{"id":9819,"date":"2026-02-20T13:53:11","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T02:53:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/?p=9819"},"modified":"2026-01-17T13:54:28","modified_gmt":"2026-01-17T02:54:28","slug":"first-home-buyer-blueprint-central-coast-property-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastfamilies\/first-home-buyer-blueprint-central-coast-property-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Your First Home Blueprint: A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying on the Coast"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

by blake gray, principal at apex estate agents<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re saving for your first property, actively looking to buy now, or perhaps you\u2019re currently at some other stage of the buying process\u2026this one is for you. This is not a comprehensive guide to buying your first property, though it will cover many of the essentials. FHBs, here\u2019s your blueprint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finance Pre\u2013approval Stage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact your Bank\/Broker to get Finance Pre\u2013approval. Your Bank\/Lender will agree in principle to lend you a stated amount based on the information (financial and otherwise) that you have provided them to date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

surveying the market<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re researching the geographical location(s) in which you\u2019d like to purchase and viewing properties in these locations. Establish a clear list of \u2018non\u2013negotiables\u2019 for the type of property you\u2019d like to purchase. Below is a general guide to get you started. Circle the ones that apply to your preferences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dwelling type<\/strong> \u2013 House | Unit | Townhouse | Villa | House and Land
Ownership type<\/strong> \u2013 Freehold | Torrens | Strata | Community
Bedrooms <\/strong>\u2013 1 | 2 | 3 | 4+
Bathrooms<\/strong> \u2013 1 | 2 | 3+
Garage\/car space<\/strong> \u2013 1 | 2 | 3+
Property condition<\/strong> \u2013 New | Renovated | Original | Other:
Close to <\/strong>\u2013 Public transport | Work | Family | Lifestyle amenities | Schools
Other <\/strong>\u2013 There are other factors\/preferences\/priorities to consider. We will cover how to assess and balance these in a future article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assemble your Allied Property Professionals (APPs)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a FHB it is likely that your Unconditional Finance Approval will take longer to come through in comparison to buyers in other categories. Furthermore, it is unlikely that you\u2019ll have an established team of Property Professionals on whom you can rely should time be of the essence \u2013 as inevitably it will be. It is for this reason that I would recommend (at a minimum) you seek out reliable persons in the following disciplines ahead of commencing negotiations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solicitor\/Conveyancer<\/strong> \u2013 They will review the Contract of Sale and provide professional legal support throughout the process.
Strata Inspector (if not purchasing a Freehold property)<\/strong> \u2013 for review of the Strata information such as defects, compliance, scheduled works and associated costs and other regulations. Often your Solicitor\/Conveyancer will be able to assist here, or connect you with a Strata Inspector.
Building and Pest Inspector<\/strong> \u2013 For a professional assessment of the physical condition of the property you\u2019re interested in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

making offers and negotiating<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve found a suitable property that you wish to secure, you\u2019ll need to formalise your interest by way of making an offer (in writing) as soon as practicable. The Agent will require evidence of your offer for their records. Furthermore, placing a complete offer in writing protects your interests. The below template will be useful in formulating your offer(s).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Full Legal Name(s) of Purchaser(s)<\/strong>
Offer amount <\/strong>\u2013 $xxx,xxx
Cooling Off Period<\/strong> \u2013 5 Days \/ 10 Days
Settlement Period <\/strong>\u2013 Per Contract (most Contracts are 42 days) \/ xx Days
Deposit Amount <\/strong>\u2013 5% \/ 10%
Special Conditions <\/strong>\u2013 (should your Solicitor\/Conveyancer or Broker advise on their inclusion here)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

offer and acceptance plus exchange<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve successfully negotiated your purchase your offer will be formally accepted in writing by the Agent. The next step is to exchange the contracts (unless you purchase at auction). In order to exchange the contracts you will need to sign the relevant documents (including the contract) and submit payment of your 0.25% deposit. Once the contracts are exchanged (conditionally exchanged) the Cooling Off Period will commence (from the next business day). There are two types of exchanges: 1) Agent exchange; 2) Solicitor\/Conveyancer exchange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: The Cooling Off Period is calculated in business days, whereas the settlement is calculated in calendar days. Both of these commence from the date of exchange of the contracts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

due diligence Stage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the contracts have been exchanged and the Cooling Off Period has begun, it is time to complete all your remaining due diligence. Here are your primary objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n