Buying your first home is one of the biggest milestones you’ll ever achieve. But with so many decisions to make — from finance to location to floorplans — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. While every buyer’s journey is different, there are some common pitfalls that many first home buyers fall into. The good news? With the right knowledge, you can avoid them and step into your new home with confidence.

Here are the top 3 mistakes first home buyers make — and how you can steer clear of them.

Mistake 1: Underestimating the True Costs

Many first home buyers focus only on the price of the house and land package or purchase price of their property. But the truth is, there are additional costs that can quickly add up — from stamp duty and lender’s fees to moving costs, furniture, landscaping, and ongoing maintenance.

How to avoid it:
Create a detailed budget early in your journey and factor in all the “hidden” costs. Speak to a mortgage broker about what you can realistically borrow and what buffer you should set aside. With ranges like the Emerge Range, you’ll find designs that balance affordability with modern inclusions, helping you stick to your budget without compromising on quality.

Loan Gallery is Simonds Homes' exclusive finance partner, uniting industry-leading expertise in home construction and mortgage solutions to help more Australians achieve their dream of home ownership.

Recently named Australian Finance Group’s Brokerage of the Year, Loan Gallery brings a unique understanding of construction loans and is well-equipped to provide tailored solutions for every client, from first-time buyers to experienced homeowners.

Mistake 2: Skipping Research on Location

It’s easy to fall in love with a floorplan or a shiny new display home, but the suburb you choose will impact your lifestyle and long-term investment. Some first home buyers don’t research commute times, local schools, transport, or future infrastructure — only to find their dream home isn’t as convenient as they hoped.

How to avoid it:
Spend time exploring potential suburbs at different times of day. Visit local cafes, drive the commute during peak hour, and research future developments in the area. Simonds Homes offers stylish, family-friendly House and Land Packages in growth corridors across Victoria, giving you the chance to invest in both your lifestyle and your property’s future value.

Mistake 3: Not Thinking Long-Term

Your first home should fit your life now — but also grow with you. Too often, buyers choose a design based only on today’s needs, without considering future family plans, working from home, or resale value. This can leave you looking to upsize again sooner than expected.

How to avoid it:
Think about how your lifestyle might change over the next 5–10 years. Will you need more bedrooms, a home office, or a bigger backyard? Floorplans that include flexible living zones or extra storage will save you from outgrowing your first home too quickly. With Simonds’ wide range of designs, you can choose a home that meets your needs today while also supporting your future.

Speak with a Simonds New Home Specialist where they can guide you through the entire process and ensure you make the right decision, now and into the future.