Buying a home is a major milestone, and a well prepared checklist can help you avoid costly mistakes and keep your stress levels in check. Here’s a comprehensive, step-by-step home buyers’ checklist, blending the latest advice and a few pro tips you might not have considered.

Work out your budget and borrowing power
☐ Calculate your savings and how much you can comfortably borrow.
☐ Factor in all upfront costs: deposit, stamp duty, legal fees, inspections, moving costs and lenders’ mortgage insurance (if your deposit is under 20%).
☐ Consult our finance team for a realistic figure.

Obtain pre-approval for your home loan
☐ Gather essential documents: proof of identity, payslips, tax returns, savings statements and evidence of deposit.
☐ Apply for pre-approval before you start house hunting. This shows agents you’re a serious buyer and helps you stick to your budget.

Define your needs and wants
☐ List your non-negotiables (eg, number of bedrooms, location, proximity to schools or transport).
☐ Identify your ‘nice-to-haves’ (eg, backyard, garage, renovated kitchen).
☐ Research suburbs using online tools, crime stats and local amenities.

Start the property search
☐ Shortlist properties that fit your criteria and budget.
☐ Attend open homes and auctions. Take notes and photos for comparison.
☐ Check recent sale prices in the area to gauge value.

Engage a conveyancer or solicitor
☐ Choose a qualified professional to review contracts, conduct searches and guide you through the legal process.
☐ Ensure they check for planning controls, zoning, heritage overlays and body corporate rules and levies if buying a unit.

Arrange building and pest inspections
☐ Book independent inspections to uncover hidden issues such as structural damage, termites or illegal renovations.
☐ Review the reports thoroughly and use findings to negotiate repairs or price adjustments if needed.

Review contracts and legal documents
☐ Ensure your conveyancer reviews the contract of sale and the vendor’s statement (Section 32 in Victoria).
☐ Clarify the fixtures and fittings included in the sale.
☐ Understand your cooling-off rights and any special conditions

Organise your deposit and finances
☐ Make sure your deposit is ready to transfer when required – usually 10% on signing the contract.
☐ Set up banking and offset accounts to manage repayments and save on interest

Invest in home insurance
☐ Arrange insurance to take effect from the settlement date, not just when you move in. Most lenders require proof of insurance before settlement.

Carry out a final inspection
☐ Inspect the property just before settlement to ensure it’s in the agreed condition and all inclusions are present and working.
☐ Flag any issues with your conveyancer immediately

Prepare for settlement
☐ Confirm the settlement date and process with your conveyancer.
☐ Transfer remaining funds and sign all necessary documents.
☐ Notify your current landlord if you’re renting.

Move in and celebrate
☐ Arrange utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet) to be connected.
☐ Book removalists and update your address with relevant organisations.
☐ Enjoy your new home – maybe throw a housewarming BBQ!

A well-structured checklist is your best friend on the home buying journey. Tick off each step, ask questions along the way and don’t rush the process.

If you want guidance for your unique situation, feel free to reach out. There’s no such thing as being too prepared when it comes to buying your dream home!