04
06 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME
HOW AN OFF MARKET SALE IN OFFICER SAVED SELLERS THOUSANDS
25
24 LEASED IN AUGUST Leasing Statistics For August 2025 WHY LANDLORD INSURANCE IS A SMART MOVE FOR RENTAL PROVIDERS
Buying your first home is one of life’s most exciting milestones. It’s the start of a new chapter, but it can also feel a little daunting. Between finance, government incentives and the fast-paced property market, first-home buyers often find themselves overwhelmed.
To help make the journey smoother, we have provided the following tips for navigating the process with confidence.
It’s easy to get swept up in the dream of the “perfect” house, but remember, you can renovate a property, you can’t move its location. Choosing a suburb with strong growth potential, good schools, or planned infrastructure projects will ensure your investment holds its value longterm.
Don’t
Many first-home buyers forget to factor in stamp duty, insurance, and ongoing maintenance. While Victoria offers concessions and exemptions for eligible buyers, it’s worth checking the State Revenue Office’s calculator before you start making offers. Having a financial buffer for unexpected costs, like a leaking hot water system, will save you stress later.
Having a current pre-approval shows sellers you’re ready to buy. Just remember, it’s not unconditional, avoid large purchases or changes in employment before settlement to keep your approval valid.
Engaging with a real estate agent is more than being added to a mailing list. Your trusted First
National Neilson Partners agent will guide you through the process, answer questions, and give you the confidence you need when it’s time to make an offer.
Be Ready for Setbacks
It’s common to miss out once or twice before securing your first home. Rather than getting discouraged, see each experience as a chance to learn more about the market. Patience and persistence pay off.
Professional Help Pays Off
Contracts, Section 32 statements, and inspections can be complex. A good conveyancer or solicitor will ensure you’re protected; while building and pest inspections can uncover hidden issues before you commit.
The Bottom Line
Buying your first home is as much about preparation as it is about finances. With the right support and a clear plan, the process becomes far less intimidating.
If you’re ready to begin your first-home journey, the team at First National Real Estate Neilson Partners is here to help every step of the way.
Choose a suburb with strong growth, good schools, and planned infrastructure.
Know Your Budget:
Factor in stamp duty, insurance, and maintenance.
Keep Pre-Approval Current:
A valid pre-approval gives you an edge in a competitive market.
Connect with Agents:
Building real relationships can unlock early opportunities.
Expect Setbacks:
Missing out is normal, persistence pays off.
Get Professional Support:
Use a conveyancer and arrange building & pest inspections before signing.
When it comes to selling your home, bigger isn’t always better. Expensive advertising campaigns and endless online listings aren’t the only way to secure a great result. In fact, some of the most successful sales happen off-market, like the recent sale at 33 Rosedene Avenue, Officer, handled by Hayden Stanton from First National Real Estate Neilson Partners in Pakenham.
The beautifully presented property sold for $745,000, the top of its quoted price range, without the vendors spending a cent on advertising.
By choosing an off-market strategy, the sellers avoided traditional marketing expenses, instead relying on:
• First National Neilson Partners exclusive buyer database
• Organic exposure through Instagram (with no paid ads)
The result saw strong interest, multiple inspections, and a premium sale price.
Off-market sales are becoming increasingly popular across Victoria, particularly for sellers who want to:
• Minimise costs
• Sell privately or discreetly
• Avoid the stress of public open home inspections
• Gauge buyer interest before committing to a full campaign
With First National Real Estate Neilson Partners extensive and constantly updated buyer network, chances are we already know the right buyer for your property with no advertising required.
Rather than listing the home for sale online, Hayden reached out directly to pre-qualified buyers who had shown interest in similar properties. He then shared the listing on Instagram, generating immediate enquiry and inspection requests.
The success of this sale highlights the strength of our buyer database and the advantage of working with an agent who knows how to maximise it.
If you’re considering selling in Officer or surrounding suburbs such as Pakenham, Beaconsfield or Berwick, an off-market strategy could be the smartest move.
“ The
property would have gone to market for $695,000 - $745,000 & we achieved the top end of that range with a 30-day settlement. The Vendor and purchaser are ecstatic!”
Contact Hayden Stanton on 0403 663 170 to see if your buyer is already waiting in our database.
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What it is
Landlord insurance is tailored cover for rental providers, offering financial protection against renter-related risks and property damage. Unlike a standard home and contents policy, it’s built to safeguard investment properties, whether that’s a house, townhouse, apartment or unit. Typically, a landlord insurance policy includes:
• Building cover: For structural damage from events like storms, fires, or vandalism
• Contents cover: For a furnished property
• Renter-related cover: For rent default, malicious damage, or legal expenses
It’s not a legal requirement, but it’s a wise one.
What’s included
Tenant & rental income risks
• Damage or theft by renters or guests
• Loss of rent due to property damage
• Default on rental payments
• Legal costs if required
• Liability cover in the case someone is injured on the premises
Building cover
• Fires and explosions
• Storm and flood damage
• Vandalism or break-ins
• Falling trees or impact damage
• Burst pipes and water leaks
Contents cover (for furnished rentals)
• Damage or theft of furnishings, whitegoods, carpets, curtains, and fittings
• Damage caused by natural disasters or break-ins
What’s not included
• General wear and tear (faded carpets, peeling paint, mould)
• Poor workmanship or building defects
• Damage from dodgy DIY jobs done by renters
• Renters’ personal belongings
• Day-to-day costs like garden maintenance or routine plumbing bills
Most renters do the right thing, but life happens. When things go pear-shaped, landlord insurance gives you a financial buffer, so you’re not left footing the bill alone.
Is it tax deductible
Yes, premiums for landlord insurance are tax-deductible as long as your property is being rented or is genuinely available for rent.
Choosing the right policy
1. Know what matters most: Cover for rent loss, or more protection against storm damage. Define your priorities based on the property and your risk profile.
2. Shop around: Use comparison sites but also check reviews and insurer reputations. The cheapest premium isn’t always the best value.
3. Read the fine print: Read the Product Disclosure Statement to understand what’s included what’s not, and how excesses and limits work.
4. Understand the claims process: The best policy is useless if it’s hard to claim. Make sure you’re comfortable with the claims process, and how they respond when you need them most.
