First home buyer
mistakes to avoid
Most first-home buyer mistakes aren't about picking the wrong property — they're about missing steps in the process. Here's what to watch for.
Why smart people make these mistakes
First-home buyers are often smart, capable people who research thoroughly. But buying property is different from other purchases — it's high-stakes, unfamiliar, and emotionally charged.
The mistakes below aren't about intelligence. They're about process gaps — steps that get skipped under time pressure or because no one told you they mattered.
The good news: These mistakes are preventable with a bit of structure.
Most mistakes happen not from bad judgment, but from missing information.
A clear process protects you from unknowns.
Five mistakes that cost first-home buyers
Each of these is avoidable with the right checks in place.
Skipping contract review
Contracts can include conditions that affect timelines, costs, or your ability to exit. Special conditions, sunset clauses, and included fixtures all matter.
The fix: Always have a conveyancer or solicitor review the contract before signing. Ask them to explain anything you don't understand.
Over-indexing on price alone
A lower price can hide higher risks — structural issues, planning restrictions, or a suburb in decline. Cheapest isn't always best value.
The fix: Compare properties using fit and risk, not just price. A slightly more expensive property with fewer risks may be the better buy.
Ignoring planning overlays
Overlays (heritage, flood, bushfire, vegetation) can limit what you can do with the property and affect insurance premiums.
The fix: Check the planning certificate or request a property report that includes overlay information. Understand the implications before you buy.
Not getting pre-approval first
Without pre-approval, you don't know your actual budget. You might fall in love with a property you can't afford, or miss out because you couldn't move fast enough.
The fix: Get pre-approval before you start seriously looking. It clarifies your budget and shows sellers you're a serious buyer.
Rushing due to FOMO
Fear of missing out leads to skipped inspections, waived conditions, and regret. The market typically has more properties over time.
The fix: Stick to your process. If you miss one property, another will come. A missed opportunity is better than a costly mistake.
The common thread
Every mistake above comes from missing information or skipped steps. A clear process — with the right checks at the right time — prevents most of them. That's what intelliprop helps you build.
Don't learn the hard way.
Start with clarity.
Our reports help you catch the risks and blind spots before they become costly mistakes.
Next steps
Continue with the full First Home Buyer Guide, check pricing, or get in touch.
This information is general in nature and may change. Always verify current rules with official government sources. This is not financial advice.