Let's get you property ready.
A straightforward guide for millennials and Gen Z navigating the property market.
The bigger picture. Before you dive into listings.
Let's clear something up early, because this trips people up the most: Your first home is probably not going to be your dream home.
It won't be perfect
It won't tick every box, and it definitely won't look like the ones saved in your Instagram folder. And that is completely fine.
It's a stepping stone
Think of your first property as your entry point. The thing that gets you moving. That wild shade of paint can always be changed later.
You don't need to feel 100% ready
Most successful first home buyers don't wait for the stars to align; they understand their budget, stay flexible, and act decisively when something works.
Speak to a broker first.
You start browsing properties, find one you love, picture where the couch goes, and mentally move in. Then you realize you have no idea if you can actually afford it.
We want to flip that process.
Before you look at homes, you want to understand your numbers.
Why talk to a broker early?
A good broker looks at your situation properly across multiple banks and helps you build a plan around what is actually possible for you. We manage the entire finance process on your behalf, coordinating with banks and all parties involved to significantly reduce your stress.
What if you don't have a 20% deposit?
Saving a full 20% deposit can feel like running on a treadmill that keeps speeding up. Fortunately, there are other pathways:
- Guarantor Loans: Close family can use the equity in their property to support your loan—meaning no cash handout required, and it can even cover your upfront purchase costs.
- The First Home Guarantee: A 5% deposit scheme where the government backs the rest so you can avoid paying costly Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI).
The best part?
You don't pay for my service. The bank pays the broker once the loan settles. It's simply a conversation to give you absolute clarity.
What does it actually cost to buy a home?
People tend to underestimate expenses because it's not just about your deposit. Make sure you factor in all the moving parts.
Upfront purchase costs
Legal fees, conveyancing fees, building and pest inspections, stamp duty, transfer costs, and bank fees.
The practical extras
Moving truck hire, setting up utilities, and that inevitable trip to Bunnings that somehow costs way more than anticipated.
The golden rule
Don't stretch yourself so thin getting into the property that you have nothing left in the tank once you've unpacked
The 6-step purchase roadmap.
Pre-approval
I started out in personal injury insurance law, then moved into intellectual property litigation. Years of reading fine print and untangling complicated stuff for other people. Then Covid came along and I got made redundant.
Open homes and dealing with real estate agents
Key questions to ask at the open home:
Why is the seller moving? What is the price guide/expectation? What are the timelines for finance and settlement? Are there any notable items like flood or bushfire zones?
Pro tip:
Tell them you're working with a broker and have a pre-approval ready, but keep your absolute maximum budget to yourself. (And respectfully... leave dad at home if he's going to aggressively negotiate on the spot!)
Making an offer and the contract
When you find a property you like, making an offer is straightforward—you put forward your price, terms, and details.
Crucial Step:
Once your offer is accepted, you will receive a Contract of Sale. Always send this to your conveyancer to review before you sign.
Key contract elements to watch:
The initial deposit (often $500 to $5,000), the 5-day cooling-off period (never waive this!), building & pest clauses, and your finance clause timeframes.
Building, pest, and finance
This is your safety net. A qualified inspector will thoroughly check the property for structural issues, dampness, or pest damage ($400–$600 well spent). Meanwhile, your broker works with the lender to turn your pre-approval into formal approval. Once all conditions are met, your contract becomes "unconditional".
Formal approval and loan documents
Once the bank gives full approval, you are officially locked in. You'll receive your loan documents to review and sign digitally. If anything looks confusing, pick up the phone and ask your broker.
Settlement. You made it!
Settlement day is when funds transfer, ownership officially changes, and you get the keys. Your conveyancer will provide a final breakdown of fees, and you'll do a final inspection right before. And yes—tradition dictates that your first night involves takeaway pizza and a mattress on the floor.
Ready to take the first step?
You don't need to have everything figured out today. You just need a plan, the right people around you, and the willingness to take the next step.
Most people are closer to buying than they think. Let's have a quick, no-pressure chat and work it out together.
