Buying a Home 101: Your Guide to Buying a Home in 2026 - What You SHOULD Know
The start of a new year has a way of getting people thinking.
For a lot of the people I speak to, this is when buying a new home moves from being a vague idea to something they’re actually considering. You might not be ready to buy just yet - and that’s completely fine - but you’re starting to ask questions, look at listings, and wonder what the year ahead could look like.
If you’re a first-home buyer, it can feel especially big. There’s excitement, but also a lot of unknowns.
This isn’t about pushing you into anything. It’s about helping you feel informed and prepared, so when the time comes, you’re making decisions with confidence rather than pressure.
Before you fall in love with a listing
Most people start the same way - scrolling listings, saving favourites, picturing what life might look like there.
That’s normal.
Before you get too attached, there are a few practical things worth sorting out early, particularly for first-home buyers.
Important: Borrowing power isn’t the same as your budget.
One of the most common misunderstandings I see is assuming borrowing power equals a comfortable budget.
Borrowing power is what a lender may approve.
Your budget is what works for your day-to-day life.
It needs to allow for:
Loan repayments
Rates and water charges
Insurance
Ongoing maintenance
Still having room to live and enjoy life
If the numbers feel tight now, that’s worth paying attention to.
The first conversations worth having
You don’t need to call everyone at once. You just need to speak to the right people at the right time.
A broker or bank
This helps you understand where you realistically sit, not just what might be possible on paper.
A conveyancer
Many people don’t realise this, but a conveyancer isn’t just involved at the end. Good conveyancing support starts before you sign a contract. Even a short conversation early can prevent issues later on.
Building and pest inspections
You don’t need to book these straight away, but understanding when they happen helps you feel more prepared when things move quickly.
You don’t need to rush!
There’s often an underlying pressure for first home buyers to “get in before it’s too late”.
Buying your first home isn’t a race.
Some people need time to:
Build savings
Learn how the market works
Work out what matters to them
Feel comfortable asking questions
Taking time isn’t hesitation. It’s preparation.
Renting first can be a smart step
Renting is sometimes treated as a setback, but that’s not the case.
For many buyers, renting first provides:
A better feel for different suburbs
Time to watch the market
Space to build savings
Confidence when it’s time to buy
Plenty of people rent first and end up making better decisions because of it.
Buying or building a new home
Buying or building a new home often involves a different process to purchasing an existing property.
There may be:
Land titles and registrations
Construction timelines
Progress payments
Contract conditions that work differently
Flexible settlement dates
This is where early conveyancing advice is especially helpful. Understanding the process upfront avoids confusion later.
Regional properties come with extra considerations
Buying in regional NSW has many benefits, but there are also things worth checking early.
These can include:
Septic or sewer connections
Easements
Flood overlays
Zoning
Boundaries on larger blocks
These aren’t problems - they’re just part of regional property. A good conveyancer will explain what they mean and whether they affect you.
It’s not always about buying a home
Not all property matters involve purchasing a house.
Conveyancing support is also needed for:
Vacant land
Family transfers
Deceased estates
Relationship changes
Investment properties
Property transactions often sit alongside big life changes, and clear advice matters.
Common questions at the start of the year
These come up every January:
1. Do I need pre-approval first?
It’s strongly recommended and gives you confidence when making offers.
2. How long does settlement take?
Usually around six weeks, though it can vary by state.
3. When should I speak to a conveyancer?
Earlier than most people expect - ideally before signing anything.
4. What happens if something goes wrong?
That’s exactly why conveyancers are involved - to protect your interests and guide you through the process.
Good News - You don’t need to have everything worked out
You don’t need a perfect plan or a set timeline.
You just need information, support, and the space to make decisions that feel right for you.
Whether you’re a first-home buyer, planning to purchase a new home, or simply starting to think about the year ahead, early advice makes the process clearer and far less stressful.
That’s what good conveyancing should do, and that’s where I come in. I can provide clarity, guidance, and reassurance from the very beginning.
A quick note before you go:
The information shared here is general only and isn’t financial or legal advice. Everyone’s situation is different, so before making any decisions around buying a property, it’s always a good idea to chat with your broker and conveyancer, and get advice that’s right for you.