Buying your first home is a huge milestone and deserves to be celebrated! But, if you're a first home buyer in Sydney, the process can be a bit of a rollercoaster full of hidden challenges — especially if you're navigating government support like the Help to Buy scheme.
While there's no manual to adulting, this article will explain everything a first home buyer in Sydney needs to know, step by step. You’ll learn how to:
- Create a budget and spot hidden costs ahead of time
- Make a first home buyer checklist
- Prepare to renovate
- Set household rules
- Settle into your new home.
Create a first home buyer budget in Sydney
The first step in the process of buying your first home is knowing what kind of budget you're working with. It's easy to get carried away scrolling through your dream houses on Domain, picturing what life could look like. But, it's important to be realistic. For Sydney first home buyers, a clear budget will help you:
- narrow down your search pool
- make confident decisions during negotiations
- save you financial stress later on.
Speak with a mortgage broker as soon as possible. They can let you know about incentives like the First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme, First Home Guarantee, or potential stamp duty exemptions.
Prepare for unexpected costs
Speaking of budget, a lot of first home buyers get surprised by the many extra costs that come with buying a property, especially in Sydney. In rental properties, you are mainly paying for the space. But when buying a home there are more expenses (other than the sale price) to prepare for. Set aside extra money for all these aspects to create a well-rounded budget:
- Stamp duty (unless exempt)
- Council rates
- Building inspections
- Government fees
- Mortgage registration
- Solicitor fees
- Moving costs
Make a first home buyer moving checklist
If it’s not yet obvious, preparation is key to successfully moving into your first home. With so much to think about, creating a checklist for moving house will help ensure that you haven't forgotten anything. Include as much detail as possible in your checklist, such as:
- Dates
- Who will be completing the task (if there are multiple household members)
- Payment deadlines.
Not only will a checklist help you stick to schedule throughout the move, but it will also help you feel a sense of accomplishment as you tick off each stage through the process.
Call in the professionals
Your first home will come with many adulting challenges, but breaking your back moving furniture doesn’t have to be one of them! You'll soon master the art of unclogging drains and remembering bin day. But for now, there's no shame in calling in the professionals, especially for moving day.
Local removalists in Sydney can help bear the weight of one of the most stressful parts of buying a house. A reputable removalist company will cover all bases: They'll pack your life into boxes, transport it safely, and even unpack and set everything up at your new home. The best part? They can even help you reassemble the DIY flatpack furniture you’ve been avoiding, and get it back together again.
For first home buyers, it's important to get expert Sydney removalists to take care of the practicalities so you can juggle the paperwork and dream of paint colours.
Plan renovations before moving in
A lot of first home buyers buy properties that need a little more life. If your new home requires painting, flooring or larger renovations, it can disrupt all aspects of the moving process. The key to avoiding a meltdown is to have backup solutions.
To prepare for renovations:
- Factor renovations into your budget
- Book storage to keep your belongings safe and out of the way while work is being done
- Arrange temporary stays at local hotels and Airbnb’s if needed.
Set household rules
You might have thought your days of chore charts were behind you, But when moving into your first house (especially with a partner) it’s important to set clear ground rules to avoid fallouts.
Creating a chore chart may seem excessive, but try to delegate work between the household members in a light-hearted, but clear way. Talk about splitting household tasks like cleaning, managing expenses, pet care, guests and general house rules.
People have different expectations and preferences when it comes to household tasks. Understanding how each other works is going to lead to a harmonious life together.
Don't forget a spare key
Almost every first-time buyer locks themselves out at least once. Doing it in your first week, without a landlord nearby, would be a nightmare.
To avoid an expensive lock-smith callout:
- Get a spare key cut before moving in
- Leave it with trusted family or friends nearby
- Keep it in a secure space on the property.
Is it normal to feel nervous about first home moving?
If you are a first home buyer moving into your first home, anxiety is completely normal and something that should be embraced as nervous excitement. Try not to be overwhelmed by the process. It’s supposed to be fun! Follow these simple steps and find professional help where you can. You’ll be celebrating being a first-time buyer in no time.
Make your first move a stress-free one with Holloway Removals & Storage. Moving may be new to you, but their team brings over a decade of experience in professional moving and storage solutions, ensuring your belongings are in expert hands.
