Buying Your First Home in Doncaster East and Surrounds

Buying your first home is a big step, and in Manningham it comes with its own set of choices. I've lived and worked in this area for most of my life, and I spend my days with buyers across Doncaster East, Doncaster, Templestowe, Templestowe Lower, Bulleen and Donvale. Here's the practical advice I give first home buyers before they start booking inspections.

Get your numbers sorted first

Before you fall for a place, know exactly what you can spend. A pre-approval from your lender or broker gives you a clear ceiling and lets you move quickly when the right property comes up.

When you're working out your budget, remember the costs beyond the purchase price:

• Stamp duty, and whether you're eligible for any first home buyer concessions or exemptions in Victoria
• Any first home buyer grants or schemes you may qualify for (check current eligibility with the State Revenue Office and your lender)
• Conveyancing or legal fees
• Building and pest inspections
• Loan establishment fees and, if applicable, lenders mortgage insurance
• Moving costs and a buffer for anything that needs fixing early on

A mortgage broker and a conveyancer are worth talking to early. They'll help you understand what applies to your situation.

Think about which type of property suits you

Manningham offers a real mix, and first home buyers don't have to start with a freestanding house. Depending on your budget and lifestyle, it's worth looking at:

• Apartments and units, particularly around Doncaster and the activity around Westfield Doncaster, where you'll find convenience and access to transport along Doncaster Road
• Townhouses and villas, common across Doncaster East, Templestowe Lower and Bulleen, which can offer more space with less maintenance than a house
• Older houses that may need some work, which can suit buyers prepared to renovate over time
• New and off-the-plan properties, which can come with different stamp duty considerations, so get advice before signing

Think about what matters day to day: your commute, school zones if they're relevant, access to the Eastern Freeway, parks like Ruffey Lake Park, and local shopping strips. Spending a weekend walking the streets you're considering tells you more than any listing can.

Inspect with a checklist

Open homes move quickly, and it's easy to be swayed by styling. Take notes and photos (where permitted) and look past the furniture. A few things to check:

• Signs of damp, cracking or water damage
• Orientation and natural light
• Storage, parking and, for units and townhouses, owners corporation fees and rules
• Noise from nearby roads

Always read the Section 32 (vendor's statement) before committing, and have your conveyancer review it. It covers title, zoning, easements and owners corporation details that can affect your decision. For anything you're serious about, a building and pest inspection is money well spent.

Buying at auction or private sale

Plenty of properties across Manningham sell at auction, which can feel daunting the first time. A few tips:

1. Attend a few local auctions before you bid, just to watch how they run.
2. Have your finance confirmed and your contract reviewed before auction day. There's no cooling-off period if you buy at or just before auction.
3. Set your limit in advance and stick to it.
4. Bring your deposit arrangements ready, as you'll usually need to pay on the day.

With private sales, you'll typically make an offer in writing, and there may be room to include conditions such as finance approval. In Victoria, a three business day cooling-off period generally applies to private sales, with some exceptions, so check the details with your conveyancer.

Don't be shy about asking the agent questions. A good agent will be clear about the process, the sale method and what the vendor is looking for in terms of terms and settlement.

Be patient

One thing my years in this market have taught me is that patience and persistence pay off. You may miss out on a property or two before you find the right one, and that's completely normal. Each inspection and auction teaches you something about what you want and how the local market is behaving.

If you're starting to look in Doncaster East or anywhere across Manningham and would like a straight-talking chat about the process, I'm always happy to help. Feel free to get in touch with me at Harcourts Manningham, no pressure, just clear advice and honest answers to your questions.