Buying a home is a big deal. It’s exciting, but honestly, it can feel overwhelming if you haven’t done it before. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for something bigger, knowing what happens at each stage makes the whole thing way less stressful.
Here’s what the process actually looks like — and when it’s worth grabbing some expert advice along the way.
1. Check Your Finances
Before you start dreaming about walk-in wardrobes, take a hard look at your money. Figure out your income, what you’re spending, and how much you’ve saved. Check your credit score and see if you have any debts hanging over you. Work out what you can really afford for a deposit and those monthly repayments. Most banks want at least a 5–20% deposit, but if you’re self-employed or have a bunch of assets, things can get a bit tricky. This is when it’s smart to chat with an accountant or financial advisor — they’ll help you know exactly where you stand and how much you can borrow.
2. Get Pre-Approved for a Loan
Pre-approval tells you your budget. It also shows agents and sellers you mean business. You’ll need to hand over proof of income, ID, and details about your savings and debts. Getting pre-approved puts you in a strong spot to move fast when you find the right place.
3. Dig Into the Market
Spend time learning about the neighborhoods you’re interested in. Look up recent sale prices, check out open homes, and see if there are any big developments planned nearby. Real estate websites, local agents, and council pages are packed with info — use them.
4. Factor in the Extra Costs
It’s not just about the sticker price. There are plenty of extra expenses: stamp duty, legal fees, loan application and valuation fees, building and pest inspections, council and utility hookup charges. These add up, so make sure you budget for them early. If you’re not sure what to expect, an accountant or mortgage broker can walk you through it so nothing catches you off guard.
5. Find the Right Place
Now the fun starts. Start looking at properties that fit your needs and budget. Think about location, nearby schools and transport, the type of place (apartment, house, townhouse), how old it is, and whether you’ll need to spend money on renovations.
6. Book Inspections and Do Your Homework
Before you make an offer, get professional building and pest inspections. These can help uncover some hidden issues. Fixing these later can cost a fortune, so it’s better to know now than regret it later.
7. Make an Offer or Head to Auction
Once you’re ready, you can either make a private offer or bid at auction if that’s how the property’s being sold. Know your limit and stick to it. If your offer wins, you move on to contracts and settlement.
8. Finalise the Loan and Legal Stuff
Once the seller accepts your offer, your bank sorts out the mortgage and sends over the paperwork. Your conveyancer or solicitor checks the contract, handles the title transfer, and makes sure everything’s above board. This is also a good time to check in with your accountant, especially if you’re buying as an investment — they’ll help you understand how this fits with your taxes and bigger financial plans.
9. Settle Up and Move In
Settlement day is the day when you officially get the keys. Your conveyancer and lender take care of the final payments, and once that’s done, the place is yours. Now you can sort out your utilities, update your address, and plan your move.
A Few Last Words
Buying a home takes some planning, a solid budget, and a bit of expert help. Every step — from pre-approval to settlement — matters if you want to land the right place for you.
If you ever feel lost or stuck on the money or legal stuff, don’t be afraid to ask a pro for help. A good mortgage broker Gold Coast, conveyancer, or accountant Chatswood can make the whole thing a lot smoother and help you make choices you’ll feel good about.
