Key Takeaway
First home buyers in NSW may be eligible for transfer-duty assistance, a grant for certain new homes or an Australian Government deposit initiative. Each program has its own eligibility, property-value and residence requirements. Confirm the current rules before relying on any benefit, then assess the property against your household budget, buying brief and due-diligence findings.
Before You Search
Prepare the financial and professional support around the purchase before attending serious inspections.
1
Confirm the funds: Separate the deposit from transfer duty, reports, legal costs, moving expenses and your post-settlement buffer.
2
Check assistance: Review the current eligibility rules for NSW and Australian Government first-home-buyer programs.
3
Build the team: Identify your lender or broker, solicitor or conveyancer and relevant property professionals.
Your First-Home Decision Check
Before making an offer, confirm that the property works financially, practically and legally—not only emotionally.
1
Can you own it comfortably? Include repayments, rates, insurance, strata where relevant, maintenance and a financial buffer.
2
Does it suit daily life? Recheck travel, layout, parking, storage, services and the compromises you would be accepting.
3
Are the risks understood? Review the contract, professional reports, comparable sales and any unresolved questions before committing.
Before You Make an Offer
Complete the final checks while you can still change the price, conditions or decision to proceed.
1
Confirm the finance position: Check that the pre-approval is current, the required funds remain available and the property appears acceptable under lender policy.
2
Review the contract: Ask your solicitor or conveyancer to explain the title, inclusions, settlement terms and any conditions or risks.
3
Set the walk-away price: Base the limit on comparable sales, required work, buying costs and the amount your household can comfortably manage.
