Frequently Asked Questions

Most lenders require a minimum 5-20% deposit. A 20% deposit helps you avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). First home buyers may access the First Home Guarantee scheme with as little as 5% deposit without paying LMI.

Stamp duty (transfer duty) is a state government tax on property purchases. The amount depends on the purchase price and buyer type. First home buyers may be exempt or receive concessions on properties up to $800,000. Use our stamp duty calculator for an estimate.

Typically 8-12 weeks from having your offer accepted to settlement. This includes the cooling-off period (5 business days for private treaty), contract exchange, finance approval, and settlement preparation.

In NSW, buyers have a 5 business day cooling-off period after exchanging contracts for private treaty sales. During this time, you can withdraw but forfeit 0.25% of the purchase price. Auctions have no cooling-off period.

Both methods have advantages. Auctions are transparent and create competitive tension but require unconditional finance. Private sales allow for negotiation and more time for due diligence. I can advise on the best approach for your situation.

Banksia, Bexley, and Kingsgrove offer more affordable entry points while maintaining good transport and amenities. Units in Rockdale and Kogarah also provide excellent value for first home buyers.

Contact a mortgage broker or bank with your financial documents including payslips, tax returns, and bank statements. Pre-approval typically takes 1-3 days and is valid for 3-6 months, giving you confidence to make offers.

Check for structural issues, water damage, pest evidence, electrical and plumbing condition, and compliance with building codes. I always recommend getting professional building and pest inspections before purchasing.

Beyond the purchase price, budget for stamp duty, legal/conveyancing fees ($1,500-3,000), building/pest inspections ($500-800), loan application fees, and moving costs. First home buyers should also budget for furniture and initial repairs.

Get pre-approval, be flexible on settlement dates, minimize conditions, show genuine interest, and be prepared to act quickly. I can help you craft an offer that stands out while protecting your interests.

Your home's value depends on location, size, condition, recent comparable sales, and current market conditions. Contact me for a free, no-obligation appraisal based on over 25 years of local market experience.

Spring (September-November) traditionally sees more buyer activity, but quality properties sell well year-round in St George. The best time to sell depends on your circumstances and market conditions, which I can advise on.

Currently, well-priced properties in St George are selling within 25-35 days on average. Premium properties in sought-after areas often sell faster. The timeline depends on pricing strategy, presentation, and market conditions.

Auctions create urgency and competitive tension, often achieving premium prices for quality properties. Private treaty allows more negotiation time and suits properties with niche appeal. I'll recommend the best method for your property.

Typical costs include agent commission (usually 1.5-2.5%), marketing costs ($3,000-10,000), legal fees ($1,000-2,000), and styling if required. I provide a detailed breakdown of all costs before you commit.

Declutter, deep clean, complete minor repairs, freshen paint if needed, and consider professional styling. First impressions matter enormously. I provide a detailed preparation checklist for all my clients.

Not necessarily. Sometimes minor updates offer better returns than major renovations. I can advise which improvements are worthwhile based on your property and target buyer demographic.

In NSW, the equivalent is a Contract for Sale which your solicitor prepares. It includes the title search, zoning certificate, drainage diagram, and any known property issues. This must be available before marketing begins.

Look for local experience, proven results, clear communication, and a marketing strategy that suits your property. Interview multiple agents and check their recent sales. With 25+ years in St George, I offer unmatched local expertise.

Settlement day is when ownership officially transfers. Your solicitor handles the legal aspects, the buyer pays the balance, and keys are handed over. I coordinate with all parties to ensure a smooth settlement.

It depends on your priorities. For waterfront living: Sans Souci, Dolls Point, Brighton-Le-Sands. For convenience: Kogarah, Hurstville. For families: Bexley, Rockdale. For value: Banksia, Kingsgrove. I can help you find the perfect match.

Yes, St George offers strong investment fundamentals with solid rental demand, good yields (typically 3-4%), and consistent capital growth. Suburbs near stations and hospitals perform particularly well.

St George has excellent public and private schools. Notable schools include Sydney Technical High, St George Girls High, and Bethany College. Many suburbs have highly-regarded local primary schools.

St George suburbs are 10-18km from the CBD. Train services to Central take 20-35 minutes depending on the suburb. The M5 motorway provides car access to the city.

St George is well-served by the T4 and T8 train lines, with stations in most suburbs. Bus services connect areas not near stations. The M5 motorway provides quick car access to the city and south.

Yes! Lady Robinsons Beach (Brighton-Le-Sands) offers calm waters perfect for swimming. Sans Souci and Dolls Point have Georges River waterfront. Cronulla Beach is a short drive south.

St George offers a relaxed suburban lifestyle with urban convenience. Excellent dining (especially multicultural cuisine), waterfront recreation, good schools, and strong community connections define the area.

Absolutely. St George is known for its family-friendly suburbs with quality schools, parks, sporting facilities, and safe neighbourhoods. Many families have lived in the area for generations.

Prices vary significantly by suburb. Median house prices range from $1.45M (Banksia) to $3.2M (Dolls Point). Units range from $620K to $950K. There are options for most budgets.

St George offers excellent value compared to the Inner West or Eastern Suburbs while maintaining good transport, beaches, and amenities. The multicultural community, waterfront access, and family-friendly environment are unique advantages.

The Sydney Metro extension, Bayside Council improvements, and ongoing gentrification are positive factors. Infrastructure investment in transport and amenities continues to support property values in the region.