Deciding to buy a new home is an exciting step—congratulations! Get ready to swap weekend sleep-ins for house inspections, become a pro at comparing interest rates, and keep a close eye on new listings and auction results. While it may feel overwhelming at times, the effort will be worth it when you’re relaxing in your brand-new home.
To make the process smoother, we’ve put together five essential tips for smarter, stress-free house hunting.
Start with a Solid Plan Before diving into property listings, sit down with your household to discuss what everyone wants in a home. Are you looking for a fixer-upper or something move-in ready? Would you prefer a house or an apartment? Which suburbs are at the top of your list? Create a list of your must-haves versus nice-to-haves to streamline your search and stay focused.
Next, work out your budget. A consultation with a mortgage broker is a great place to start—they can help you figure out how much you can borrow, your repayment options, and even arrange pre-approval. Once you have a price range, set up alerts for properties that match your criteria. Some apps even let you add inspection times directly to your calendar so you’ll never miss an opportunity.
Research Smarter – To understand where you can afford to buy, look at sales data and capital growth trends. If your dream suburb is out of reach, consider nearby areas with lower price points or less competition.
Take time to explore potential suburbs in person. Visit during different times of the day, walk around, chat with locals, or try a trial commute to work. Can’t visit in person? Online resources like local reviews can give you valuable insights into the area.
Inspect with a Purpose – When visiting multiple properties, it’s easy to forget details or mix things up. Maximise your inspections by:
- Taking notes and photos of features, issues, or projects you’d like to tackle.
- Bringing your checklist to ensure your must-haves are covered.
- Asking the agent about ongoing costs like council rates or strata fees, and finding out why the owners are selling.
Do Your Homework – Buying a home involves more than just the deposit. To avoid surprises, have a conveyancer review the property’s title and Contract of Sale for any issues. If the property is older or you suspect damage, arrange a pest and building inspection before bidding. Knowing the condition of the property can help you decide whether to proceed or negotiate a lower price to cover repairs.
Seek Expert Advice – Connect with local agents to get a feel for the market. Share your criteria and ask them to notify you about new listings that might interest you. Use online tools to read reviews and find agents with a strong track record in your preferred areas.
If the process feels overwhelming, consider hiring a buyer’s agent. They can help you find suitable properties, recommend investment-worthy suburbs, evaluate property value, negotiate offers, and even access off-market opportunities.
We hope these steps make your house-hunting journey easier and more enjoyable.
Best of luck finding your dream home!
