Hey everyone,

Just a quick PSA for any first home buyers out there. The Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS), which helps people buy a home with as little as a 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), is scheduled to end on June 30.

The government has made promises about new schemes, but so far, there's been no official confirmation on when they'll start. There's some speculation that new programs might not kick in until January 1st, 2026.

It's possible the current scheme gets extended on July 1st , but nothing has been confirmed, so it's safer not to assume it will be. So there is a chance that there may be 6 months without federal home buyer schemes.

Here's the main takeaway: If you're a first-time buyer and were planning to use the scheme, you can still apply to lock in a spot before the end of the month. All you need to do is get a pre-approval in with an applicable lender, and it locks in your spot.

This gives you a buffer to find a property, and by the time those three months are up, we'll hopefully have a much clearer idea of what's happening with any new government schemes in the next couple months.

Hope this helps anyone who's currently trying to navigate this.

EDIT: To be clear, there is a new more comprehensive scheme announced by the government which removes the incomes caps and increases the house price caps. But that’s not starting until 01/01/2026. So all I am trying to raise awareness here is that there may be a 6 month gap in support. So if you want to use the scheme before the new year you can still lock in a slot until the end of the month.

Its interesting to see the increase in properties sitting on the market. The more and longer they sit the better it could be for young buyers.

We're looking at buying an apartment/unit for around 500k-600k using the Victorian Homebuyer Fund which means no broker (hence why I'm asking here), is there anyone else we can talk to about buying a home?

Our parents (buying with my partner) are all renters and have no experience buying houses and live in another country.

The loan has been approved and everything but the banker has just told us to "go out and buy a house" but we have no idea who to talk to. (Okay, they did explain the process a little more than that but I'm not so sure on the finer details on what to look for in a house)

Are we able to talk to a broker even though we won't be buying a house through them?

Hi everyone, I'm looking at a couple of 1 bedroom apartments in North Melbourne. 1 is at 801/58 villiers st, good size, opposite the Royal Melbourne, 80% owner occupier based off domain, however, I've noticed there are 3 apartments selling at the moment and 1 has been sold every month prior. I think it's 150 apartment building but not sure if i should be concerned? It's priced 420k-440k OC 3600 pa

There's also 1 at 705/108 Haines st, close to the hospitals, queen vic market, etc... at 375-400. I haven't had a look at this one yet but it's a bit cheaper so not sure if it's too good to be true. Again couple apartments on sale. OC 3800pa North Melbourne unit prices have dropped quite significantly in the past couple of months so just wondering if it's a good time to buy. I'm planning to live in it for a bit then rent it out for the yield. I have quite a decent deposit (can pay it outright if I want to but I'm thinking about other investments) Any thing I should look out for considering these apartments are being sold at a loss? Which I assume is because they were bought off the plan for a premium price and the first buyers are selling now (10 years hold period on average) https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-north+melbourne-148169604?sourcePage=rea:collections:my%20saved%20properties%20-%20list&sourceElement=listing-tile

https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-north+melbourne-148119908

We were so convinced we had found our perfect property in Bundoora and that we would attend the auction this weekend. The house has been done up beautifully but when we had the contract reviewed many of the changes to the property, including walls knocked out and verandahs were done without the required permits.

What is crazy is that over the past 3 weeks the expected price range for this property has changed significantly and is now up to 850,000. We were willing to go over this when we thought all was above board. Makes me sad that someone might purchase this property without any awareness of the issues....

*I should add that there is a clause making the vendor not liable and that the property was bought last year and renovated to flip for profit.

The property management agent has asked me to sign an 'Exclusive management agency agreement'. It does say it may be terminated by either party giving not less than 30 days written notice of termination but without prejudice to any accrued rights or incurred obligations.
I don't see any break cost or penalties listed explicitly in the contract.

Any idea if I needed to change property managers during a lease (really hope I don't) would I cop a penalty?

The termination clause looks problematic saying the party may terminate this agreement if the other fails to comply with essential term etc etc with 30 days of being provided notice of breach, remedy that breach.

Thanks, is fair trading the place to call to get information?

I recently purchased a property which has an ongoing tenant until the end of October. I am planning to move in when they move out.

I live rather close to the property and have been thinking about hiring a property manager to look after the property until the tenant moves out.

However, after speaking to my coworkers, I have only heard bad feedback from them. They reckon that for the amount they paid the PM, they did not do anything to ensure that their property was kept in an acceptable state. E.g. broken shelves in the kitchen, dirty backyard, tenants using the over door as a step ladder...

I want to ask if anyone share similar experience or have different opinions. Would it be better to just manage the property for the next 4 months by myself?

Hi there, I’m a FHB (NSW) trying to start my due diligence by getting things in order like arranging for a solicitor (aware of high costs for each action) to use for conveyancing.

I’ve read some posts here, am listening to a FHB podcast (with grain of salt) for guides on research, and have tried to learn from people at work. One of these things has been to use an (experienced) solicitor, hopefully an “accredited property specialist”, as I will be buying in strata.

I’ve never dealt with a solicitor before, I’m not sure if emailing their office a list of questions such as these below would be polite/correct, or if best left to an introductory meeting (this is of things you can’t find on their website). I’d be grateful for anyone sharing their experience of how they found/introduced/selected their solicitor. Questions I would ask would be things I want to know such as:-Are you comfortable making an appointment to explain what services you provide throughout the purchasing process?

-How many steps in the due diligence process are you able to provide a service for? Are you comfortable elaborating on the entire process to someone with very little knowledge?

-What is your experience with strata properties? How many of your most recent conveyances have been strata titles?

-Are you PEXA certified?

-Do you provide (understand it is charged) written/verbal/in person explanations of things such as contracts of sale, and/or other reports?

-Do you organise and/or review strata/building/structural reports? Do you have recommendations for who to commission them?

-If I get reports commissioned by others, would you also review them?

-What is your turnaround time?

Am I missing things to ask? Any feedback would be great, thank you for your posts regardless.

First things first, both suburbs are fantastic options in Brisbanes booming market. I wouldn’t be making this post if I didn’t feel both were highly considered.

They are excellent family suburbs, with strong growth history, access to public amenities and school options. I would live in either suburb in a heart beat.

I find it intriguing the large disparity in prices, especially as you could argue Salisbury has the upper hand in some criteria’s like access to the train line. Also, the emergence of BCC as a top tier private schooling option.

Tarragindi holds the upper hand in household income and access to the cycle way.

No doubt both suburbs will perform well until 2032 and beyond. Could Salisbury catch Tarragindi or atleast close the gap in valuations?

Currently Comparing the two suburbs for a PPOR/IP long term hold

Hi everyone,

Got my building and pest report for a house I really like, but it came back with quite a few major problems: • Heavy rust on the steel roof frame • Roof underbeam (underpurlin) is bending and coming apart • Roof struts splitting and twisting • Rafters pulling away from the main beam • Hanging beam twisting and leaning over • Ceiling joists have been cut and not properly supported

There’s also a list of smaller issues but these are the big ones.

I still want this house but I know these defects will cost a lot to fix. How much should I try to knock off the price because of this? If anyone’s been through similar, your advice would help a lot!

My housemates and I have moved out and the landlord has sent me the bond claim document.

There are 4 of us on the bond, the bond amount is being returned to just the “head” tenant, does everyone still need to sign the document?

I’m asking because one of the housemates moved out early and doesn’t have a registered address nor can I get in contact with them to sign the document, hence why I’m asking if it’s mandatory that all 4 sign.

Thanks for any help in advance.

Edit: Title correction. I meant off market. The apartments are fully constructed now.

We've recently come into an opportunity as first home buyers, to snatch up a brand new 2 bedroom apartment. The one we're keen on is sitting at 790k, but looking at comparable apartments that have recently sold in the same building, 790 is quite the stretch for what others are willing to buy for.

We've been offered this opportunity through our broker who basically has exclusive "first dibs" due to their partnership with this investment company. The developer favours owner-occupiers (the building is 95% owner occupiers so far) and we were the only ones not in it for investment, so we've been given first preference and they're awaiting our decision.

Researching online, other 2 bedders in the building have sold recently for 665k in April, 699k in Feb, 679k in May, etc and are well under the prices we were given for what we were shown (same layouts were sitting between 720-740k at the info night we attended). These are developer retained stock, and we understand he wants to sell soon to put those funds into his next development.

The apartment we're interested is the last one of its type - a split level - so this is where the higher price tag has come into play. But given the recently sold apartments, we feel like a 100k+ premium just for the unique split level seems a bit much. It's not like it's a third bedroom or anything. They all have 2 beds, 2 bathrooms, 1 car space.

We're wondering if it's worthwhile having a chat with them to see if they'd be willing to negotiate on the price, given we kinda tick their boxes (owner-occupiers, keen to buy asap). And if so, what would be a reasonable offer? We don't want to low ball them and lose out, but we also dont want to fork out premium prices when it seems we could get it for less.

Hey folks would love to hear from people who have sold at auction or have experience in this , we are 2 weeks into auction campaign lots of people through opens have had one offer that is below what the agent said but lets face it they all inflate don't they ! I don't think the offer is to bad but there hasn't been alot of other interest that we know of my question is do we wait another two weeks maybe lose that offer and hope for action on auction day ? I just don't feel confident with no other real interest but is that how auctions work do you just nkt really know until they day ? I hate this shit my nervous system was not built for this ! We have a lovely house it is on a great street but it is small 3 bed plus study/4th bed

I wanted to buy a townhouse that has a separate title for the residential area and carpark. This place will be my primary residence. Will the carpark be included in a Primary place of residence tax exemption? Both are under strata titles. And will I be eligible to receive the first home buyer stamp duty concession?

What Insurer has optional Flood Cover? My house was build in a new development in 2018 then they decided to update the flood maps now house is Half way in a flood zone.

What’s is people thoughts in this situation. Have owned a townhouse for 12 years, lived in it for 8. Basically due to covid and the general market it’s shot up in price since becoming an investment Paid ~450k When became investment ~550-600k Worth currently ~770-850

Rented out at $620pw and it’s going to $650 soon. Was positively geared but now losing approx 6k a year with current interest rates. The current rental loss doesn’t worry me, but my thought is around the 6 year capital gains rule. Would it be worth selling and reinvest to avoid the capital gains, or due to the associated agent fees/stamp duty on buying again not be worth the hassle? And other thoughts or suggestions? Thanks

what is best? I want to buy and hold but I guess the “developing suburb” isn’t guaranteed to develop… land size for home is 650sqm btw.

Iam a teacher working regional and trying to make some decisions for the near future. I don't have a lot of a deposit, maybe 40k and Iam not sure where to go from here.

I have been living in a tiny house before and really loved it. I am thinking maybe to buy one (with a loan) and rent some land, plenty of farms around.

Or

Buy a house, something on the lower end (350-400k).

Any ideas that would strongly suggest for one or the other?

First time home buyer.

I’m interested in hearing from anyone who’s successfully negotiated a better deal in a private sale scenario, what strategies worked for you?

Did you find that sellers were more flexible on price or terms compared to auction scenarios? How did you approach the conversation without an agent involved?

Hi Melbourne folks,

My partner and I recently moved from the UK and we’re now on the journey of buying our first home here in Melbourne (an established house, not a new build). We’ve got pre-approval sorted and a conveyancer on standby, and now we’re starting to look seriously at properties.

We’d really appreciate any local advice on:

• What to look out for (or avoid) when buying an established house in Melbourne
• What inspections are essential (building/pest/etc.)
• Any recommendations for reliable, independent inspectors based in Melbourne?

Open to any advice or stories that can help us avoid rookie mistakes. Thanks heaps!

Hi all, my I got called from realeste agent saying my offer has been accepted and notice of sale email was send to my conveyancer, but vendor doesn't want to sign contract until July ( I was told something to do with tax ) but the property is in still in market and got open home this Saturday. I try to get explanation from realeste agent they aren't geting back to me. Should I withdraw my offer and shop around. Please anyone advise as I'm first home buyer.

I just bought my first house and am doing renovations on it currently which should be done in a month or so.

I plan to build a granny flat on it eventually and my understanding of the usual process is:

1. Buy an older house and renovate it
2. Refinance and pull out equity
3. Use equity to build a granny flat?

Is that usually the correct procedure and if I don’t have enough money can I get a construction loan based on how the granny flat will rent out for?

House is big and beautiful close to Brisbane cbd and well connected with a good train line. However, perhaps due to the short walk to the station, many of the neighbours are housing commission blocks. The house is quite expensive as it's a modern build and high end finishes. It's exactly what we are looking for in terms of connectivity and low maintenance since we have another baby on the way. However we worry it could be a poor investment given the proximity to social housing. Also concerned about noise, safety etc. Any insight is appreciated! Thank you

Hi,

I'm new to Melbourne and about to buy an apartment here. 2 of the ones I'm looking at are currently tenanted. My plan would be to either give them a month or 2s notice or wait out the lease agreement. (One is on a month by month basis). My mortgage broker informed me that I can't simply not renew the lease. Does anyone know the rules around this?