When people think about the cost of buying their first home, they usually focus on the deposit.

But the true cost includes a range of extra expenses, and if you're not prepared, they can catch you off guard.

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates share a full breakdown of the real costs involved in buying your first home, from government charges and lender fees to legal costs, building and pest inspections, moving expenses, and more.

Whether you’re early in your planning or getting close to buying, this episode will help you build a clear, realistic budget so you’re prepared at every step.

You’ll walk away knowing exactly what to expect, what to plan for, and how to move forward with confidence.

In this episode:

🔑 A full breakdown of government, legal, lender, and moving costs

🔑 What’s paid inside your loan vs out of your pocket

🔑 A real NSW case study: $900K purchase example

🔑 Why a building and pest inspection is essential

🔑 Why having a cash buffer is key for peace of mind

Timestamps:

00:00 – What are the real costs to consider?

01:48 – Government fees explained

03:23 – NSW case study: $900K purchase example

04:08 – Stamp duty breakdown

06:33 – Legal fees: What a conveyancer does and why it matters

09:28 – Lender fees and LMI: what to watch for

13:28 – Why you need a building & pest inspection

15:56 – Planning for moving, setup, and furniture

16:49 – Hidden costs and the value of a cash buffer

🎧 Listen now and get clear on exactly what to budget for.

At the time of filming, we were in the 2024/25 financial year. Since then, NSW mortgage registration and transfer fees have increased slightly from $171.70 to $175.70 each in the 2025/26 financial year.

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Get your Unlocking the Costs to Purchase Your First Home Resource

Download your State by State Stamp Duty Guide for First Home Buyers

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When’s the right time to speak to a mortgage broker? Most first home buyers think it’s once they’ve saved the full deposit or found the perfect property, but waiting can cost you time, money, and confidence.

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates explain why engaging a broker early (6–12 months out) can be a game-changer. You’ll learn how brokers help you plan strategically, ask the right questions, and align your situation with the right loan strategy, structure, and lender.

If you have a goal to buy, now’s the time to start the conversation.

In this episode:

🔑 The biggest timing mistakes first home buyers make

🔑 A real self-employed client story: balancing business tax and mortgage goals

🔑 What brokers actually do (beyond comparing rates)

🔑 Why loan strategy matters more than interest rates

🔑 Your timeline: what to do 6–12 months and 3–4 months out

00:00 – When is the best time to speak with a broker?

02:42 – Real story: self-employed client & tax return timing

03:45 – The value of working with a broker early

05:30 – Why use a broker? Policy-matching vs rate-hunting: what actually matters

08:45 – Brokers as sounding boards for life decisions

10:20 – What to expect 6–12 months out from buying using a broker

11:35 – What to expect 3– 4 months out from buying, the action step

13:00 – Pre-approval, lender selection, and getting ready to buy

🎧 Listen now to build confidence and start your journey with the right strategy in place.

Want to keep the conversation going?

👉 Join the First Home Unlocked Facebook Community

📅 Book a chat with Jack for tailored support

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firsthomeunlocked.com.au

The first step in buying your home isn’t finance, it’s getting clear on your goals and vision.

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates talk about considering your future before property and why the best buying decisions start with understanding where you’re heading.

Whether you're single, in a couple, planning a family, or wanting a balanced lifestyle, this conversation is about putting you at the centre of your property strategy.

Everyone’s journey is different. This episode helps you shape a plan that reflects your goals, values, and vision so your first home fits into your life plan, not the other way around.

In this episode:

🔑 Why the first step isn’t finance, it’s vision

🔑 Real questions to ask yourself about family, lifestyle, and work

🔑 Why property should support your life, not shape it

🔑 The risk of skipping this step and buying in reaction to pressure

🔑 How to avoid short-term thinking and costly mistakes

Timestamps:

00:00 – Why we start with the goals and vision conversation

03:10 – The big question to ask yourself

04:52 – Family planning: questions to consider

06:02 – Stepping stone strategies and the cost of moving too soon

07:22 – Lifestyle considerations: city vs regional, work, commute, and hobbies

10:05 – Planning to avoid short-term thinking and costly mistakes

12:00 – Why not all properties grow equally

12:58 – The risk of skipping this step and outside pressure

14:22 – Key takeaways from the episode

🎧 Listen now to get clear on your vision before beginning your journey.

Unlock your Free Resources

Download your free Goals & Vision Workbook

Check out the report Chris mentioned: Core Logic Pain & Gain Report

Want to keep the conversation going?

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📅 Book a chat with Jack for tailored support

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firsthomeunlocked.com.au

Feeling overwhelmed by the process of buying your first home? You’re not alone, and you're in the right place. 🔑🏠

In this debut episode of First Home Unlocked, hosts Jack Elliott and Chris Bates share why this podcast exists, who it’s for, and the kind of grounded support you can expect moving forward.

If you're confused by all the information out there, this show is here to bring all the information you need in one place to help you find clarity.

Whether you're 12 months out or ready to buy now, Jack and Chris will guide you through each step of the home buying journey.

In this episode:

🔑 Why buying your first home can feel so confusing, and how to simplify it together

🔑 Jack and Chris’s paths into mortgage broking, and why they’re passionate about supporting first home buyers

🔑 What to expect from future episodes: smart strategies, buyer stories, and step-by-step support through the whole process

Timestamps:

00:12 - Meet Your Guides: Jack and Chris

01:33 - Chris Bates: A Journey in Mortgage Broking from Financial Planning

02:38 - Jack Elliott: From Teaching to Mortgage Broking

04:34 - Why We Created This Podcast

05:58 - What to Expect from Future Episodes

🎧 Listen now, and let’s unlock your first home together.

Unlock your Free Resources

Download by visiting FirstHomeUnlocked.com.au

Want to keep the conversation going?

👉 Join the First Home Unlocked Facebook Community

📅 Book a chat with Jack for tailored support

📱Follow Us on social media: Instagram, TikTok, Youtube