Compounding isn’t just some finance jargon—it’s real, and it’s powerful. In this episode, we dive into why compound growth is an absolute game-changer for property owners. Even a tiny difference in growth rates means big dollars down the track, and we have some eye-opening examples to prove it.

We break down how compounding actually works (yes, with the lily pad riddle that still blows our minds) and why time is your best friend when it comes to property. Plus, we talk about the biggest mistakes that erode returns—things like picking the wrong asset, selling too soon, and those dreaded transaction costs.

If you want to make the most of your property’s long-term value, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Stick with us—we promise, this stuff is way more exciting than it sounds!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

02:19 - Meighan’s special house of the week

04:39 - The lily pad riddle

06:32 - What is compound growth?

09:05 - The impact of just 1% extra growth per year and the difference it makes in 10 years

12:55 - What are the biggest factors that erode compound growth?

16:53 - How to make compound growth work for a first home buyer

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• The Stepping Stone Strategy Tutorial https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/ssstutorial

Resources:

• FREE MINI COURSE: How to price property like a professional https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/freecourse
• Meet our recommended mortgage brokers at Home Buyer Academy https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/brokers
• Visit our website https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/
• Join our Facebook Group to get access to free monthly live Q&A sessions
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourfirsthomebuyerguideaustralia
• Learn how to buy property without making a mistake with our ultimate 10-step online course for first time home buyers https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBG
• If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: Your First Home Buyer Guide Podcast [email protected]
• Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au
• Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au
• Looking for a Brisbane Buyers Agent? https://www.propertypursuit.com.au/
• Work with Meighan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meighanwells/

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YourFirstHomeBuyerGuidePodcast
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buying your first home is a massive deal, and James, a first-time buyer in Melbourne, takes us through everything he learned along the way. From saving a deposit while living at home to making some tough calls on which properties to walk away from, he shares exactly what went into getting his own place.

In this episode, James talks about the trade-offs he had to make, why he didn’t go the renting route, and how he fine-tuned his search criteria after getting out there and seeing places in person. He also breaks down what it was like buying at auction, dealing with legal complications, and making sure he was setting himself up for a solid future—not just jumping on the first thing that seemed good on paper.

For anyone trying to figure out how to actually make this whole home-buying thing happen, this chat is packed with real, practical insights. James did the work, and now he’s got the keys—his story might just help you do the same.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

02:13 - Meighan’s special house of the week

03:28 - When did James first decide he wanted to buy a property?

04:53 - Why James chose to save for a deposit instead of renting

05:57 - How James saved up for his deposit

10:37 - How long did it take to save for a home?

12:00 - When did James start learning about the home-buying process?

13:14 - When did James start looking for a property?

14:38 - James’ experience when he started attending inspections

15:59 - Did his vision for his first home change over time?

18:01 - The first property James considered, and the complications he found

23:26 - James’ biggest ‘aha’ moments in his home buying journey

25:20 - James’ preparation for the auction and the auction itself

31:31 - How James is preparing for his homeownership and the mortgage

33:49 - Was the home-buying course worth it for James? Would he recommend it to others?

Resources:

• FREE MINI COURSE: How to price property like a professional https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/freecourse
• Meet our recommended mortgage brokers at Home Buyer Academy https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/brokers
• Visit our website https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/
• Join our Facebook Group to get access to free monthly live Q&A sessions
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourfirsthomebuyerguideaustralia
• Learn how to buy property without making a mistake with our ultimate 10-step online course for first time home buyers https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBG
• If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: Your First Home Buyer Guide Podcast [email protected]
• Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au
• Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au
• Looking for a Brisbane Buyers Agent? https://www.propertypursuit.com.au/
• Work with Meighan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meighanwells/

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YourFirstHomeBuyerGuidePodcast
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another round of first-home buyer Q&A—because the questions keep coming! We’ve pulled some great ones from our Facebook group, and as always, there’s no simple yes-or-no answer. So we’re breaking them down properly, giving you the context, the nuances, and the real talk you need to make the best decisions.

This time, we’re tackling terrace houses—are they worth it? Plus, the best way to use grants, whether it’s smarter to stretch your budget or stay comfortable, and what you can actually buy in Sydney for $600K (spoiler: not a lot, but there are options!). We also get into investment strategies, borrowing tips, and the common traps first-home buyers fall into.

If you’re weighing up your options and trying to make sense of it all, this episode will help you think things through and make the right call for your situation.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

02:14 - Meighan’s special house of the week

03:01 - Are terrace houses worth it?

07:38 - Should I use first-home buyer grants or buy straight as an investor?

13:32 - Should we stretch our budget or stay under the first-home buyer scheme limit?

18:08 - Should I buy an investment property under $800k or hold off for a better opportunity?

24:37 - Where to buy an owner-occupied property in Sydney with a $600K budget?

Resources:

• FREE MINI COURSE: How to price property like a professional https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/freecourse
• Meet our recommended mortgage brokers at Home Buyer Academy https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/brokers
• Visit our website https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/
• Join our Facebook Group to get access to free monthly live Q&A sessions
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourfirsthomebuyerguideaustralia
• Learn how to buy property without making a mistake with our ultimate 10-step online course for first time home buyers https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBG
• If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: Your First Home Buyer Guide Podcast [email protected]
• Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au
• Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au
• Looking for a Brisbane Buyers Agent? https://www.propertypursuit.com.au/
• Work with Meighan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meighanwells/

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YourFirstHomeBuyerGuidePodcast
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the market is red-hot, what does it take to secure your dream home? In this episode, we have a chat with Dayna, a first home buyer who faced intense competition in Perth’s property scene and came out victorious. From battling skyrocketing prices to managing tight budgets, she shares the emotional highs and lows of her journey.

Dayna talks about how she handled difficult decisions, made strategic offers, and adjusted her expectations along the way. With advice on learning from every inspection and leveraging agent interactions, her story highlights the importance of preparation and persistence. She reflects on the role of timing, her passion for property research, and the unexpected twists that shaped her outcome.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by a competitive market or unsure where to start, Dayna’s story offers lessons and motivation. Listen in to gain insights into what really matters when making offers and why staying flexible can help you find the right home—even when it’s not what you originally pictured.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

02:24 - Meighan’s special house of the week

04:18 - When did Dayna first decide she wanted to buy a property

07:18 - Was Dayna's deposit ready, or did she have to save on the go?

09:29 - When Dayna decided to start learning about how to buy a property

10:18 - How Dayna found the Home Buyer Academy

11:57 - How did the search process affect the choice of location?

14:12 - Was Dayna consistent with the type of property, or did it evolve over time?

16:25 - Dayna’s biggest ‘aha’ moment in her home buying journey

21:26 - Finding the property and putting all of the intel into action

23:47 - When did Dayna fit the course into her home-buying timeline?

28:26 - How Dayna found and successfully secured the property she purchased

31:54 - What got Dayna over the hurdle of a suburb

34:12 - Dayna’s advice to those who are thinking about doing the first home buyer course

Resources:

• FREE MINI COURSE: How to price property like a professional https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/freecourse
• Meet our recommended mortgage brokers at Home Buyer Academy https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/brokers
• Visit our website https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/
• Join our Facebook Group to get access to free monthly live Q&A sessions
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourfirsthomebuyerguideaustralia
• Learn how to buy property without making a mistake with our ultimate 10-step online course for first time home buyers https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBG
• If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: Your First Home Buyer Guide Podcast [email protected]
• Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au
• Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au
• Looking for a Brisbane Buyers Agent? https://www.propertypursuit.com.au/
• Work with Meighan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meighanwells/

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YourFirstHomeBuyerGuidePodcast
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When buying property, having a cash deposit ready isn’t always straightforward. Maybe you’ve found the perfect home, but your funds are tied up, or you’re waiting on financial support from family. This is where deposit bonds can make all the difference, and they’re not as complicated as they might seem.

In this episode, Bella Minns from Deposit Assure joins us to explain what deposit bonds are and how they work. Think of it as a guarantee that lets you secure your property now, even if the cash deposit isn’t immediately available. Bella takes us through real-life scenarios where deposit bonds come in handy, from first home buyers to those dealing with longer settlement periods or off-the-plan purchases.

We also explore the costs involved, common misconceptions, and how deposit bonds have become a practical and accepted tool in today’s market. Bella shares insights on why this approach could work for you, especially if you’re managing the timing of your finances.

If you’ve ever been curious about deposit bonds or are looking for alternatives to a traditional cash deposit, this episode offers a straightforward guide to help you understand how they can work in your favour. Tune in to learn more!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

02:14 - Who is Bella Minns?

02:44 - What is a deposit bond?

04:14 - How deposit bonds work

05:44 - Are deposit bonds suitable for everyone, or just specific buyer types?

06:51 - How much do deposit bonds cost and how are they paid for?

09:54 - How do developers respond to long-term deposit bonds, and is pushback common?

12:33 - What changes have taken place in the perception of deposit bonds over two decades?

14:19 - How do buyers secure a deposit bond, and what happens if QBE has to pay?

15:30 - Steps buyers must complete before they can receive a deposit bond

16:53 - Is there a maximum amount for coverage?

19:23 - Key benefits of using the deposit bond

19:54 - Does the one-day turnaround for a deposit bond include both application and approval?

21:10 - If you miss out on a property, can you reuse the deposit bond for another purchase?

23:03 - Potential drawbacks of using a deposit bond that buyers should be aware of

27:21 - Do buyers need to discuss deposit bonds with their broker first?

28:56 - Bella’s advice for first home buyers considering using deposit bonds

29:38 - What’s a key topic you’d like to be answered as a first home buyer?

About Our Guest:

Bella Minns is a recognized Business Development Manager at Deposit Assure, known for her expertise in deposit bonds and strategic property solutions. She has been acknowledged as one of the top Business Development Managers in NSW/ACT and frequently shares her knowledge through webinars and industry discussions. Bella plays a vital role in promoting innovative products like the FLEXI Deposit Bond, helping brokers, buyers, and developers navigate complex purchase scenarios with ease and confidence.

Connect with Bella Minns:

• Website https://www.depositassure.com.au/
• LinkedIn https://au.linkedin.com/in/bella-minns-9b64881aa

Resources:

• FREE MINI COURSE: How to price property like a professional https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/freecourse
• Meet our recommended mortgage brokers at Home Buyer Academy https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/brokers
• Visit our website https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/
• Join our Facebook Group to get access to free monthly live Q&A sessions
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourfirsthomebuyerguideaustralia
• Learn how to buy property without making a mistake with our ultimate 10-step online course for first time home buyers https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBG
• If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: Your First Home Buyer Guide Podcast [email protected]
• Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au
• Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au
• Looking for a Brisbane Buyers Agent? https://www.propertypursuit.com.au/
• Work with Meighan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meighanwells/

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YourFirstHomeBuyerGuidePodcast
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to turn a property you initially overlooked into the perfect home? In this episode, we talk about the journey of these first home buyers in Sydney who transformed their approach to property hunting and made an unexpected purchase of their dream home. From passing on a property they weren’t sure about to seeing its true potential months later, their story is full of lessons for anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed in their search.

We’ll hear about what it’s like to buy a home in Sydney’s competitive market, especially when starting with limited knowledge. From saving for a deposit to tackling new challenges like auctions and market research, this couple’s journey highlights the importance of preparation and staying flexible. They took the time to learn the process, refine their approach, and stick to their plan, no matter the pressure.

What’s most inspiring is how they adjusted their expectations as they went. From rethinking non-negotiables to uncovering the hidden potential in a property others had overlooked, they learned that sometimes the best decisions come from seeing the bigger picture—and a fresh coat of paint doesn’t hurt either.

If you’re starting your property search or feeling stuck along the way, this episode is a must-listen. It’s a reminder that with preparation, persistence, and a willingness to adapt, you can make smart, confident decisions and find the home that’s right for you.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

04:05 - When they first decided they wanted to buy a property

05:00 - How long have they been in Australia, and how quickly did they save for a deposit?

09:15 - What drove them to learn and figure out the property-buying process?

10:48 - Did they take the home buyer course together or separately?

11:12 - How did their property search evolve after they started looking?

20:06 -  Biggest ‘aha’ moments or key insights they had during their property-buying journey

22:23 - Handling the pressure during auctions and ensuring they stayed within their budget

27:18 - How they ultimately found and secured the property they purchased

30:42 - How did they take advantage of spring’s property market opportunities?

34:40 - How they feel now that they have a mortgage

36:56 - Advice they'd give to someone considering taking the home buyer guide course

Resources:

• FREE MINI COURSE: How to price property like a professional https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/freecourse
• Meet our recommended mortgage brokers at Home Buyer Academy https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/brokers
• Visit our website https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/
• Join our Facebook Group to get access to free monthly live Q&A sessions
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourfirsthomebuyerguideaustralia
• Learn how to buy property without making a mistake with our ultimate 10-step online course for first time home buyers https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBG
• If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: Your First Home Buyer Guide Podcast [email protected]
• Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au
• Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au
• Looking for a Brisbane Buyers Agent? https://www.propertypursuit.com.au/
• Work with Meighan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meighanwells/

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YourFirstHomeBuyerGuidePodcast
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When purchasing a property, due diligence is critical, but what happens when it isn’t enough? What happens when due diligence doesn’t uncover everything? In this episode, we tackle situations where hidden risks and undetected issues surface after the deal is done. From illegal building works to encroachments and zoning complications, we explore how title insurance steps in to protect homeowners from the unexpected.

Paul Watkins from Stewart Title Insurance joins us to explain what title insurance is and why it’s so important. Unlike the usual home and contents insurance, title insurance covers issues with your property’s title—things like unapproved structures, council building notices, or disputes about boundaries. Paul walks us through how these risks work and shares some examples of how they’ve caused major headaches for property buyers.

We also talk about what happens when councils issue building notices, often for things the new owners didn’t even know about, like an unapproved retaining wall or a deck. We talk about the steps you might have to take—like showing cause or applying for retrospective approvals—and why it’s often not as straightforward as you’d hope. And the kicker? These issues don’t just disappear because you weren’t the one who caused them.

If you’ve ever wondered about the risks you take on when buying a property—or if you’ve already come across something unexpected—this is one conversation you don’t want to miss. Understanding title insurance could be the difference between a smooth experience and a costly, time-consuming mess.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

02:22 - Meighan’s special house of the week

03:21 - Who is Paul Watkins?

03:34 - What is title insurance?

06:21 - Does title insurance cover injuries caused by unapproved structural failures?

08:16 - What buyers should know about building notices on purchased properties

13:40 - Rules of title insurance on unapproved or illegally built structures

14:32 - What is a GIPA?

18:01 - Does title insurance cover issues like missing certifications?

26:46 - How title insurance can address gaps in the due diligence process

40:05 - Does title insurance apply to strata property owners?

47:11 - Does title insurance cover unapproved flooring in strata apartments?

49:24 - How much does title insurance typically cost?

51:59 - Why title insurance is valuable, even for experienced property buyers

55:12 - What steps should buyers take to secure title insurance?

57:14 - What Paul wishes he knew as a first home buyer

About Our Guest:

Paul Watkins oversees the Underwriting and Legal Departments at Stewart Title, managing policy development, regulatory compliance, claims, and corporate legal matters. With a focus on building a knowledgeable and responsive team, he ensures efficient and ethical handling of title insurance and claims. Before joining Stewart in 2004, Paul gained extensive experience in insurance, property conveyancing, and development through private practice. He frequently presents on real estate topics and has contributed to Australian legal publications on title insurance. A finalist for “Insurance Lawyer of the Year” in 2019, Paul holds degrees in Law (Hons) and Social Sciences from the University of Canberra and is admitted as a solicitor in multiple Australian jurisdictions.

Connect with Paul Watkins:

• Stewart Title Insurance Australia https://www.stewartau.com/
• LinkedIn https://au.linkedin.com/in/paul-watkins-39223936

Resources:

• FREE MINI COURSE: How to price property like a professional https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/freecourse
• Meet our recommended mortgage brokers at Home Buyer Academy https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/brokers
• Visit our website https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/
• Join our Facebook Group to get access to free monthly live Q&A sessions
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourfirsthomebuyerguideaustralia
• Learn how to buy property without making a mistake with our ultimate 10-step online course for first time home buyers https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBG
• If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: Your First Home Buyer Guide Podcast [email protected]
• Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au
• Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au
• Looking for a Brisbane Buyers Agent? https://www.propertypursuit.com.au/
• Work with Meighan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meighanwells/

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YourFirstHomeBuyerGuidePodcast
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rentvesting offers first-home buyers a unique way to get on the property ladder, but what about the tax implications? In this episode, we sit down with Catherine Simons, a seasoned tax accountant, to explore the nitty-gritty of how rentvesting can work in your favour financially. If you’re wondering about deductions, depreciation, and capital gains tax, you’re in the right place.

We unpack the key differences between owning a home to live in and purchasing an investment property. We also explain concepts like negative gearing and how depreciation can be a cash-flow booster—even if the property is positively geared. We cover why planning is everything, from resetting valuations to understanding which expenses you can claim now versus those that get capitalised over time.

For first-home buyers, we discuss common scenarios, like living in a property before renting it out versus renting first and moving in later. These situations come with vastly different tax rules, and Catherine shares practical tips to avoid costly mistakes. Her advice? Always keep detailed records and have the right experts guiding you.

Sure, rentvesting can be a smart strategy for entering the property market, but it’s crucial to approach it with careful planning and the right advice. And this episode highlights the importance of understanding tax rules, making informed decisions, and working with professionals to maximise benefits while avoiding costly mistakes.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

02:44 - Who is Catherine Simons?

03:21 - Key tax considerations for buying a home vs. an investment property

05:51 - Tax benefits and drawbacks: Owning a home vs. An investment property

10:21 - What property-related expenses can and cannot be claimed as tax deductions?

15:03 - Tax implications for first home buyers: Renting vs. Living in the property first

24:42 - Catherine’s advice for first home buyers

27:21 - Should you invest in property to lower your tax liability?

30:19 - What are the penalties for small claims on property expenses or deductions??

33:09 - Misconceptions about restructuring debt for tax-deductibility in property investment

34:59 - What to know before transitioning from rentvesting to homeownership

37:40 - How hard is it for everyday investors to find a suitable accountant?

41:43 - What Catherine wishes she knew as a first home buyer

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• WSC Group https://wscgroup.com.au/

• Your First Home Buyer Guide Episode #205: Rentvesting: What You Need to Know Before Taking the Leap https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/podcasts/205

• Your First Home Buyer Guide Episode #207: How Rentvesting Can Secure—or Sabotage—Your Financial Future https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/podcasts/207

Resources:

• FREE MINI COURSE: How to price property like a professional https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/freecourse

• Meet our recommended mortgage brokers at Home Buyer Academy https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/brokers

• Visit our website https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/

• Join our Facebook Group to get access to free monthly live Q&A sessions

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourfirsthomebuyerguideaustralia

• Learn how to buy property without making a mistake with our ultimate 10-step online course for first time home buyers https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBG

• If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: Your First Home Buyer Guide Podcast [email protected]

• Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au

• Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au

• Looking for a Brisbane Buyers Agent? https://www.propertypursuit.com.au/

• Work with Meighan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meighanwells/

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YourFirstHomeBuyerGuidePodcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825

• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when your dream of buying your first home collides with the realities of changing jobs, working overseas, or stretching your budget? In this episode, we’re joined by Chris Bates, one of Australia’s top mortgage brokers and co-founder at Blusk, to tackle these challenges head-on with practical advice and real-world examples to guide you through some of the common challenges of first-home buying.

We start by addressing a common concern: how job changes impact your loan eligibility. Chris explains how banks assess different employment situations, including probation periods, career shifts, and even casual or part-time roles.

Next, we dive into expat lending, a topic many Australians working abroad grapple with. We then explore the trade-offs between using first-home buyer grants and maximising borrowing power by purchasing an investment property.

Finally, we talk about budget-stretching tips, including buying unrenovated properties, considering nearby suburbs, and keeping financial buffers. Chris also dives into the benefits of lender’s mortgage insurance, showing how it can be a valuable tool for first-home buyers when used strategically.

Tune in to get clear, practical answers and build the knowledge you need to approach your first home purchase with peace of mind!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

01:21 - How long should I work at my new job to qualify for a first-time home loan?

05:58 - How much of a disadvantage is it to apply for a mortgage as an expat?

10:51 - What’s the smarter choice: higher borrowing power or first-home incentives?

16:09 - Does renting out spare rooms help increase loan capacity?

22:32 - Is it better to buy a house now or after finishing my career change?

36:42 - Chris Bates’ first home buyer property dumbo

Resources:

• FREE MINI COURSE: How to price property like a professional https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/freecourse

• Meet our recommended mortgage brokers at Home Buyer Academy https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/brokers

• Visit our website https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/

• Join our Facebook Group to get access to free monthly live Q&A sessions

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourfirsthomebuyerguideaustralia

• Learn how to buy property without making a mistake with our ultimate 10-step online course for first time home buyers https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBG

• If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: Your First Home Buyer Guide Podcast [email protected]

• Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au

• Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au

• Looking for a Brisbane Buyers Agent? https://www.propertypursuit.com.au/

• Work with Meighan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meighanwells/

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YourFirstHomeBuyerGuidePodcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825

• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buying a property in 2025 presents unique opportunities and challenges, but how can you make sure you're ready? The property market can feel overwhelming, with interest rates, media noise, and endless opinions flying around, but we’re here to cut through the confusion and give you practical advice that actually helps.

We’ll start by breaking down why trying to time the market is a waste of energy. Let’s be real—no one knows exactly what’s going to happen. Instead, we’ll focus on what you can control, like getting your finances in order and understanding how to make a solid decision when the time is right. It’s all about buying when you’re ready, not when the media tells you it’s a good idea.

We also touch on big trends shaping the market, like immigration, rental shortages, and government incentives. Schemes like Shared Equity sound great on the surface, but there’s a lot to think about. We’ll help you figure out if it’s the right move for you—or if it could end up costing you more in the long run.

And, as always, we’ll talk about price research. If you’re serious about buying, you need to know your market inside and out. We’ll show you why understanding current sales data is the key to making confident offers and avoiding common mistakes.

So, if you’re serious about making 2025 your year to buy, this episode is packed with insights to get you on the right track. Let’s make sure you’re ready to hit the ground running.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

03:02 - A little throwback to what the 2023 and 2024 property market looked like

04:31 - How to prepare for property market shifts and rising competition

07:41 - Why timing the property market in 2025 might cost you more than you think

12:24 - Seasonal factors should buyers consider when entering the property market

18:12 - Current and ongoing challenges in the property market

26:13 - How immigration could impact Australia's housing demand

32:04 - Shared equity schemes and government interventions to address the housing crisis

36:36 - Cautions for property buyers: Strategies for 2025 success

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Grab our where to buy tutorial for only $39 right here: https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/workshop

Resources:

• FREE MINI COURSE: How to price property like a professional https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/freecourse

• Meet our recommended mortgage brokers at Home Buyer Academy https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/brokers

• Visit our website https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/

• Join our Facebook Group to get access to free monthly live Q&A sessions

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourfirsthomebuyerguideaustralia

• Learn how to buy property without making a mistake with our ultimate 10-step online course for first time home buyers https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBG

• If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: Your First Home Buyer Guide Podcast [email protected]

• Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au

• Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au

• Looking for a Brisbane Buyers Agent? https://www.propertypursuit.com.au/

• Work with Meighan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meighanwells/

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YourFirstHomeBuyerGuidePodcast

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825

• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.