The complete first-home loan guide

Set a comfortable buying range

Start with income, living costs, debts, deposit and the repayments you would be comfortable carrying. A lender maximum and a personal comfort limit are different numbers; the second should leave room for rates, maintenance and ordinary life.

Build the full cash plan

The deposit is one part of the money required. Allow for legal work, inspections, moving, lender costs and government charges that apply to your location and circumstances.

• Deposit and genuine savings evidence
• Purchase costs and professional fees
• A separate emergency or settlement buffer
• The verified source of any gift or family contribution

Use pre-approval as a planning tool

A conditional pre-approval can help define a search range, but it is not a promise that every property will be accepted. Final approval still depends on current information, the contract, valuation and lender checks.

Check the property as carefully as the loan

Building condition, owners corporation records, title issues and valuation can affect the transaction. Use qualified legal and property professionals and understand any finance condition before signing.

Prepare for formal approval and settlement

Once a property is selected, the lender generally needs the signed contract and any updated financial documents. Keep employment, spending and credit arrangements stable where possible and respond quickly to requests.