Buying your first home - key tips and considerations.

Organise your finances.

Knowing how much you need to save, what you can borrow and what you can afford in monthly repayments will give you a clear budget. This will help you to narrow down your options from the start. Consider these questions:

• How much can you borrow?

• What size deposit can you afford?

• What is your overall budget?

• Which home loan best suits your needs?

Consulting with a financial expert can be beneficial, especially when you’re navigating the homebuying and home loan process for the first time. They can help you determine your borrowing capacity, find the most competitive interest rates, and provide guidance to make informed decisions.

As a first home buyer, you may be eligible to take advantage of government grants. You can chat with an expert, or do your own research to find out more about the eligibility criteria. Here are some helpful links:

• First Home Owner – State Revenue Office

• First Home Owner Grant

• Plan to help first home buyers

Understand the best property option for you.

What type of property best fits your preferences and needs? Do you want the freedom to choose your own block of land and home design in an outer-lying community or are you seeking a simpler approach with an inner-city apartment or townhome?

At Harvest Square we currently offer a range of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments and will release our first townhomes later this year. This diversity helps create a vibrant community that caters to different buyers and budgets.

Identify your dream home features.

Identify the features you need and want in your first home – these will be unique to your lifestyle and preferences. Requirements range from a certain number of bedrooms, bathrooms and living spaces to storage, car parking, and outdoor spaces whether it's a balcony, courtyard or garden.

We recommend writing down your list of must-haves and having it with you when you visit our Sales and Information Centre. This will help ensure these elements are top of mind as you explore your options.

Assess the location.

The location of your home is so important and can enhance the ease and convenience of your lifestyle. Consider proximity to schools, shopping centres, public transport, and other essential services.

When you call Harvest Square home, everything you need is close by, with an IGAacross the road, specialty shops on Albion Street, as well as many more options at Barkley Square or along Lygon Street, Sydney and Brunswick Roads. Plus, being in an existing suburb our community is surrounded by a number of childcare centres, schools and educational facilities in the local area - many within walking distance.

Look for community amenities.

Are parks, playgrounds, walking tracks, schools and other amenities included in the community? These features will not only enrich your day-to-day life but also impact your home’s long-term property value.

In the immediate surrounding streets around Harvest Square, you’ll find fantastic neighbourhood parks and playgrounds, a network of lush nature reserves, bike lanes and walking trails and the Brunswick North West Primary School. Harvest Square also has easy access to local buses, trams and trains to get you to where you want to go.

Choose a trusted developer.

Choosing a reputable developer is crucial to ensure you have the best homebuying and living experience. Look for developers with experience, positive reviews and a solid track record.

Buying your first home at Harvest Square means you can rest assured that you’re buying into a quality community. For more than 90 years, AVJennings has helped people build a brighter future by creating quality homes and communities they feel a part of.

We hope you find these tips and considerations useful as you embark on your home-buying journey. The team at Harvest Square would be happy to help you bring your first home to life within our wonderful community. Visit our Sales and Information Centre at 8 Kitchener Street, Brunswick West or call our Sales Consultant to learn more.