First Home Buyers

Buying your first home in Australia can be an exciting but complex process. Here’s a summary of the key steps:

  1. Assess Your Financial Situation
  • Savings: Ensure you have enough saved for a deposit, minimum 2%- 5% of the property price (Conditions apply).
  • Credit Score: Lenders will assess your credit history to determine your eligibility.
  • Budget: Account for all associated costs, such as stamp duty, legal fees, inspections, and insurance apart from your day to day expenses.

2. Understand First Home Buyer Schemes

  • First Home Owner Grant (FHOG): A government grant available for new homes or properties that have not been lived in before.
  • First Home Loan Deposit Scheme (FHLDS): Allows eligible buyers to purchase a home with a deposit as low as 2% or 5%, with the government guaranteeing the rest.

3. Get Pre-Approval for a Loan

  • Speak to banks or mortgage brokers to determine how much you can borrow based on your income, expenses, and savings.

4. Find a property

  • Research: Consider location, size, amenities, and proximity to work, schools, or public transport.
  • Inspections: Attend open homes, and consider hiring a professional inspector to assess the property’s condition.

5.Make an Offer or Bid at Auction

  • These professionals will help you with the legal paperwork and ensure the property’s title is clear.

6. Hire a Solicitor or Conveyancer

  • These professionals will help you with the legal paperwork and ensure the property’s title is clear.

7. Secure Financing

  • Once your offer is accepted, finalize your mortgage application with your lender.
  1. Exchange Contracts
  • After both parties sign the contract, a deposit (usually 10% or agreed sum of the purchase price) is paid, and the sale becomes legally binding.
  • You may sign the contract subject to finance approval or unconditional.
  1. Settlement
  • On settlement day (usually 1-3 months after exchanging contracts), the remaining money is paid to the seller, and you officially take ownership.
  1. Move In
  • After settlement, you can move into your new home!

Additional Tips:

  • Stamp Duty: This is a tax on the property purchase and varies by state.
  • Home Insurance: It’s recommended to have insurance in place before settlement.
  • Government Support: Various state-specific grants and assistance programs may be available to first-time buyers – Talk to us for more information.

It’s important to plan carefully, seek advice from professionals, and fully understand the costs and processes involved before making such a significant financial commitment.