First Home Buyer's Guide to St George: Where to Buy Under $800k

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 - Beverly Hills 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.