Buying your first home is a biggie—and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Between saving for a deposit, figuring out where to buy, and trying to decode the fine print, it's easy to hit panic mode.
That's why we've teamed up with our mates at Homebuyers Centre—your go-to builder for affordable, stylish, and quality homes—to break down five of the most common hurdles first-home buyers face, and how to tackle them like a pro.
Not Keeping An Open Mind
When it comes to making one of the biggest purchases of your life, keeping an open mind is key. After figuring out their property ‘must-haves’ vs ‘nice-to-haves’—think location, layout and features—a lot of first-home buyers limit their search to existing houses, townhouses or apartments. These days, those in the know are adding a fourth option to the mix—buying a brand-new home off the plan.
It's an option that comes with some major perks. Beyond scoring a brand new home that's built just for you, you're also signing up for the benefits of a master-planned community—think smart design, good vibes and plenty of convenience. It can also stack up financially, with lower upfront deposits, locked-in pricing during the build, and in some cases, can be more friendly on the wallet than buying an established home.
Getting Overwhelmed By The Maths
How much can I borrow? What’s my minimum deposit? What’s an offset mortgage? First-home finances can feel like high-school maths all over again—confusing, overwhelming and full of numbers that send you into a total head spin.
Instead of wasting hours on online buying calculators, the smarter move is to get advice tailored to your situation. A quick chat with your existing bank is the obvious starting point, but speaking to a mortgage broker can help open up more options. Brokers work with multiple lenders, which can potentially mean access to not only a wider range of products, but also better rates and enhanced borrowing power.
If you’re looking at a new build, some home builders can connect you with finance partners who specialise in construction lending. Homebuyers Centre's finance partner offers expert help with everything from loan pre-approval to navigating progress payments—so you can spend less time stressing and more time planning your dream home.
Overlooking Other Help Available
Yep, we get it, house prices and interest rates are high—but there’s support out there for first-home buyers if you know where to look.
The Federal Government’s First Home Guarantee scheme helps eligible buyers purchase their first home with as little as a 5% deposit—without having to shell out for Lenders Mortgage Insurance (a big saving in some cases).
Many states also offer their own grants or concessions for first home buyers, especially for new builds. Incentives and eligibility vary, and some schemes have capped places, so be sure to do your homework and get on the front foot to avoid FOMO.
There could also be help closer to home. Parents—aka the bank of mum and dad– can be guarantors on a deposit or mortgage, or if circumstances allow, gift money outright. Co-purchasing with family members or friends is another option. Whatever you decide, be sure to get appropriate advice upfront so everyone understands what they’re committing to—or what they stand to lose—if things go south.
In the market for a home and land package? A home builder like Homebuyers Centre can help walk you through the process, from securing finance to selecting a block and matching it with the right home design.
Dealing With Decision Fatigue
Decisions, decisions. Buying a home means making plenty of them—from the big-ticket calls to the little details you didn't even know mattered. Whether you’re buying an existing property or building new, it takes time and headspace to not just make decisions—but make the right ones.
That’s why it’s key to surround yourself with support. Family, friends, online research, insight from local agents, and (budget permitting) enlisting a buyer’s agent are all solid strategies when deciding to buy an existing home.
Building new requires different decisions—like selecting land, and deciding on a home’s layout, features and finishes. All of which can feel like a lot when you’re a first timer, which is why home and land packages are a no-brainer. That’s because choosing an experienced home builder often means the big decisions—like securing land, selecting a builder, and managing the build—are taken care of. Allowing you to focus on the fun stuff, like tailoring your new home to suit your lifestyle, with expert consultants to hold your hand when you need it.
Getting Tangled Up In Red Tape
One of the biggest hurdles? Wrangling the mountain of paperwork. From contracts and conveyancing to finance and settlement, it's a lot, especially when it's your first time and everything feels foreign.
If you’re buying an existing property, typically you need to find your own conveyancer or solicitor, stay across key deadlines, and make sure everything stays on track. Building new comes with a bit of extra red tape—think council approvals, builder contracts, and a few more hoops to jump through before you get those keys.
It’s no surprise that more and more off-the-plan buyers are turning to experienced home builders who provide specialist in-house support. Instead of being left alone to chase approvals or interpret contractual small print—you’ll get expert help and assistance every step of the way. That means you can skip the stress and focus on the fun stuff—like turning those carefully curated Pinterest boards into real-life interiors. Dreamy.
Ready to take the first step? Homebuyers Centre takes care of the hard stuff so you can focus on the excitement of buying and building your first home. Find out more here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Homebuyers Centre and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why, read our editorial policy here.
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