#2. Government grants available in your state

First home buyers in most states and territories are eligible for grants and stamp duty exemptions.

Most grants are linked to buying new or building. Stamp duty exemptions are state based and may either apply for first home buyers, property types or both.

NSW

Grant: $10,000 for buying or building new.

Stamp duty exemption: On all property types*

VIC

Grant: $10,000 ($20,000 in regional VIC) for buying or building new.

Stamp duty exemption: On established property*

QLD

Grant: $15,000 for buying or building new.

Stamp duty exemption: On all property types*

ACT

Grant: $7,000 for buying or building new.

Stamp duty exemption: On new property*

SA

Grant: $10,000 for buying or building new.

Stamp duty exemption: On new apartments*

TAS

Grant: $20,000 for buying or building new.

Stamp duty exemption: On all property types*

WA

Grant: $10,000 for buying or building new.

Stamp duty exemption: On all property types*

NT

Grant: $26,000 for buying or building new.

Stamp duty exemption: On established property*

*Terms & conditions apply. For more details follow these links:

Qualifying for the grant

Typically you or a spouse must not have owned a property in Australia before. Often restricted to buying or building a new home/apartment.

Follow this link to learn more about grants and exemptions applicable to you and your state.

#1. What are the costs of purchasing

When you buy property you need to put down a deposit (skin in the game) and cover the purchase costs, the main being:

Stamp duty

The strategy tax on transferring property

Typical Cost: between 2% and 5% of the purchase price

Legal representation

Conveyancer or lawyer to advise you on the contract and keep you out of trouble

Typical Cost:$1,500 to $3,000.

Lender costs

Application and valuation fees

Typical Cost: $0 to $1,500.

Inspections and searches

To make sure you’re not buying a lemon (pest and building report, strata search etc)

Typical Cost: $0 to $3,000.

Lender’s Mortgage Insurance

A once off charge which protects the bank if you go bad

Typical Cost: 0.5% to 4.5% of the loan amount.

Adjustment

Reimbursement of the water and council rates paid in advance by seller

Typical Cost: $0 to $1,500.

Ready to see where you stand?

Take the 3 minute self-assessment quiz to instantly find out whether you qualify to apply.

#4. The 4 factors to setting your budget.

Know these before you do anything else:

1. Borrowing capacity

Find out which lender is willing to offer you what so that you can set your budget. This number can vary between lenders by as much a 20%.

Borrowing at your absolutely maximum is rarely a great idea. A good rule of thumb is to set your sights at the 10th highest figure a lender is willing to offer you.

Pro tip:Credit card limits reduce your borrowing capacity even if you don’t owe anything. Don’t forget HECS and payment plans like Zip pay will be taken into account.

2.Funds to complete

This is the minimum amount you need to to prove you have before the loan approval.

Funds to complete is made up of the minimum deposit the bank requires you to pay (genuine savings) + costs of purchase (stamp duty, legals etc) + Lender’s Mortgage Insurance (LMI) shortfall - minus any government grant.

See minimum deposit for more about this.

Pro Tip: Find out what grants and exemptions are available for different property types in your state.

3. Prices in your desired area

Take a look at the market and speak with real estate agents. It can be more useful to research past sales rather than asking prices which can be misleading.

Websites like onthehouse.com.au and domain.com.au can tell you how much properties sold for and what the market conditions are.

We regularly see successful homeowners who are happy that they chose to compromise on area by moving out 1 or 2 suburbs. In other cases, we see young couples compromise on the 3rd garage so they can be closer to work.

Ultimately it’s often compromise which wins the day!

4. Minimum repayments

Now you know what the banks and the market think, take a look at the minimum repayments required to meet that figure and make sure you could still be comfortable paying another half as much again.

Rates are at record lows now but only a decade ago they were double what they are now.

Pro Tip: $3,200 a year is this extra repayments required for a 1% increase in interest rates for a $450K mortgage currently on 4% p.a.

Now you should be a lot clearer about how much you should be spending.

Ready to see where you stand?

Take the 3 minute self-assessment quiz to instantly find out whether you qualify to apply.

#3. What comes first: Find a property or finance approval?

Mortgage lending has changed dramatically over 2018. Even customers who would once be seen as ‘vanilla’ are being knocked back by certain lenders.

Speaking to a mortgage professional first is crucial.

It could save you from the most common mistake we see made. Getting 6 months down the track only to finding out had you done something just a little bit differently back then you would be approved by now.

Call us today for more information 1300 494 483

Or

Take the Self assessment quiz to see how much you can borrow!

#2. How does Australia compare with other countries

Mortgages in Australia are full recourse. This means if you default and the bank sells your property to recover the loan amount -if there is still a shortfall the lender has rights to additional assets beyond the security property.

It’s one reason why unlike America where you can simply post back the house keys and walk away, Australian property doesn’t see the same fluctuations and busts as other markets.

Call us today for more information 1300 494 483

Or

Take the Self assessment quiz to see how much you can borrow!

#1. Is now the right time to buy?

Property makes up 60% of the entire wealth for for middle and high wealth Australians.

Property is now 60X more valuable now than in 1970 and there are signs that the trend will stop given the shortage of land and growing population.

Since 1970, property prices have more than doubled every decade.

1970 2018

Sydney $18,700 $1,150,000

Melbourne $12,800 $915,000

Brisbane $17,500 $560,000

What that means is, 10 years from now it probably won’t matter whether you bought in a hot or a cold market. What will matter is whether you bought at all.

Call us today for more information 1300 494 483

Or

Take the Self assessment quiz to see how much you can borrow!

The year that was was defined by millennial pinks, terrazzo tiling and resort-style living. But the design-savvy are predicting a shift in the way we’re set to decorate our homes in 2019.

If you read this guide you'll know more about buying a first home than 99% of Australians, be able to go toe-to-toe with sales agents and be confident you're on the right path to getting a great home loan deal that suits your unique set of circumstances.

How to navigate this guide

Just like buying a first home, there is no one correct path to reading this guide. Simply follow the rabbit down the home OR choose where your interest takes you.

This is NOT a test!

You're doing it wrong if you are reading this series with the belief that you have to know all of this information before you are ready.

The reality is when it comes to being a successful first home buyer - the adviser you choose to help you is the most important decision you'll make.

The Basics

Buying a home may be easier than you think.

If you're like most people when we first speak with them, the prospect of buying a first home can seem overwhelming. Fraught with the unknown and seemingly impossible to achieve - many simply resign themselves to the fact that it is too far away to even contemplate.

In reality, with the help of someone like Marion Lane, buying a first home can be done quicker, affordably and in less time than you think.

Happy reading!

Oh, and p.s. It's never too early to pick up the phone and give us a call.

1300 494 483

Appointments are filling fast for this weekend! Keely will be onsite this Saturday 8th and Saturday 15th December, and with our $1500 Deposit* First Home Solution now is the time to secure your new home. Call 0406 699 910 to book your appointment or for more information. (*T&Cs apply)

People always ask for the largest lot available, but is a large lot necessarily the best choice for you?

Here are 5 tips to consider when buying land:

1) Desired lifestyle

Choose a block that matches your families future needs as this is where you are about to build your new life and the place where your new memories will be made. Ensure the area you are buying in offers you the lifestyle you desire.

2) Home alterations

It is surprising how many people take just a second to choose their new house floor plan but take a week to choose the colour of paint for the walls. When you are talking to your builder during the early stages let them know what is important to you in the design of the floor plan and they are can steer you towards designs that will match your dream home.

3) Time

The average timeframe from the time you visit the land site with your sales rep to the time your move in to your new home is approximately 12 months (with many variables that may need to be considered)

4). Design guidelines

This estate like many others has design guidelines that your new home will have to match. Now this doesn't mean every house will look the same as there are many options available within the design guide. This is beneficial to you as well as it means your future neighbour will have to adhere to those same guidelines.

5) Land size and Shape

What do you want to put on your block? What size house, number of bedrooms, do you want to eventually put in a pool, how big does your garden need to be? You'll be amazed what you will be able to fit on a block of land.

Sometimes people have a fixed block size in their mind but when their inclusions are mapped out on the block they realise they could have opted for a smaller block.

Your bedroom is one of the most important rooms in your home and with so many swatches to choose from, deciding what colour to paint can be confusing. Here are what manufacturers are predicting to be the most popular shades in 2019

Lot 50 Nursery Place is set in a private cul de sac, close to the nature reserve, within the sought after Sienna Grove Estate. Development works are well underway and title is expected in the coming weeks, which means now is the time to start planning your new dream home.

Secure your site before they are all sold, options are vanishing quickly. Book your site inspection with Keely today - call 1300 494 483.

The Home:

Designed for those who value privacyConvenient single-level livingDouble garage with automatic panel door4 bedroomMaster bedroom with ensuite and large walk-in robe Open plan family and diningSeparate living roomModern kitchen with breakfast barUnder-roof alfresco area

The Package:

Fixed site costs (no hidden extras!)Colourbond roofFloor and window coverings20mm stone kitchen benchtops Stainless steel appliances including dishwasherLighting/fan package: downlights, ceiling fans Split system A/C LandscapingDrivewayFencing and letterbox

We've taken a deposit on Lot 58 at The Residences at Sienna Grove, Richlands, so there is now only ONE larger lot remaining in the development.

Don't delay - speak to Keely ASAP on 1300 494 483/0406 699 910 to book an inspection and your chance to secure one of the bigger sites left!

APPOINTMENTS FILLING FAST FOR THIS WEEKEND - our lead Sales Agent, Keely Chapman, will be on site each Saturday 11am-3pm , to book call 0406 699 910.

SOLD! Two more families have joined our beautiful boutique community this week.

Are you ready to buy your new home? We're shaping up for another busy weekend because like Kirsten who bought her first home this week, are loving our proximity to Brisbane CBD and the great value for money homes.

The QLD First Home Owners Grant is set to drop from June 30. The current $20,000 will drop down to $15,000 for all building contracts signed after June 30. Dont loose $5,000 we have packages and finance plans created just for First Home Buyers, contact Keely to find out more - call 1300 494 483/0406 699 910

And HELLO to some cool new home decor trends. Sticky glow-in-the-dark stars anyone?

This week Impact Homes have come on board in the Sienna Grove Estate in Richlands. Impact was established in 1996 and is one of the most respected new home builders in the house and land package market. Impact offer a range of designs to meet any individual or growing families needs and offer a great range of inclusions.

The Currumbin is a 2 story; 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bathroom and 2 car Garage home, available on lot 35 in the estate for $555,500. It has a total area of 241.89m2 and features beautiful open plan living areas on the lower floor that open up onto your back patio area.

This design comes with great inclusions like:

- Colorbond Roof

- High ceilings

- Stone kitchen benchtops

- Air conditioning

- Landscaping

- Roofed outdoor area

.... and so much more.

This is the perfect new home if you are in the market for a functional new 2 storey home in the Brisbane area.

Whether it be mid-century modern or 80's deco, this article will ensure you stay ahead of the curve with the next throwback home design trends.

Want free luxury inclusions, registered land and a fantastic price point - all within driving distance of Sydney? Check out this Off The Plan opportunity in Wadalba - which includes stone benchtops and split A/C upgraded to ducted at zero cost on contracts signed by March 31st 2017 - happy Friday!

22 Barn Owl Avenue, Wadalba. Four bedroom, double garage, large family and dining area, open plan kitchen and modern appliances for just $609,000

WHAT AN OPPORTUNITY! These don't come along often - stunning brand new home with registered land on a 400sqm block.

Make the sea change and join the peaceful coastal community of Wadalba. This prime location offers quick and easy access to shopping, transport, schools and day care centres, perfect for First Home Buyers and Investors alike. With Wadalba Wildlife corridor and Tuggerah Lakes right on your doorstep you can be sure your sanctuary will stay that way for years to come.

Registered land in this sought after suburb won't last long - call Keely today 0406 699 910 for additional information.

We have fantastic news - we're on time! Our start date approval has been signed, and construction is due to commence next week, which means we're on track for delivery in September.

This also means our pre-sales pricing will end shortly, and with 50% of the first release sold you better move quickly to take advantage of these savings. We have heaps of different facades and plans to choose from - call Keely on 0406 699 910 for more information, or click on this photo to check out this listing.

The QLD First Home Owners' Grant has been boosted to $20k, but only until 30th June 2017. We're gearing up for the second release of The Residences at Sienna Grove, and ready to sign contracts well before the EOFY deadline. Check out this beauty at Lot 29 Cattiger, or contact Keely on 0406 699 910 to discuss our $1500 down deposit*, multiple floor plan options or how we can get you into a new home sooner.

3 lots sold and interest still high!

We have been thrilled with the response to the first release of packages at The Residences at Sienna Grove. These packages are moving quickly - watch this space for our second release.

For those of you who missed out on appointments last weekend Keely will be back onsite on Sunday the 5th and Monday the 6th of February. Call Keely on 0406 699 910 to book your appointment.

If you want a brand new home, with an unbeatable lifestyle, and within 30 minutes of Brisbane CBD you better get in quick!

Lot 14 Brentford Road - this fantastic 4 bed, 2 bath, 2 garage stunner can be yours for only $449,500*! Tag on our bonus turn-key upgrade package for $6,990 and you will have a dream, brand new house for an absolute bargain.

Bonus Turn-key inclusions:

- Turf and landscaping

- A/C to Living and Master Bedroom

- Fencing

- Stone benchtops to Kitchen

Stone benchtops to Bathroom and Ensuite

- and more...

We are hugely excited to offer these packages - fantastic lifestyle, community, amenities in easy reach and all within 25 minutes drive of Brisbane CBD. Keely will be onsite Friday the 20th and Saturday the 21st so book your appointment before they all run out - call 0406 699 910.

(* with ready-to-move inclusions)

This was the weekend for first home buyers relocating from Sydney.

It was our strongest week yet at Orchid Hill with a record 5 new owners preparing to make their move and construction well under way. Lots 115, 116, 118 & 128 sold and 119 redeposited after coming back on the market.

Fast and furious is the best way to describe the construction pace at Orchid Hill. Tree removal and road clearing are first in order and the weather is having little effect slowing the crews down.

Lot Update (Now 55% SOLD):

Stage 1 - 3 lots remaining

Stage 2 - SOLD OUT

Stage 3 - 2 lots remaining!

Stage 4 - 43% SOLD

There is still great value waiting to be snapped-up and our house & land packages are very good buying, particularly for investors.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me! Keely 0406 699 910.

With the new year fast approaching, it's time to review some of the interior styles that were hot in 2016. In this article, the interior decorating pros comment on the past year's latest and greatest trends.

The Central Coast’s newest home release, Hamlyn Heights, is down to the last half a dozen lots available for buyers wanting to take up coastal residence.

Packages are selling at record rates with a deposit taken on Lot 5 Warnervale Road, leaving just six lots on offer for savvy buyers wanting the perfect central location between Sydney and Newcastle.

You too can find your perfect coastal home at Hamlyn Heights Estate, with packages starting at as little as $502,349. Call Keely Chapman today on 0406 699 910 to have a chat and find out how you can make your dream of living on the coast a reality!

The last available block of land, Lot 327 at the Links Estate has been secured by one lucky buyer. A deposit has also been taken on a package at Lot 317. Only two packages remain at the highly sought South Coast community, on the shores of St Georges Basin.

Lot 323, Corella Crescent is a beautiful three-bedroom home, available for just $463,868 and Lot 304, a four-bedroom home for $485,705. Both homes feature large open plan lounge and dining areas, modern kitchen, master with ensuite, walk in robes and alfresco areas.

These packages are priced to sell and will not last long! Call Keely on 0406 699 910 to have a chat and find out how you can join the exclusive Links community before it’s too late.

We all understand the concept of ‘savings’...even as kids we were introduced to the idea of saving with our pocket money, and we all probably had a little piggy bank or something similar we’d top up now and then in an effort to purchase that something special. If you’re new to the process of purchasing a new home however, you may have only recently come across the term ‘genuine savings’, and if you haven’t yet, you no doubt will soon…

So what exactly are ‘Genuine Savings’ and what makes savings as we know it, ‘Genuine’?

Basically, Genuine Savings is a lending industry term that refers to deposit funds for a property purchase that have been genuinely saved over a defined period of at least 3 months. Some examples of what can be considered Genuine Savings include:

A consistent savings pattern that’s been established over a period of at least 3 months; so all savings held and accumulated over that period.Term deposits held for at least 3 monthsShares (or a managed fund) held for at least 3 monthsEquity in an existing property/landInheritance or a Gift (but only if held in an account for at least 3 months)

You can see a pattern emerging...with 3 months being the consistent minimum amount of time considered for the above to be genuine forms of saving, which is the case for most lenders. Genuine Savings must also be held in the name of at least one of the borrowers, and generally speaking they need to be liquid in nature i.e. they need to be held in a bank savings account or otherwise be investments that can easily be sold and quickly converted to cash.

With that in mind, the following are typically NOT considered forms of Genuine Savings for the purpose of a home deposit

First Home Owners GrantsBorrowed funds (such as Personal Loans)The sale of personal assets other than property (such as the sale of a motor vehicle)Tax Refunds (though put your tax refund into a savings account and 3 months later it’s a different story!)Lump Sum DepositsBonusesFunds held in a business accountDeveloper/Builder rebates or incentives

So now we know what is and isn’t considered Genuine Savings for the purpose of a deposit...but are Genuine Savings always needed as part of the home purchase process? The short answer is No.

For most lenders, Genuine Savings are required if their the Loan to Value Ratio is higher than 85%. So if the value of your loan is more than 85% of the value of the property you’re seeking to purchase, then Genuine Savings are likely required.

But how much in Genuine Savings are needed? Well, it depends…

If you’re planning on building or purchasing an owner occupied property (so you plan on living in the house you’re purchasing) you’ll need to contribute 5% of the security value as Genuine Savings, yet if you’re building or purchasing a property as an investment (but will not be living there yourself) you’ll need 10% of the security value in Genuine Savings.

Let’s look at an example scenario:

Brett and Emily are a young couple with a baby daughter seeking to purchase their first home. They have been considering house and land packages where the title is not until June 2017, so they have a bit of time up their sleeve…

They have funds in a trust account to the amount of 22K, but were advised that these wouldn’t be considered Genuine Savings because they had only been placed into the trust 1 month prior.

However, in an effort to help them secure their dream of purchasing a new home for their growing family, we came up with a solution...An arrangement was made whereby they can pay a deposit on the land using funds from their trust, and after 3 months (sound familiar?) this land will become Genuine Savings that can be used to apply for the full loan.

At this stage a deposit has been paid on both the house and the land to lock in the price on the house itself, while Brett and Emily wait for the land to be considered Genuine Savings/Equity for the purpose of their full loan.

So if you think you may struggle to demonstrate Genuine Savings, don’t despair! Call one of our New Home Advocates today for a chat about how we can help you make your new home dream a reality...we made it work for Brett and Emily and we’ll do our best to make it work for you too.

Call Keely today to discuss a range of options.

Lot 325 Links Avenue, Sanctuary Point $461,500

Premium location just a stones throw from the nature reserve, wide 18m frontage - drive through garage option available

The willow 4 design from New Living Homes has all the features you want in a new home plus more

*4 large bedrooms- master with ensuite and walk in robe * Bed 4 is close to the master bedroom perfect for those with little ones needing to be close by *Study nook next to the kitchen so parents can keep an eye on the kids online *Large alfresco *Plenty of linen cupboards *Media/theatre room *Modern kitchen with breakfast bar *Double garage with drive through option available

Here's the details so you dot miss out again: Securing a package is easy and can be done with a refundable holding deposit just call Keely 0406 699 910 or email keelyc@whgroup.com.au and we can step you through the process

At this stage both Lot 3 and Lot 6 on Warnervale Road have both been SOLD!

We still have a few larger lot packages available on the quiet and peaceful Wilga Road, but act fast as these won’t last for long before getting snapped up. Things are starting to move fast! Call Keely today on 0406 699 910 to talk about making your own new home dream a reality.

With an impressive range of inclusions. This spacious corner lot is in a superior estate location perched at the top of a hill surrounded by luscious green bushland with glimpses of the basin that lies below.

The distinguished Birchgrove home design boasts comfortable open plan living and dining, a spacious “kids zone” for the little ones, 4 bedrooms including a large master suite to front with walk in robe, as well as a double garage.

To make things easier we've done all the hard work and running around to make sure the inclusions you need and want are in the package price.

Don't delay- Call today - these packages will not last long at these prices! 0406 699 910

Ready to Move and with a range of attractive inclusions

This beautiful 4 bedroom family home offers spacious and functional living at its best. With a modern facade and double garage, this innovative design is an entertainers dream; both the living and dining areas open up to an under roof alfresco, perfect for entertaining guests or keeping an eye on the little ones.

Within easy reach of local schools, childcare, shopping and transport (not to mention the pristine beaches!) this package has everything you need to enjoy all that the Central Coast has to offer.

Don’t miss out! Call Keely today on 0406 699 910 to secure your slice of paradise.

It's what so many of you have been waiting for - the registration of Stage 4a/2 of the Links Estate is now complete!

Building will soon be underway and we can't wait to see the beautifully designed houses that will start to come into view on these wonderfully positioned blocks.

Very exciting times ahead, and for those lucky enough to have secured a block, their new home dreams are very soon to be realised.

The Links has always been popular with locals wanting to buy their first home and second home buyers looking to build their dream forever home. Lots 318 and 319 were large lots on top of the hill with a commanding view of the estate packaged with great value new homes from two of the areas top builders.

Its not too late though and there are still some great value and luxury new home packages available at The Links from a selection of the top builders in the area.

Call 0406 699 910 or message today for a full information pack and to see how we can tailor a package to suit your dream forever home.

4 bedrooms double garage on large 714m2 lot!

This Value new home and Land package from The Links Estate and New Living Homes has everything you want from a new home and more and priced at $413,613 this value new home package is just waiting to be snapped up by a savvy buyer

The modern airlie 4 bedroom deisgn has features such as:

*Master suite with walk in robe and ensuite

*Open plan Living and dining

*Modern galley style kitchen

Call 0406 699 910 or message today for a full information pack.