If buying your first home is one of your goals this year, summer is the perfect time to lay the groundwork. Even if your move is still months away, preparing early can make the entire buying journey smoother, more confident, and far less stressful.

Getting organised now means fewer surprises later—and a stronger position when the right opportunity arises.

Get Your Finances in Shape Early

A smart first step is reviewing your credit report and credit score. Holiday spending can impact finances, and even small improvements made early in the year can positively affect your borrowing capacity, loan options, and interest rates.

Take time to assess your monthly expenses and determine what you can realistically save toward a deposit. Setting up automatic transfers into a dedicated savings account is a simple habit that can make a significant difference over time.

Make the Most of Financial Year Planning

While Australia doesn’t have a traditional “tax season” at the start of the year, now is an ideal time to organise your financial paperwork. Lenders will typically request payslips, bank statements, savings records, and details of any existing liabilities when assessing your loan application.

If you expect a bonus, tax return, or other lump sum later in the year, consider how it could contribute to your deposit or cover upfront costs such as stamp duty and legal fees. It’s also worth researching first-home buyer grants, stamp duty concessions, and other state-based incentives that may be available to you.

Educate Yourself Before You Start House Hunting

Summer is a great time to build knowledge before market activity picks up. Attending first-home buyer seminars, exploring reputable online resources, and speaking with a mortgage broker or lender can help you understand the buying process and set realistic expectations.

Securing pre-approval early gives you clarity on your budget and allows time to address any issues before competition increases.

Be Strategic With Your Property Search

Use the early months of the year to refine what you’re truly looking for. Browse listings, attend inspections, and familiarise yourself with different suburbs and property types.

Even if you’re not ready to buy immediately, tracking market trends and sale prices will give you valuable insight—and greater confidence—when it’s time to act.

Use Summer to Your Advantage

Inspecting homes in summer offers unique benefits. You can see how a property handles heat, ventilation, and natural light, as well as observe the neighbourhood during its busiest time of year. These insights can be just as important as what you notice in cooler months.

Prepare Now, Move When You’re Ready

There’s no need to rush into a purchase. Preparing early simply puts you in a stronger position later in the year. When you’re ready to move forward, you’ll already be organised, informed, and financially prepared.

Connecting with a trusted real estate agent early can also provide valuable guidance, local market insights, and support throughout your first-home buying journey.

Starting early gives first-time buyers confidence—and that confidence can make all the difference when the right home comes along.

The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as tax, legal, or financial advice. We are not tax professionals. Readers should consult their own tax advisor or accountant for guidance specific to their individual circumstances.