Buying a property might be the biggest purchase you ever make.
While it can be really exciting, it can also be a little bit scary too
Finding the right property takes heaps of research. But once you're in the home of your
dreams, it's all be worth it.
Here's what you need to know.
Everyone has a different idea of the perfect property. So before you start going to open
homes and sizing up living rooms you need to work out what you really want to buy.
First up, think about your current lifestyle. What matters most to you now and more importantly
what is going to matter to you in the future?
Think about how many bedrooms will you need? How important is public transport?
Do you want to live near cafes, good schools, shops or even the beach
Then you need to think about HOW you want to live.
Do you like to cook and entertain? Or is gardening
your thing? Or do you want to be close to nightlife, or do you want a quiet life?
Could you sacrifice a second bathroom for a bigger kitchen, or maybe the other way around
You also need to decide where you want to buy.
Understanding your lifestyle will then help you narrow down a list of potential suburbs.
And of course, price is important too.
Exploring suburbs by car and on foot is essential cause it allows you to really get a feel for different
neighbourhoods. And it's also a good excuse to check out local shops and cafes.
And be sure to look beyond your favourite suburbs to ones just down the road. You never
know what you'll find, and quiet often prices can be a lot cheaper just a few blocks away.
You also need to decide what type of property you're looking for.
Apartments are usually cheaper and tend to be closer to shops, train stations and CBDs.
They can be very convenient and you'll never have to mow the lawn.
On the downside though, you can't renovate an apartment very easily and you're probably going to have less space.
A house offers on the other hand offers more flexibility and space but also requires a lot more work.
Not to mention a much higher price tag.
Townhouses can offer some of the best features of a house with the size and convenience of an apartment.
And there is parking, homes with a carpark usually come at a premium, especially in capital
cities or will you be happy parking on the street?
Next, it's time to go house hunting.
Online listings can help you get a better idea of what's on the market, and many real
estate sites have helpful apps that let you save a collection of your favourite properties.
But ultimately you'll need to start going to inspections and seeing properties for yourself.
Sometimes those perfect real estate photos are just way too good to be true.
When you’re looking at properties don't be wowed by shiny floorboards and a fresh
coat of paint. You really need to make sure the property is in good condition and that
everything works.
Make sure the plumbing, the oven and the heating and cooling all work.
Check for cracks in the walls or if there is damp or mould.
Take notes and photographs and don't be afraid to ask questions.
If you can, check out the neighbours. Don't be afraid to approach them for a friendly
chat and ask how they find living in the area. It also gives you a chance to see what they
are like, as having good neighbours can really make or break your lifestyle if this ends
up being your property of choice.
Looking for properties can be really overwhelming and if you feel lost or confused, don't give up.
There are plenty of experts who can help you.
You can hire professionals to inspect a building to make sure it's in good condition. And a
qualified buyer's agent can help you search for properties and navigate the buying process too.
Ultimately what makes the perfect home is up to you - while it’s important to be
practical don’t settle for someone else’s idea of a
good buy. If the property you are looking to buy is somewhere you plan to live long
term or perhaps is your forever home, it's important that you love it
If you need more help, Finder has heaps of guides on the home buying process
And if you are ready for find home loans, you can compare rates as well. They are all in the links below