How to Set a Realistic Budget for Your First Home

Buying a home is one of the biggest steps you’ll take. Getting your budget right is the first move. You need to know what you can afford now and what you’ll need later.

Here’s how to break it down.

Step 1: Know Your Income

Start with what you earn. Include your salary after tax. Add any other income like bonuses, side work, or rental payments.

This helps set a clear limit. Lenders will look at this too. The more stable your income, the better your options.

Rouse Hill, Bathla | Off the plan First Home | Secure with $10k and $259 x 62 weeks

Step 2: List Your Expenses

Track your monthly costs. Rent, food, utilities, car payments, subscriptions, and other debts all matter.

Subtract this from your income. What’s left is your surplus. That’s the money you can save or use for buying property.

Auburn Square, North Village | Off the plan First Home | Secure with $10k and $335 x 127 weeks

Step 3: Set a Savings Goal

Most buyers save for a deposit. In many cases, that means 10 to 20 percent of the home price.

But if you’re looking at off the plan Sydney homes, you might not need the full deposit upfront.

That brings us to a better way.

East + Cowper, Granville | Off the plan First Home | Secure with $10k and $366 x 119 weeks

How Coposit Helps You Budget for Buying a Home

With Coposit, you don’t need to save 10 percent before you buy. You start with $10,000. Then you pay the rest of your deposit in weekly instalments while your home is being built.

It’s not a loan. There’s no interest. Just a clear payment schedule that fits your budget.

For first-home buyers, this makes budgeting easier. You can still choose quality off the plan Sydney homes and avoid waiting years to save.

Marsden Park, Bathla | Off the plan First Home | Secure with $10k and $398 x 44 weeks

Step 4: Factor in Other Costs

Buying a home costs more than just the deposit. You’ll need to cover stamp duty, legal fees, inspections, and moving costs.

If you’re buying off the plan, some of these costs may be lower. But always allow a buffer in your budget.

The Edmondson Collection | Off the plan First Home | Secure with $10k and $723 x 27 weeks

Step 5: Speak to a Mortgage Broker or Adviser

They’ll help you understand how much you can borrow. They’ll also guide you on what repayments might look like.

Match this with your current budget. Only go ahead if you can manage the cost long-term.

Pelicana Green III | Off the plan First Home | Secure with $10k and $2,223 x 9 weeks

Make Your First Step a Smart One

Setting a budget takes planning. But with the right steps, it’s not as hard as it looks.

If you’re thinking about buying a home, tools like Coposit make it easier to start. You don’t need to wait. You don’t need to borrow more than you can handle.

Just a clear plan, smart choices, and a realistic path to ownership.