First home buyer
roadmap
A clear, step-by-step path from “thinking about buying” to “keys in hand.” Each step links to the official sources you need to verify along the way.
Five stages to your first home
The path is clearer than it seems. Here's what to do at each stage.
Clarify your budget and constraints
Before you browse listings, define your non-negotiables: location, property type, and comfort with repayments. This prevents emotional decisions later.
What to do:
- Calculate your maximum comfortable repayment (not just what the bank will lend)
- Factor in stamp duty, legal fees, and moving costs
- Consider proximity to work, schools, transport
- Define deal-breakers early (no apartments, no renovators, etc.)
Verify support and eligibility
Government support changes over time. Confirm eligibility and thresholds on official sources, and avoid relying on outdated summaries.
What to do:
- Check First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) eligibility in your state
- Research Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS) places and requirements
- Understand First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) if applicable
- Verify stamp duty exemptions or concessions for your price range
Get pre-approval and understand your limits
Pre-approval clarifies your actual budget and shows sellers you're serious. But remember: what the bank will lend isn't the same as what you should borrow.
What to do:
- Gather payslips, tax returns, and asset/liability statements
- Compare offers from multiple lenders or use a broker
- Understand the difference between conditional and unconditional pre-approval
- Factor in buffer for rate rises and unexpected expenses
Research suburbs and planning context
Look beyond price and aesthetics. Consider transport, amenities, and planning overlays that may affect future resale or renovation.
What to do:
- Research suburb demographics, growth trends, and amenities
- Check planning overlays (heritage, flood, bushfire, vegetation)
- Understand zoning and what it means for future development
- Visit at different times of day and on weekends
Run property-level due diligence
Once you've shortlisted properties, dig deep. This is where most costly mistakes happen — or are prevented.
What to do:
- Order building and pest inspections
- Review the contract with a conveyancer or solicitor
- Request a title search and check for easements or caveats
- Understand what's included in the sale (fixtures, fittings)
The roadmap is a framework, not a script
Every buyer's journey is different. Use this roadmap to stay oriented, but adapt the details to your situation. The goal is clarity — knowing where you are and what comes next.
Ready to start your journey
with clarity?
intelliprop helps you complete Step 4 and 5 with structured property analysis. Know what you're buying before you buy it.
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. Government schemes have specific eligibility criteria and limited places. Always verify current rules with official government sources. This is not financial advice.