The First Home Buyer Checklist

Buying a first home is a sequence, and doing it in order saves money and stress. Use this as your map.

1. Know your position

Understand your borrowing power, deposit position and buying range, start with the Buying Position tool. Gather payslips, bank statements, ID and a realistic monthly budget.

2. Check your help

The 5% deposit scheme, NSW stamp duty exemption, First Home Owner Grant, FHSSS and guarantor options. What applies shapes your whole strategy.

3. Get pre-approval

One lender, chosen deliberately, a properly assessed limit before you inspect anything. See how pre-approval works.

4. Search with a ceiling

Inspect, get the strata or building report on the shortlist, and re-check the numbers on any specific property before you offer, especially before an auction.

5. Exchange to settlement

Formal approval, scheme paperwork, conveyancer liaison, final inspection, keys. Typically four to six weeks.

You deal with one broker for the whole journey. Start with the 20-minute conversation.

General information only, not credit, legal or tax advice. Your situation is assessed properly before any recommendation. Government scheme details change; figures are current at the time of writing.