How to Buy Your First Home in 2026: A Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about entering the property market for the first time, from saving your deposit to settlement day.
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Your First Home, Done Right
First Home Buyers
Everything you need to step onto the property ladder with confidence — from saving your deposit and accessing government grants to choosing the right suburb and settling on your first home.
What You'll Learn
Key topics we cover
Saving a deposit and understanding your borrowing power
First Home Owner Grant and stamp duty concessions
Choosing between an established home, townhouse, or house & land
Navigating pre-approval, contracts, and settlement
Free Resources
Guides & resources in this section
Your Checklist
The First Home Buyers Checklist
Your step-by-step roadmap from savings plan to settlement day
1Phase 1 — Preparation
Determine your budget and target purchase price range
Check your credit score and resolve any outstanding issues
Open a dedicated high-interest savings account for your deposit
Research government grants and stamp duty concessions in your state
2Phase 2 — Financing
Gather documents: payslips, bank statements, ID, and tax returns
Speak with a mortgage broker to understand your borrowing capacity
Obtain formal pre-approval before you start house hunting
Compare loan products: rate, fees, features, and flexibility
3Phase 3 — Property Search
Shortlist suburbs based on growth, lifestyle, and budget
Attend open inspections and track property comparisons
Order building and pest inspections on serious contenders
Review the contract of sale and section 32 / vendor statement
4Phase 4 — Purchase & Settlement
Make an offer or bid at auction within your pre-approved limit
Engage a conveyancer or solicitor to handle the legal paperwork
Arrange building insurance to start at settlement
Complete final inspection and collect keys on settlement day
Free Tool
Deposit Savings Calculator
See how long it will take to reach your deposit goal based on your savings rate, current balance, and interest earned.
Your Results
Deposit needed (20%)
$150,000
Amount still to save
$120,000
Estimated time to reach your deposit
4
yrs 7 mo
≈ 4.6 years at your current savings rate
This calculator is a general guide only and does not account for property price growth, changes to savings rates, or fees. Speak with a PPS specialist for a personalised assessment.
Articles
First Home Buyers insights
First Home Owner Grant: State-by-State Guide 2026
Current grants, stamp duty concessions, and first home buyer incentives available in every Australian state.
4 min readRead
Ready to put this into action?
Book a free strategy session with one of our property specialists and get a personalised plan tailored to your goals and circumstances.