South Australian First Home Buyers Guide

Building your first home is one of life's biggest milestones but knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. From saving a deposit and securing finance to understanding government assistance and selecting the right home design, there are many decisions to make along the way. Whether you're still researching your options or preparing to start your building journey, this guide has been created to help South Australian First Home Buyers navigate the process with greater confidence. You'll find practical information, helpful insights and an overview of the support available to help make home ownership more achievable.
 
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South Australian First Home Buyer Grants and Schemes

Purchasing your first home may be more affordable than you think, thanks to a range of government initiatives designed to support eligible buyers.

South Australian first home buyers may be able to access grants, concessions and government support programs that can help reduce upfront expenses, lower deposit requirements or improve borrowing opportunities.

Explore the available options below to learn which forms of assistance could support your journey into home ownership.

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What is a First Home Buyer?

A first home buyer is typically someone purchasing or building their first residential property in Australia.

For many Australians, Building a first home represents more than simply owning property. It may provide the opportunity to establish long-term security, create a home for a growing family, enjoy greater independence and invest in your future.

As a first home buyer, you may also qualify for a variety of government support schemes designed to help ease the financial challenges of entering the housing market.

Depending on your eligibility, these initiatives may assist with reducing purchase costs, lowering deposit barriers or providing access to other financial benefits. Understanding the support available to you early in the process can help you make informed decisions and maximise available opportunities.

What are the steps in building a First Home?

Work Out Your Budget

Before exploring home designs or land opportunities, it's important to understand your financial position.
Knowing how much you can comfortably spend provides a clear starting point and helps guide every decision that follows. Establishing a realistic budget early also helps you avoid unnecessary stress during the building process.

Investigate Available Grants

Government grants, concessions and support programs can play an important role in making home ownership more accessible.

Taking time to understand what assistance may be available in South Australia can potentially reduce upfront costs and improve your purchasing power before you begin your search.

Secure Finance Pre-Approval

Obtaining pre-approval gives you a clearer understanding of your borrowing capacity and allows you to move forward with confidence.

A mortgage broker or lender can assess your financial circumstances and explain your available options. Our team can also connect you with our trusted finance specialists Livi Lending to help simplify the process.

Choose the Right Location

Where you choose to build can have a significant impact on your long-term lifestyle.

Whether you're purchasing land independently or exploring a house and land package, consider factors such as transport connections, schools, local amenities, employment opportunities and future growth potential.

Select a Home Design

Once you've found your ideal location, it's time to select a home that suits your block, budget and lifestyle.
Think beyond what you need now, and how your life will evolve over time. A flexible design helps ensure your home continues to meet your needs for years to come.

Begin Construction

After contracts, approvals and documentation are finalised, construction begins!

Throughout construction, you'll receive updates on key milestones, with our experienced team guiding you through every stage of the process.

Move Into Your New Home

Once construction is complete and you have the keys to your new home, the excitement really begins. Now it’s time to enjoy your new home and start creating memories in a space that's entirely your own.

How much can I borrow as a First Home Buyer?

Your borrowing capacity is determined by several financial factors, including your income, savings, outstanding debts, living expenses and credit history.

Lenders assess these details to determine how much they are willing to lend and what repayments can realistically be managed. Understanding your borrowing power early can help narrow your options and make the home buying process more efficient.

Understand Your Borrowing Capacity

Am I eligible for the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)?

Eligibility requirements for the First Home Owner Grant differ based on the state where you're building.

Generally, applicants must meet specific criteria relating to residency status, property ownership history and property value thresholds. Because requirements can change over time, it's important to check the current eligibility criteria before proceeding.

If you're unsure what grants or concessions may apply to your circumstances, our team can help point you in the right direction and explain available options.

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First Home Buyer Frequently Asked Questions

Building your first home comes with plenty of questions, from how much you can borrow to which grants and schemes may apply. We've answered some of the most common first home buyer questions to help you feel more confident as you take the next step.
 

Most first home buyer assistance programs are designed for people purchasing or building their first residential property. Eligibility requirements vary depending on the specific grant or scheme and may include citizenship, residency, ownership history and property value criteria.

Lenders Mortgage Insurance is a fee that may apply when borrowing with less than a 20% deposit. It protects the lender rather than the borrower and can sometimes be avoided through eligible government support programs.

Some first home buyers may qualify for stamp duty concessions or exemptions depending on state legislation and eligibility criteria. It's important to review the current South Australian requirements before purchasing or building.

There is no single credit score requirement that applies across all lenders. Financial institutions assess a combination of factors including credit history, employment stability, savings and overall financial position.

Building approvals vary depending on your home design, land and local council requirements. When you build with Burbank, our team helps manage the approvals process and provides guidance throughout each stage.

Beyond your deposit, you should allow for expenses such as government charges, conveyancing fees, site costs, utility connections, lender fees and moving costs. Planning for these expenses early can help avoid unexpected financial pressure later in the process.

Learn More About First Home Buyers

If you are considering your first home and considering if Burbank is right for you, you can find out more via our detailed articles and blogs.