Stage 1: Pre-Approval & Borrowing Power

Understand what you can afford (not just what you can borrow)

Before you start house hunting, the most important step is getting your home loan pre-approval sorted.

Pre-approval gives you:

A clear understanding of your borrowing power
Confidence to search within the right price range
A stronger position when making an offer

Most pre-approvals are valid for around 90 days, giving you time to find the right property.

Instead of asking “How much can I borrow?”, focus on: “What repayment fits comfortably within my lifestyle?”

Book a free consultation to get your pre-approval started today.

What lenders look at

✔ Your credit history

We’ll help you check and understand your credit position before applying.

✔ Your deposit

5–10% deposit may be possible
20% deposit helps avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)

We’ll also guide you through first home buyer grants and schemes available in Australia.

✔ Your financial position

Including income, expenses, and existing debts.

We compare lenders, structure your loan correctly, and guide you through the process—at no cost to you.

Stage 2: Finding the Right Property, how to search with confidence

Once you have pre-approval, the exciting part begins—finding your home.

Define your non-negotiables

Think about:

Location and suburb
Property type (house, unit, townhouse)
Number of bedrooms
Lifestyle factors (schools, transport, work commute)

Smart property search tips

Set alerts on realestate.com.au and Domain
Attend multiple open homes
Speak with local agents
Be open—but stay within your budget

Book a free consultation to get your pre-approval started today.

What to look for at inspections

Structural condition (cracks, movement)
Signs of water damage
Roof, gutters, and drainage
Light, ventilation, and noise
Parking, storage, and layout

Do your research

Recent comparable sales
Suburb growth trends
Flood or bushfire risk
Future developments in the area

Solstice Tip

Always arrange a building and pest inspection before committing (especially before auction).

Stage 3: Making an Offer or Buying at Auction

Understanding how to secure the property

In Western Australia, most properties are purchased via private treaty (negotiation).

Making an offer

When submitting an offer:

Base it on market research, not just the asking price
Include conditions such as:
- Subject to finance
- Subject to building and pest inspection

These conditions protect you.

Book a free consultation to get your pre-approval started today.

Buying at auction

No cooling-off period
Contract is unconditional
You must have finance ready beforehand

Solstice Tip

We can help you understand your maximum bid limit before auction day.

Stage 4: Signing the Contract & Paying Your Deposit

Making it official

Once your offer is accepted, you’ll sign the Contract of Sale and pay your deposit.

What to check before signing

Purchase price
Settlement date
Included fixtures and fittings
Special conditions

Always have a conveyancer or solicitor review the contract.

Book a free consultation to get your pre-approval started today.

Deposit explained

Typically held in a trust account
Paid after signing the contract
Forms part of your total contribution

Stage 5: Formal Loan Approval

Final approval from your lender

After signing the contract, your loan moves from pre-approval to formal approval.

What happens here

Full financial assessment
Property valuation
Final lender checks

Book a free consultation to get your pre-approval started today.

Important: Property valuation

If the valuation comes in lower than the purchase price, you may need to:

Contribute more funds
Renegotiate the price

Solstice Tip

This is why buying at the right market value is so important.

Stage 6: Signing Your Loan Documents

Stage 7: Pre-Settlement Preparation

Final checks before settlement day

This is the final stage before your property becomes yours.

Pre-settlement inspection

Complete a final walkthrough to ensure:

Property condition hasn’t changed
All inclusions are present
No damage has occurred

Book a free consultation to get your pre-approval started today.

Organise these essentials

Building insurance (required by lenders)
Final settlement funds
Utility connections
Address updates

Stage 8: Settlement Day

After Settlement: What to Do Next

Immediate steps

Change locks
Set up utilities
Update your address
Check smoke alarms

Financial housekeeping

Set up loan repayments
Review your budget
Consider an offset account
Maintain insurance

Book a free consultation to get your pre-approval started today.

Stay connected

We’ll continue to support you by:

Reviewing your loan regularly
Helping you refinance when needed
Ensuring your loan stays competitive

Your Home Buying Checklist

Get pre-approval
Find a property
Make an offer / attend auction
Sign contract & pay deposit
Obtain formal approval
Sign loan documents
Complete pre-settlement checks
‍Settle and collect keys

Book a free consultation to get your pre-approval started today.

Your Support Team

Buying a home is a team effort. You’ll be supported by:

Your mortgage broker (that’s us!)
A conveyancer or solicitor
A real estate agent

Megan was fantastic. From the time I contacted her to the time of settlement was an astonishing 3 weeks. Cannot recommend highly enough.

Lauren

Home Loan Refinance

“Kylie and her team are an absolute delight to work with! Having not had a great first experience elsewhere, they were able to deliver above and beyond what we asked, and we couldn’t be more thankful! Thank you so much!”

Bonnie

Modular construction loan

"Kylie! Thank you for being wonderful at everything you do."

Marie

Guarantor Loan

Ready to buy your first home?

Every home buying journey is different—but with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be stressful.At Solstice Finance, we’re here to help you feel confident, informed, and supported every step of the way.

Book a free consultation with Solstice Finance

Or send us a message and a team member will be in touch soon.

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First Home Buyer Guide (Australia)

Your step-by-step path to buying your first home.

Buying your first home is a huge milestone—and while it’s exciting, it can also feel overwhelming.

At Solstice Finance, we’re here to make the process clear, simple, and supported from start to finish. This guide walks you through every stage of the journey, so you know exactly what to expect.

Stage 1: Pre-Approval & Borrowing Power

Stage 2: Finding the Right Property, how to search with confidence

Stage 3: Making an Offer or Buying at Auction

Stage 4: Signing the Contract & Paying Your Deposit

Stage 5: Formal Loan Approval

Stage 6: Signing Your Loan Documents

Stage 7: Pre-Settlement Preparation

Stage 8: Settlement Day

After Settlement: What to Do Next

Your Home Buying Checklist

Ready to buy your first home?