Your First Home Buyer Checklist (Without the Overwhelm)
Buying your first home is exciting — but let’s be honest, it can also feel confusing, stressful, and full of “Where do I even start?” moments.
The good news? You don’t need to know everything at once. You just need to take the right steps in the right order. Here’s a simple, conversational checklist to guide you through the first home buying journey — without the overwhelm.
Step 1: Take a Honest Look at Your Finances
Before scrolling real estate listings or attending open homes, start with your finances. This doesn’t need to be scary — it’s just about understanding where you stand.
Ask yourself:
- How steady is my income?
- What debts do I currently have?
- Am I saving consistently?
Even small improvements now can make a big difference when it comes to loan approval.
Step 2: Work Out What You Can Actually Borrow
This is where many first home buyers get stuck. Online calculators are helpful, but they don’t tell the full story.
Speaking with a mortgage broker gives you a realistic borrowing figure based on real lender policies — not best-case assumptions. Knowing your number early saves time and disappointment later.
Step 3: Don’t Stress About a 20% Deposit (Yet)
You’ve probably heard you need a 20% deposit to buy a home — but that’s not always true.
Depending on your situation, you may be able to buy with a smaller deposit using government schemes or lender options. The key is understanding what’s available to you, rather than assuming you need years more saving.
Step 4: Check What First Home Buyer Help You’re Eligible For
There’s a lot of assistance out there for first home buyers, but it’s often misunderstood or overlooked.
This can include grants, stamp duty concessions, or low-deposit options. A quick conversation with an expert can help you work out what applies to you — and what doesn’t.
Step 5: Get Pre-Approval Before You Fall in Love
It’s easy to get emotionally attached to a property. Pre-approval helps keep things grounded.
With pre-approval in place, you know your budget, can negotiate confidently, and move quickly when the right property comes along.
Step 6: Start Looking — But Stay Disciplined
Once you’re pre-approved, the fun part begins. Inspections, open homes, and finding a place that feels right.
Try to stay within your approved range and remember to consider ongoing costs like rates, strata, and maintenance — not just the purchase price.
Step 7: Make an Offer With Confidence
When you find “the one”, emotions can run high. This is where preparation pays off.
Understanding contract conditions, cooling-off periods, and your budget limits helps you make confident, informed decisions — not rushed ones.
Step 8: Protect Yourself With Inspections
Building and pest inspections might feel like an extra step, but they’re one of the most important.
They give you peace of mind and protect you from unexpected repair costs after settlement.
Step 9: Final Approval and Settlement (You’re Almost There)
Once contracts are signed, your broker will help guide you through final approval and settlement.
This is where the paperwork wraps up and everything becomes very real — in a good way.
Step 10: Get the Keys and Celebrate
Settlement day arrives faster than you expect. Once the keys are in your hand, you’re officially a homeowner.
Organise insurance, plan your move, and take a moment to enjoy what you’ve achieved.
Want Help Making This Even Simpler?
You don’t have to figure this out alone. A quick conversation can give you clarity on where you stand and what your next best step should be.
