False. Fees are fixed and regulated |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay a PEXA fee?
Yes, if your settlement is processed electronically, which is now standard in most states.
Can I avoid PEXA by using a paper settlement?
Some paper lodgements still exist, but most banks and conveyancers strongly prefer PEXA.
Can I reduce the PEXA fee?
No. The PEXA fee itself is fixed. You can only compare professional fees charged by conveyancers or solicitors.
Do PEXA fees apply to new builds?
Yes. PEXA fees apply to new builds, land purchases, and off-the-plan settlements once the title is transferred or a mortgage is registered.
Key Takeaways
- PEXA fees are mandatory for electronic property settlements in Australia
- Expect ~AUD 140 per title transfer, plus ~AUD 70 if a mortgage is registered
- All PEXA fees include GST
- Buyers and sellers usually pay their own transaction fees, subject to contract terms
- Fees are small but unavoidable, and should be budgeted early
Note for Homeowners and Builders
Whether you are purchasing land, settling a new build, or finalising ownership after construction, understanding PEXA fees early helps prevent settlement-day surprises. Builders regularly encounter these fees during land transfers and new home settlements, so clarity upfront supports smoother project planning.