A Step-By-Step Action Plan to Buy A Property.
A Step-By-Step Action Plan to Buy A Property.
Buying a family home in 2026 is more competitive than ever — but with the right plan, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. As prices stabilise and more buyers return to the market, families who prepare early, move quickly and understand each stage of the process are securing the best properties ahead of the crowd.
If you’re planning to purchase within the next three months, a clear 90-day action plan could be the difference between landing your dream home… or missing out. Here’s the practical guide every Australian family needs before entering the market.
Phase 1: Financial Clarity (First Two Weeks)
The first two weeks are all about establishing financial clarity. Buyers in 2026 face stricter lending scrutiny, making preparation vital. Review your savings, budget and credit score, gather essential documents such as tax returns and bank statements, and book an appointment with a mortgage broker.
Pre-approval is the turning point. It defines your borrowing power and positions you as a credible, ready-to-act buyer — something agents now look for before taking offers seriously.
Phase 2: Search and Shortlist
With finances sorted and your broker sponsored introduction to Buyer Assist from Homeowner, families can narrow their search to a shortlist of suburbs that truly match their lifestyle. Compare school catchments, local safety, commute times, parks, transport and proximity to essential services.
Creating a clear list of non-negotiables, nice-to-haves and deal-breakers will help you act decisively when the right home appears. In today’s fast-paced market, hesitation can cost you the deal.
Phase 3: Inspection and Evaluation
Expect the middle of your journey to be the busiest. Without Buyer Assist you can be up for many weekends taken up visiting Open Homes just to get a realistic understanding of value and quality in your chosen suburbs. Find out how Buyer Assist eases that burden.
Evaluate each home based on natural light, layout, renovation potential, condition, noise levels and traffic patterns. For serious contenders, book a building and pest inspection early — buyers on tight timelines simply cannot risk last-minute surprises.
Phase 4: Offer and Negotiation
By now, your shortlist should be clear. It’s time to make offers strategically. Analyse recent comparable sales to ensure you’re offering the right figure in the current market climate with guidance from your digital Buyer Assistant.
Set firm limits, understand the vendor’s motivation, and be ready to adjust your strategy depending on whether the sale is private treaty or auction. With more families competing, clarity and speed are crucial negotiating advantages.
Phase 5: Final Steps and Settlement
Once your offer is accepted, the final stretch moves quickly. Complete final inspections, finalise loan approval, and work with your solicitor or conveyancer to review and sign contracts. All this is automated and co-ordinated for you with Buyer Assist, making this sometimes difficult and stressful part of the journey a confident step to home ownership.
Prepare settlement funds, book removalists and organise moving logistics. If you’ve followed the plan closely with Buyer Assist, Day 90 won’t feel stressful — it will feel like the moment your family’s next chapter truly begins.
Secure your ideal property faster with your own FREE Buyer Assistant from Homeowner.com.au. Get guided support, expert advice and confidence at every step — plus complimentary enrolment in our exclusive Home Buyer Video Course. Discover how easy buying a home can be.
Ready to Find Your Dream Home?
Navigating the property market can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Homeowner's Buyer Assist platform connects you with expert buyers agents who know the local market inside out and can help you secure the perfect property at the right price.
Whether you're a first home buyer, upgrading, or investing, our network of trusted professionals will guide you through every step of the journey.
