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What to Consider When Buying a First House

Posted on 29 Mar 2025, 12:00 AM 72

Starting from the beginning, buying your first house is an exciting event in life. It requires some research and comes with its hurdles. The Australian housing market is undergoing a transition, and understanding which factors to consider is crucial. Additionally, understanding the local economic trends and community development local property markets, financing rates, and accessible services helps the investment to realise its full possibilities. This simple guideline assists you with aspects like geolocation and financing options to enable an informed decision.

Know the market before buying a property.

The first thing you need to do is look at the property market graphs in Australia. We expect the set prices for houses in Sydney and Melbourne to peak by 2025. At the same time, those areas will also experience significant development and growth. The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) is introduced by the government, making it easier for buyers to jump into the market using a smaller deposit. 

Having a loan with an approval waiting period gives more stability. Having a loan with an approval waiting period also puts you in a better position during bidding, increasing your chances of winning and enabling more financial freedom.

What to Consider When Buying a First House

Starting from the beginning, buying your first house is an exciting event in life. It requires some research and comes with its hurdles. The Australian housing market is undergoing a transition, and understanding which factors to consider is crucial. This simple guideline assists you with aspects like geolocation and financing options to enable an informed decision.
 

Setting Your Budget and Understanding Costs

One of the primary considerations is to analyze the feasibility of your expectations and construct a budget accordingly. This comes with:

Deposit requirements—A 20% deposit will help you avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), but some loans allow as little as 5%.

Additional upfront costs—These can include stamp duty and conveyancing fees, home inspections, or even moving expenses.

Ongoing Expenses—These include repayments on your mortgage, council rates, strata fees (where applicable), insurance, as well as maintenance costs.

All of these factors should be considered when drafting your budget. Things like mortgage calculators can assist in estimating your monthly repayments, which helps ensure that the house you wish to purchase is, in fact, financially viable for you.

Deciding on the Type of Property

Your first permanent residence should incorporate considerations regarding your lifestyle alongside your long-term objectives. Consider all of the following:

Houses are extremely convenient for families or householders who sense the need for more space. They are, however, coupled with high maintenance costs.

Apartments are easier to maintain and more affordable, but they come with ongoing strata fees.

Townhouses—Affordable but more spacious, thus providing a blend of the benefits offered by both houses and Apartments.

As an example, a two-bedroom apartment in Sydney’s Inner West might simulate the price of a three-bedroom house in Western Sydney, highlighting how location plays a critical role in real estate values. 

Ultimately, whether you prioritize space, location, or budget, understanding the trade-offs will enable you to make a more informed decision. Each option has its unique advantages, and evaluating your lifestyle needs will help you find the best fit for your circumstances.

A comprehensive examination of the property

While a home may seem beautiful at a glance, thorough inspections are vital to prevent expensive surprises later. Pay close attention to the following factors:

Constructive Features—Cracks in walls, roof damage, or leaking water are severe.

Plumbing and Electrical Works— Leaks, electrical sockets, and water pressure should all be up to standard.

Solar panels, double-glazed windows, and proper insulation all help save on utility bills, which contributes to greater efficiency and cost conservation.

In advance of making an offer, hiring a professional building and pest inspector is a good investment to guarantee the property’s value whilst scrupulously noting the mentioned features.

Assess the potential return on investment growth.

Upon buying the first floor, long-term living customers should also consider the potential resale value. Search for locations that offer:

Property Value Increment Patterns: Consider evaluating suburbs that have a historical record of consistent property value increments. Analyze the recent sales numbers to identify prospective regions.

Rental Potential: If renting the house is a potential plan in the future, consider high rental yield and tenant demand locations.

Infrastructural Changes: New transport links, shopping malls and schools tend to increase property value.

Parramatta (NSW) and the Sunshine Coast (QLD) are examples of other suburbs where ongoing local infrastructure developments have improved.

Recognizing the legal and financial aspects

Completing legal and property transactions requires much attention to detail. The following are points of concern:

Verify the real estate title record and zoning regulations to identify any restrictions on the property.

Mortgage contracts—Ensure you comprehend the mortgage terms, regardless of whether they are fixed or variable.

Strata Charges (for Townhouses and Apartments): Please ensure you are aware of your responsibilities before entering into a contract for a strata-titled property.

Conveyancers or solicitors can assist with legal documentation and ensure the transaction is executed correctly.

 Investing in a home for the first time is a multi-faceted venture, and to accomplish this right, you will need to do ample research first. Fulfilling Iowa state grant requirements, budgeting appropriately, undergoing inspections, and looking into resale value are just some of the steps that need to be taken. Doing all these ensures that the investment is aligned with your lifestyle and financial goals.A balanced approach along with professional help results in an easy and fruitful venture.


 

Aligning Your Home with Your Lifestyle  

Apart from the legal and monetary obligations, your house must fit your personal and professional life. Consider the following questions:  

  • Do you require an additional room for an office or remote work?  
  • Is living in a school zone critical for your future family plans?  
  • How vital is proximity to parks, fitness centres, or social gathering places?  

Canberra’s Gungahlin and Melbourne’s Wyndham Vale are great for families with children due to the available community services and good schooling options. Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics

 Choosing the right loan and location becomes very critical when considering your first purchase. Before signing a contract, always ensure you have a powerful financial strategy first.

OM Financials can assist you in finding the most appropriate placement focus and a low-interest-rate mortgage. Our knowledgeable staff will closely assist you to guarantee that you grasp every stage of the process, arming you to make wise judgments. Having our help will help you to feel confident as you start this wonderful road towards homeownership.

Call us today: 0478 876 967  | Book your consultation today to get started. secure your future with OM Financials