Many first home buyers focus primarily on the purchase price of a property and the size of their loan repayments. While these are important, the overall cost of owning a home goes well beyond the mortgage.

There are several additional expenses that could come with property ownership, including council rates, insurance, maintenance and repairs. If the property is part of a strata complex, there may also be ongoing strata levies to consider. Understanding these costs before you buy could help ensure your budget remains comfortable once you move in.

The property itself is only part of the equation. Location could play a major role in both your lifestyle and the long-term value of your home. Factors such as access to public transport, proximity to schools, employment hubs, local amenities and future infrastructure could influence both demand and price growth over time.

While it could be tempting to focus on the property features alone, taking the time to research the surrounding area could help you make a more informed decision.

When purchasing your first home, it’s easy to focus on your current needs. However, it’s also worth thinking about how the property might suit you in the years ahead. Changes in employment, family circumstances or lifestyle could all influence how well a property meets your needs over time.

Considering whether the home offers enough flexibility for future changes could help reduce the likelihood of needing to move again sooner than expected.

Another common oversight is waiting until the last minute to organise finance. Obtaining loan pre-approval before starting your property search could provide greater clarity around your borrowing capacity and help streamline the buying process once you find a suitable property. It also gives you confidence when negotiating or making an offer, as you’ll already have a clear understanding of what you could comfortably afford.