First Home Buyer Guide
A practical starting point for Australians comparing new apartments and house-and-land packages. Use this guide to organise your search, ask better questions and take the next step with confidence.
FHP field note · reviewed 10 October 2026
Build one buyer file before comparing homes
Put your deposit evidence, pre-approval conditions, cash-to-complete estimate, property brief, professional contacts and unresolved questions in one place. The file should make clear which numbers are lender estimates, government thresholds, supplier prices or your own assumptions.
- Date every scheme and price check.
- Save the document—not only the sales summary—behind each claim.
- Record the next decision owner: you, broker, conveyancer or inspector.
1. Set a realistic search brief
Start with the home, location and budget range that fit your situation today—not an idealised wish list. Decide which factors are non-negotiable, such as bedrooms, commute, school catchment, accessibility or whether you prefer an apartment or a house-and-land package.
Location
Compare the daily practicalities: transport, local services, planned infrastructure and the type of neighbourhood you want to live in.
Property type
New apartments and house-and-land packages have different timeframes, inclusions and ongoing costs. Read the listing details carefully.
Budget
Keep a buffer for costs beyond the advertised price. A lender, broker, conveyancer or solicitor can explain the amounts that apply to your circumstances.
2. Understand the buying process before you commit
For off-the-plan or new-build homes, ask what is included, when key milestones are expected and what happens if the delivery timeframe changes. For every property, read contracts and disclosure documents with independent professional advice before signing.
Important: grants, concessions, stamp-duty treatment and lending criteria can change. Check your eligibility directly with the relevant government authority and your finance professional before relying on any estimate.
3. Use reliable information and support
First Home Property can help you explore current new-home opportunities, while the following official resources can help you check state-specific information:
Explore the next step
Search current listings
Filter new apartments and house-and-land packages by state, budget and bedrooms in the property search guide.
Compare house and land
Learn what to look for in house-and-land packages, including inclusions and location considerations.
Buying off the plan
Read the practical questions to raise when buying off the plan.
Ready to start your first-home search?
Browse the available properties, shortlist what fits and contact the team when you are ready to discuss an option.
Start searching