LET'S GO SHOPPING

If you’re anything like my wife and I, you're currently trawling through countless listings on realestate.com.au hoping to stumble across something that ticks all the boxes. You’re probably also filling your weekends with strategically timed viewings so you can fit as many in as possible.

From someone who has been in your position, make sure you don’t get bogged down with finding the perfect house. When I bought my first home I wanted a modern, standalone house with a double garage and ducted air conditioning… I ended up with a 3 x 1 villa that needed some serious attention.

The point I’m trying to make is that your first house doesn’t have to be your last. It doesn’t have to be ‘the one’. It’s not a marriage; it is a stepping-stone that you can someday build on. It took me a year and half of shopping to figure that out.

If you're worried about the direction of the property market remember that when it comes time to upgrade you will be buying and selling in the same market. Logically whatever gain or loss you make on the sale will be factored into your next purchase.