Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Step-by-Step Guide: Things to Do Before Buying a Property

Buying a property is a major financial decision, and careful planning is essential to ensure a smooth process. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide, including borrowing power calculators, stamp duty estimations, and essential links to help you make the right choice.


Step 1: Define Your Goals & Budget

Before starting your property search, determine:
Your Purpose – Are you buying to live in, invest, or for future resale?
Your Budget – How much can you afford to borrow and repay?
Hidden Costs – Stamp duty, legal fees, inspections, moving costs, and council rates.

πŸ’‘ Useful Tools


Step 2: Secure Your Financing

Check Your Credit Score

  • Your credit score affects your loan approval and interest rate.
  • Check your score for free at Equifax or Experian.

Get Loan Pre-Approval

  • A loan pre-approval helps you know how much you can borrow before making an offer.
  • Speak to a mortgage broker or your bank for options.

Deposit Requirements

  • Minimum deposit: Usually 5-20% of the property price.
  • Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI): Required if you deposit less than 20%.
  • Example: For a $800,000 home, a 10% deposit = $80,000, but LMI may apply.

πŸ’‘ Useful Tools


Step 3: Research the Market

Choosing the Right Location

Analyzing Property Prices

  • Research recent sales through Realestate.com.au or Domain.
  • Compare house vs. unit prices and rental yields for investment properties.

Step 4: Conduct Due Diligence

Property Inspections

  • Hire a building and pest inspector to check for structural issues.
  • Use Inspector Finder to locate professionals.

Understanding Additional Costs

  • Stamp Duty: A government tax on property purchases.
  • Legal Fees: Conveyancing or solicitor fees (approx. $1,500 - $3,000).
  • Council Rates & Strata Fees (for apartments & townhouses).

πŸ’‘ Stamp Duty Calculator


Step 5: Making an Offer & Negotiating

Compare Similar Sales – Research recent property sales to make a strong offer.
Negotiate Terms – Price, settlement period, and inclusions (appliances, fixtures).
Conditional Clauses – Always make the offer subject to finance, inspections, and approvals.


Step 6: Legal & Settlement Process

Hire a Conveyancer or Lawyer

  • They handle contracts, title transfers, and legal documents.
  • Find a local expert via Law Society WA.

Finalizing Loan & Settlement

  • Arrange home insurance before settlement.
  • Conduct a final inspection before making the payment.

Step 7: Finalizing & Moving In

Complete settlement – Pay the remaining balance and receive the keys.
Notify utilities & update address – Electricity, water, gas, internet.
Move-in day! πŸŽ‰

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared for a smooth property purchase. Need expert advice? Contact a mortgage broker, real estate agent, or property lawyer to guide you! πŸ‘πŸ”‘ 

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