First Home Owner Guide for Queensland
Buying your first home can feel like a lot at first. There is finance to think about, grants to understand, locations to compare and plenty of new terms that suddenly start appearing everywhere.
The good news?
You do not need to figure it all out at once.
This guide breaks the first home buyer journey into simple steps, so you can understand what to look at first, what questions to ask and where Mayde can help along the way..
First Home Buyer Checklist
If you are just starting out, these are the main things to work through:
- Get a rough idea of your budget
- Understand how much deposit you may need
- Check what grants or government support could apply
- Decide where you might want to build
- Compare house and land packages or home designs
- Understand what is included in the price
- Ask questions before you feel completely ready
- Get clear on the next step
You do not need to have every answer before speaking to Mayde. Sometimes the first step is simply working out which path makes the most sense for you.
Step 1.
Understand what you can afford
Before choosing a home design or location, it helps to get a sense of what may be realistic for your budget.
Your budget can be shaped by your deposit, income, loan options, repayments, grants, savings and the type of home you want to build. It is normal if you are still figuring this part out.
Mayde can help you understand the early steps and connect you with finance specialists when you need more detailed support.
Step 2.
Check grants and support
First home buyers in Queensland may be eligible for government support, depending on their circumstances and the property they choose.
This may include:
- Queensland First Home Owner Grant
- Transfer duty concessions for eligible first home buyers
- 5% Deposit Scheme
- Other first home buyer support options
Queensland’s First Home Owner Grant is currently $30,000 for eligible buyers purchasing or building a new home valued under $750,000, including land. Eligible first home buyers purchasing a new home or vacant land to build their first home may also qualify for a full transfer duty concession.
Eligibility depends on your circumstances and the property, so it is worth checking the latest requirements before making decisions.
Step 3.
Work out which path suits you
There is more than one way to get into your first home. The right path depends on where you are now.
Step 4.
Know what to look for in a first home
A good first home is not just about the lowest price. It should suit your budget, lifestyle and the way you want to live over the next few years.
Things to consider:
- Is the floorplan practical for everyday living?
- Does the home suit the block size?
- Are the inclusions clear?
- Is there room to grow?
- Does the location work for work, family or lifestyle?
- Do the repayments feel realistic?
- Are there extra costs you need to understand?
Your first home should feel achievable, but it should still feel like yours.
Step 5.
Understand house and land packages
A house and land package pairs a block of land with a home design. For many first home buyers, this can make the process feel clearer because you can compare location, home size, price and inclusions together.
It is still important to understand what is included, what contracts are involved and whether the package suits your budget and lifestyle.
Common first home buyer mistakes to avoid
When you are buying or building for the first time, it is easy to focus on the exciting parts first. These are some common things to watch out for:
- Only looking at the purchase price, not the full cost
- Not checking what is included
- Assuming every house and land package works the same way
- Choosing a floorplan before understanding the block
- Waiting too long to ask questions
- Forgetting to check grants or support early
- Comparing homes without comparing inclusions
- Choosing a location without thinking about everyday life
The more you understand early, the easier it is to make decisions with confidence.
How mayde can help
Mayde is made for first homeowners, so our role is to help make the process feel simpler from the start.
We can help with:
- Understanding your first steps
- Exploring house and land packages
- Finding home designs that suit your block or lifestyle
- Connecting you with finance support
- Explaining inclusions
- Helping you understand where Mayde builds
- Guiding you through the build journey
You do not need to know exactly what you want before speaking to us. That is what the conversation is for.
FAQs.
How do I start buying my first home in Queensland?
Start by getting a rough idea of your budget, checking what grants or support may apply, and deciding whether you want to explore house and land packages, home designs or build locations.
Do I need land before speaking to Mayde?
No. Mayde can help if you already have land, but we can also help you explore house and land packages if you are still looking.
Should I sort finance before looking at homes?
It helps to understand your budget early, but you do not need everything finalised before speaking to us.
What is the difference between a home design and a house and land package?
A home design is the house plan. A house and land package matches a home design with a specific block of land.
What first home buyer support is available in Queensland?
Eligible first home buyers may be able to access the Queensland First Home Owner Grant, transfer duty concessions and federal first home buyer support such as the 5% Deposit Scheme. The support available depends on your circumstances and the property you choose.
Can Mayde help me understand grants?
Yes. We can explain the basics and connect you with finance specialists for advice based on your situation.
Ready to take the first step?
You do not need to have it all worked out. Tell us where you are at, and we’ll help you understand what comes next.
