You can go directly to a bank or a lender, but it’s often a good idea to go to a mortgage broker. Brokers not only shop around for a loan from different lenders but can also offer you advice and help you through the whole process, from loan application to approval and settlement. Our Estate Managers are happy to put you in contact with a good broker if you need one.

Stamp Duty is a State Government charge that’s payable on the purchase of property. The good news is that if you’re a first homebuyer you don’t have to pay duty on land that’s under $300,000. It’s important to get all the information about this, and the best place to start is here.

Many lenders will tell you the bigger the deposit the better. This is good advice but if you don’t have a big chunk of money saved there are other ways. Keystart was created by the WA Government to help West Australians into affordable housing. Most lenders need a deposit of at least 5%. Keystart only needs 2%. You can use your First Home Owners Grant for this, and they calculate your household expenses to make sure you can manage your repayments. It also doesn’t require mortgage insurance, which other lenders may ask for and will add to your lending costs.

This government grant is designed to help people like you get into a home of your own. It’s a bit of extra cash in your pocket to help give you a bit more buying power. If you want to check your eligibility the first home owners grant, please refer to the Office of State Revenue website.

The first thing to consider is the general area you want to live that gives you the lifestyle you’re looking for. Do you want to stay close to where you are now? How important is it to have access to major transport options? Is it convenient for your work, or close to the places you like to enjoy on your time off?

Once you have an idea of the location you’d like to live in, it’s time to look at the community you’ll be joining. Even with new estates it’s important that you’re within easy reach of established schools, shops, medical services, and recreational facilities. Ideally, these should all be only a short drive away. Consider what is already there and what will be coming as the area grows. 

You know your budget and you’ve narrowed it down to the place you’d like to live. Now you just have to find the right block of land. Look at the size and the shape. Most builders have home choices that are designed for blocks of many shapes and sizes. Consider whether it will be on a wide thoroughfare, a quiet side street, or a cul-de-sac. And of course, its proximity to features like parks, bushland, shops and schools.

These are costs that are needed to make the block suitable for building. This can include tree removal, levelling, and removal of rock just below the surface and can become expensive if the block has a slope, big trees, or rock that needs excavation.