Lifestyle

Thinking About Buying Your First Home? Start Here.

2 September 2026

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Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also come with plenty of questions. 

How much deposit do I need? What can I actually afford? What support is available? And what exactly happens once I find a home I like? 

Between rising living costs, changing market conditions and the amount of information available online, it’s understandable that many aspiring home buyers spend time researching their options before taking the next step. 

While every buyer’s circumstances are different, understanding some of the key decisions involved can help you feel more confident about the journey ahead. 

How do I know what I can afford?

Before comparing homes, communities or house and land packages, it’s worth taking some time to understand your budget and the options available to you.  

While your deposit is an important consideration, it’s only one part of the picture. Factors such as your income, existing financial commitments, day-to-day expenses, spending habits and future lifestyle plans may all influence what home ownership could look like for you. 

Many buyers choose to speak with a lender or mortgage broker early in the process to better understand their borrowing capacity, potential purchasing budget and any support schemes they may be eligible for. 

Having this information upfront can make it easier to compare different properties and focus on opportunities that align with your circumstances.

Is there any support available for first home buyers?

Depending on your circumstances, there may be grants, concessions and government-backed schemes available to help reduce some of the upfront costs associated with buying a home. 

Support available to eligible buyers may include: 

  • Help to Buy: A shared equity scheme that may help eligible buyers purchase a home with a lower deposit and mortgage. 

Eligibility criteria, property value caps and program rules can change, so it’s important to check current requirements through official government sources and seek professional advice where required. 

What exactly is a house and land package?

A house and land package combines a block of land with a home designed to suit that lot. While the home and land are marketed together, buyers typically enter into two separate contracts (also known as a ‘split’ contract): one for the land and one for the construction of the home. 

The developer is responsible for creating the community and delivering the land, while the builder is responsible for constructing the home itself.  

For many buyers, house and land packages can provide a more streamlined way to plan and budget for a new home, as the home design has already been matched to the lot.  

They also offer the opportunity to build a brand-new home designed for modern living, often within a masterplanned community that provides access to parks, open space and everyday amenities.  

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What should I consider when choosing my first home?

While price is often a major consideration, it’s also important to think about how a home will support your lifestyle over the long term. The right home isn’t always the biggest or newest option. It’s the one that works for your needs today while providing the flexibility for the future. 

Questions worth considering include: 

  • Does the location suit my daily routine and commute? 
  • Are schools, childcare, shops, healthcare services and recreation spaces nearby? 
  • Does the home layout suit my current and future needs? 
  • How much indoor and outdoor space do I need? 
  • What community features are important to me? 
  • Will this location continue to suit my lifestyle over time? 
  • Could this home act as a stepping stone towards my longer-term property or lifestyle goals? 

If you’re considering building a new home, it’s also worth understanding how factors such as lot size, lot shape, orientation, site conditions and titled versus untitled land may influence your home design, construction costs and building timeline. These details can have a bigger impact on your future home than many buyers initially realise.  

For a deeper dive, explore our guide on What to Look for When Choosing a Block of Land.

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What's the difference between titled and untitled land?

When comparing land, you’ll often see lots described as either titled or untitled. 

Titled land has completed the required planning, civil works, services provision, and registration processes, which means settlement can usually occur sooner and the building process can begin earlier. 

Untitled land is still progressing through development and registration. While settlement cannot occur until the title is issued, some buyers choose untitled land because it may provide additional time to organise finance, select a builder or continue saving before construction begins. 

Whether titled or untitled land is the right choice will depend on your circumstances, timeline and home ownership goals. Understanding the difference can help you make a more informed decision when comparing opportunities.  

Looking for more detail? Read our guide to understanding titled and untitled land. 

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What questions should I ask before making a decision?

Purchasing a home is a significant commitment, so it’s important to understand exactly what you’re buying and what to expect throughout the process. 

Questions worth asking may include: 

  • What is included in the advertised price? 
  • Are there any additional costs I should be aware of? 
  • Is the land titled? 
  • What grants or incentives may be available? 
  • What timeframes should I expect? 
  • What support is available throughout the building journey? 

Asking questions early can help you better understand your options and make decisions that are right for your circumstances.  

What happens once I've chosen a home?

While every purchase is different, buying house and land generally involves the following stages: 

Confirm your selection 

Review the home design, block of land, package inclusions and anticipated costs to ensure they align with your needs and budget.  

Arrange your finance 

Work with your lender or mortgage broker to complete the required approvals. This may include providing financial documents and confirming any grants or support schemes you intend to access. 

Review and sign your contracts 

House and land packages typically involve separate contracts for the land and home construction. Consider having both contracts reviewed by a qualified legal professional before signing.  

Settle on the land 

Settlement is the point at which ownership of the land transfers to you. The timing will depend on whether the land is already titled or awaiting registration. 

Prepare for construction 

Before building begins, your builder will generally finalise the home plans, document your colour and material selections, and work through the required approvals and pre-construction requirements. 

Construction and handover 

Your builder will keep you informed as construction progresses. Once the home has been completed and the required inspections and handover steps are finalised, you can collect the keys and prepare to move in. 

What’s the next step?

Buying a first home is a significant milestone, and every buyer’s journey will look a little different. 

Whether you’re ready to start exploring homes, speaking with a lender or simply researching your options, taking the time to understand the process can help you make more informed decisions along the way. 

The more you understand about your budget, the support available and the different pathways to home ownership, the better placed you’ll be to take the next step when the time is right. 

This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or taxation advice. Eligibility criteria, government programs and property requirements may change over time. Consider seeking advice from appropriately qualified professionals before making financial decisions.