Originally published 30 March 2019. Deposit, finance and buying-cost guidance updated on 8 September 2026.

The first step up the property ladder is often the hardest. If you’re about to start preparing to buy your first home make the process easier by checking out our simple tips.

Saving a deposit

Ask your lender or mortgage adviser how much deposit you will need and what borrowing options may be available for your circumstances. The deposit payable under a sale and purchase agreement is not necessarily the same as the total contribution your lender requires. Before buying off the plans, have your lawyer review the payment terms and confirm with your lender how you will fund settlement. See Settled’s guide to sale and purchase agreements.

Sorting your finance

Discuss conditional pre-approval with your lender or mortgage adviser before making an offer. Pre-approval is not final approval for a particular property. Confirm the lender’s remaining requirements, and ask your lawyer about appropriate finance conditions before signing. Read Settled’s guidance on confirming your finances.

Gathering a team of experts

Independent professional support can help you understand the purchase. Depending on your needs, your support team may include a:

• Mortgage broker.
• Conveyancer.
• Building inspector.
• Estate agent.
• Insurance broker.

The Williams Corporation team can answer questions about our homes and buying process. Seek independent legal, lending and insurance advice from the relevant professionals.

Covering extra costs

A home costs more than the purchase price – you’ll also have to cover conveyancing fees, building inspection costs, insurance and moving costs.

It’s a good idea to have extra cash put aside to cover these expenses.

Mortgage repayments

Work through a household budget with your lender or mortgage adviser, including repayments, rates, insurance, maintenance and any body corporate fees. Allow for unexpected expenses and changes in income or interest rates; a single percentage-of-income rule does not establish affordability. See Sorted’s guide to deposits and buying costs.

Picking a property

Once you’ve sorted all of the above it’s time to start thinking about picking a property!

Consider where you want to live, what your commute will look like and what you value most. Look for areas where you can walk to cafes, transport links and other amenities and prioritise build quality, finish and design.

When buying off the plans make sure you only do so from a reputable developer with a long track record of successfully delivering high-quality projects as promised.

To discuss Williams Corporation homes and the buying process, feel free to get in touch with our team. You can also browse our current homes for sale.

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