Your Complete First Home Buyer Checklist (2025 Edition)

Buying your first home should be exciting — not overwhelming.

That’s why we built the ultimate First Home Buyer Checklist for 2025: so you can see every step clearly, stay on track, and avoid the common traps that trip up new buyers.

Whether you’re months away or ready to inspect this weekend, here’s how to move from “maybe one day” to “we got the keys.”

✅ Step 1: Get Clear on What You Can Afford

Before you go to open homes, figure out:

• What’s your borrowing power?

• How much deposit do you have?

• What are your monthly repayments likely to be?

• Will you need to pay LMI — or can you avoid it?

Nude Tip: Use a borrowing power calculator or better — talk to us and we’ll run the numbers properly.

✅ Step 2: Know Your Deposit Options

You don’t need 20%.

Understand what you could buy with:

• 5% deposit (with First Home Guarantee)

• 10% deposit (still good, possibly LMI)

• Gifted deposit or guarantor support

• Super savings via FHSSS

We help you structure this smartly, and show how to buy sooner, not later.

✅ Step 3: Get Pre-Approval

This gives you confidence to:

• Make offers

• Set a clear budget

• Avoid delays when the right place shows up

You’ll need:

• ID

• Payslips

• Bank statements

• Proof of deposit

• Loan application (we handle this part)

✅ Step 4: Explore Grants & Schemes

You could be eligible for:

• First Home Guarantee (5% deposit, no LMI)

• First Home Owner Grant ($10k for new builds in VIC)

• Stamp duty exemption or discount

• FHSSS (super savings withdrawal)

Nude Tip: We check eligibility + do the paperwork for you.

✅ Step 5: Start Your Property Search

Think about:

• Your ideal suburbs

• Property type (unit, townhouse, house)

• Commute, lifestyle, growth potential

Set filters based on your budget and stick to them. Don’t get FOMO.

✅ Step 6: Make an Offer or Bid at Auction

Private sale?

• Negotiate price and terms

Auction?

• You need to be finance-ready beforehand

We help you prepare for both — including how to bid smart and keep your cool.

✅ Step 7: Get a Conveyancer

Once your offer is accepted:

• Your conveyancer reviews the contract

• Helps with cooling-off periods, special conditions, etc.

• Manages settlement day

We can recommend someone trusted if you don’t have one yet.

✅ Step 8: Finalise Your Loan

We:

• Confirm the property value with the lender

• Lock in your loan structure and interest rate

• Coordinate with your solicitor and the bank to settle smoothly

This is where having a broker = peace of mind.

✅ Step 9: Pre-Settlement Prep

• Arrange building & contents insurance

• Do a final inspection of the property

• Transfer funds for settlement

You’re almost there. Deep breaths. 🎉

✅ Step 10: Settlement & Move In!

On settlement day:

• The lender releases funds

• You get the keys

• You’re officially a homeowner

Cue the pizza, champagne, and new doormat.

🧠 Bonus Tips for Success

• Keep your bank account squeaky clean during pre-approval

• Don’t take out new credit (cars, ZipPay etc.) before settlement

• Chat to a broker early — not just when you're “ready”

✅ Download Your Checklist or Book a Session

Want this in a handy printable format? Or want to walk through it with someone who’s done it hundreds of times?

👉 [Download the checklist or book a consult with Nude Home Loans]

We make first home buying simple, clear, and actually fun.