Buying your first home is one of life’s biggest and most exciting decisions, but it can also be a daunting one filled with many questions. From finances to floorplans, contracts to communities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the process.
To help first-home buyers navigate the home-buying journey with more clarity and less stress, we've created this easy-to-follow guide.
Think of it as your simple steps to buying success.
Set Your Budget and Understand the Costs
The first and most important step? Know what you can afford. When planning your finances, it's important not just to think short-term, but also to think ahead to what you can afford in the future. The last thing you want to do is overstretch and turn what is an incredibly memorable experience into one you'd rather forget.
Start by mapping out your upfront costs, including:
- Deposit – Typically, the deposit amount required is 5–20% of your home’s purchase price
- Stamp duty – First-home buyers in WA may be eligible for concessions or exemptions
- Settlement and legal fees – Costs for conveyancing, titles, and transfers
Then consider your ongoing costs, such as:
- Mortgage repayments
- Council rates and utilities
- Home and Contents Insurance
- Maintenance, insurance, and strata (if applicable)
If you’re building new, WA offers generous support through the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG), which provides up to $10,000 to eligible people for eligible buyers. Stamp duty exemptions are also available on vacant land under certain thresholds, helping you stretch your budget even further.
First-time home buyers can still apply for the Home Buyers Assistance Account for established properties. Available from the Department of Commerce, it provides up to $2,000 to cover incidental costs associated with purchasing a property, such as inspection fees and mortgage insurance premiums.
Get Pre-Approved for Finance Through a Mortgage Broker
Before you start browsing display homes or shortlisting land, it’s wise to speak with a broker or lender about home loan pre-approval.
Pre-approval gives you a clear idea of your borrowing power and shows sellers and developers you’re serious. The amount you can borrow is based on your:
- Income and employment history
- Living expenses and debts
- Credit score and savings track record
A mortgage broker can help you compare home loans and guide you through the paperwork, often at no cost to you. Getting your finances sorted early puts you in the best position to act when you find “the one.”
Decide What You Want in a First Home
Buying your first home is as much about lifestyle as it is about layout. So take time to think about what matters to you now and in the years ahead. Before jumping into listings or display homes, take a step back and think about your priorities. What does your ideal day-to-day look like? What could change in the next 5–10 years?
Here are a few important considerations to help you find the right fit:
Land vs Established Home
Both options come with unique advantages, so it’s worth taking the time to weigh them up carefully based on your lifestyle, goals, and financial position.
Land and build: Want a home that’s uniquely yours? Building gives you the freedom to design a layout, look and features that suit your lifestyle — from bigger kitchens to energy-efficient design. New homes also tend to need less maintenance and come with government grants or stamp duty savings for first-home buyers. Just keep in mind, building takes time — so it may not suit buyers needing to move quickly.
Established homes: Prefer to move in sooner? An established home offers immediate comfort in a ready-made community, often close to shops, schools and parks. But you may need to compromise on layout or style, and older homes can come with added costs for maintenance or upgrades. Prices may also be higher than new builds in growth areas.
Size & Design
Think about your lifestyle now and how it might evolve.
Do you need:
- Room to grow a family?
- A home office or creative studio?
- A compact, low-maintenance home that gives you more freedom to travel or enjoy your weekends?
Your land size, home design and overall choice of location should be factored in to support your lifestyle, rather than restrict it.
Location
The right location can make a huge difference in how much you enjoy your new home.Ask yourself:
- Do you want to be within walking distance of public transport?
- Is being close to schools, shops, or medical services important?
- Do you crave green space, river views, or a local café scene?
The right location can enhance your daily routine and even boost the long-term value of your home.
Nestled along the meandering banks of the Swan River, the leafy suburb of Viveash is fast becoming one of Perth’s most desirable suburbs for first-home buyers. With easy access to the city, walkable nature trails, nearby schools, and all the shopping and services of Midland and Guildford, it offers the ideal city escape without compromising on convenience.
Why Choose Land at Rivermark?
Purchasing land at Rivermark is more than just buying a block — it’s securing the foundation for a home that’s entirely your own, in a location that’s already connected, established and ready to enjoy.
What makes Rivermark truly unique is that it offers you the freedom and flexibility of designing and building your home, without the usual compromise of waiting for infrastructure to catch up. Unlike many new developments on Perth’s fringe, Rivermark is located within an established urban area — surrounded by existing parks, schools, shops, cafes and public transport. It’s part of a well-connected community from day one.
At Rivermark, you get the best of both worlds: the freedom to build your dream home, with the convenience of a location that’s already vibrant, liveable and growing. It’s land buying done right — and it starts here.
Understand the Buying Process in Western Australia
Buying a home in Western Australia comes with its own set of rules, timelines, and terminology - especially if you're building from scratch. From how offers are made to when contracts become binding, WA's property process differs from other states and can catch first-time buyers off guard.
Here’s a simple breakdown to help demystify it:
- Search – Decide on your ideal location and whether you want land
- Pre-Approval – Secure your loan pre-approval with a lender or broker
- Choose Land – Select your lot based on size, orientation, and lifestyle needs
- Liaise with a Builder – Find a home design that suits your block and budget
- Contracts – Sign separate contracts for land and construction (if building)
- Settlement – Finalise finances, settle on the land, and start the building process
At Rivermark, the process is designed to be straightforward. You can choose from fixed-price land lots or select a turnkey home-and-land package with one of our trusted featured builders. Plus, our team is always here to walk you through what’s included and what’s not, so there are no surprises down the track.
Common Mistakes First-Home Buyers Can Avoid
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, but a few simple checks can save you time, money, and stress down the line.
Here are some of the most common first-home buyer mistakes, and how to avoid them:
- Overextending on finance
Don’t borrow the maximum just because you can. Stick to a budget that gives you room to breathe, especially if interest rates rise or your circumstances change. - Skipping research on location or builder
Look beyond the brochure. Drive around the area, read builder reviews, speak to different real estate agents and visit display homes to get a feel for build quality and customer service. - Not understanding contracts or exclusions
Clarify what’s included in the land and building price. Are fencing, landscaping, air conditioning, and flooring covered? Get it in writing before signing anything. - Buying based purely on emotion
It’s easy to fall in love with a home at first glance, but remember to consider long-term needs: growth potential, resale value, and practical layout for your lifestyle.
Why Viveash is Ideal for First-Home Buyers
Set along the peaceful banks of the Swan River, but just moments from the Great Northern Highway and Perth’s northeast corridor, Viveash offers a rare mix of tranquillity and connection. It’s a suburb that lets you enjoy all the convenience of the city, without the hustle and bustle.
And at the heart of it all is Rivermark - a new master-planned community that offers the ultimate blend of lifestyle, location, and livability. It's a place where heritage, nature, and new thinking flow as one. A place that offers beautiful residences and an enviable riverside lifestyle. Founded on a genuine commitment to sustainability, the vision of Rivermark ensures a thriving natural environment for all.
At Rivermark, you’re surrounded by:
- Local schools, healthcare, and childcare
- Retail hubs like Midland Gate and Guildford Main Street
- Nature-based activities, riverside walkways, and scenic reserves
- Award-winning wineries and restaurants in the nearby Swan Valley
For first-home buyers, Rivermark offers a range of premium house and land packages in Viveash designed to meet various buyer needs.
Plus, with competitive land pricing and strong capital growth in the area, Rivermark represents real value for first-home buyers looking for a lifestyle investment.
Make Your New Home Your Dream Home
Buying your first home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the preparation and planning, you can move forward with confidence and create the life you’ve been dreaming of.
With a range of different land sizes and configurations, Rivermark has house and land options for everyone.
Once you find a Rivermark block you love, let us introduce you to one of our trusted builder partners who can help you design a perfectly matched Rivermark home.
If you already have a home design ready, our sales team can work with you and your builder to find the best block to accommodate your build.
If you don’t have a block or a home design in mind, we can offer you a range of house and land packages, designed with our builder partners, that maximise the potential of each Rivermark individual block.
Contact our team below to learn more about the house and land packages available at Rivermark.