Your First Home in St George

Congratulations on taking the first step toward homeownership! As someone who has helped hundreds of first home buyers over 25 years, I understand both the excitement and the challenges you face. This guide will help you navigate the St George market and find your perfect first home.

Best Suburbs for First Home Buyers

Not all St George suburbs are equal when it comes to first home buyer affordability. Here are my top recommendations:

Under $650,000 (Units)

Rockdale units from $580,000
Kingsgrove units from $550,000
Beverley Park units from $540,000

Under $800,000 (Units/Small Houses)

Banksia townhouses from $700,000
Kogarah units from $650,000
Bexley older units from $600,000

Budget Breakdown

$600,000 Budget

Deposit (10%): $60,000
Stamp duty (FHB exempt): $0
Legal fees: $2,000
Inspections: $600
Total upfront: ~$63,000

$700,000 Budget

Deposit (10%): $70,000
Stamp duty (FHB reduced): ~$8,000
Legal fees: $2,000
Inspections: $600
Total upfront: ~$81,000

$800,000 Budget

Deposit (10%): $80,000
Stamp duty (FHB reduced): ~$16,000
Legal fees: $2,500
Inspections: $600
Total upfront: ~$99,000

First Home Buyer Grants & Concessions

First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)

$10,000 for new homes under $600,000

First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme

Full stamp duty exemption for properties up to $650,000
Reduced stamp duty for properties $650,000-$800,000

First Home Guarantee

Purchase with 5% deposit without paying LMI
Limited places available each year

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not getting pre-approval first: Know your budget before you start looking 2. Skipping building inspections: Always get professional inspections 3. Buying at the top of your budget: Leave room for unexpected costs 4. Ignoring strata reports: Essential for units and townhouses 5. Rushing decisions: Take time to understand the market

The Buying Process Step by Step

1. Get your finances sorted (pre-approval) 2. Research suburbs and attend open homes 3. Engage a solicitor/conveyancer 4. Make an offer or bid at auction 5. Exchange contracts 6. Complete inspections and valuations 7. Settlement (typically 6 weeks) 8. Collect keys and celebrate!

Finance Tips

Compare multiple lenders or use a broker
Understand the difference between variable and fixed rates
Budget for ongoing costs (rates, insurance, maintenance)
Build an emergency fund for unexpected expenses

Book Your First Home Buyer Consultation

I offer free consultations specifically for first home buyers. We'll discuss your budget, preferred suburbs, and create a plan to get you into your first home. No pressure, just honest advice from someone who's helped hundreds of first-timers before you.