Buy

Before you start property searching, get clear on exactly what you can comfortably afford.

If you’re borrowing, speak with your broker or lender to understand your borrowing capacity and consider getting pre-approval before you start seriously looking. Not sure where to start? We can help connect you with trusted local professionals who can point you in the right direction.

Remember, the purchase price isn’t the only cost. Allow for expenses such as stamp duty, settlement fees, moving costs and any work you may want to do once you move in.

Once you know your budget, you can focus your search on properties that genuinely fit, saving yourself plenty of time and a little heartbreak along the way.

It’s tempting to search everywhere, especially when you’re starting out, but we’d recommend focusing on around five suburbs at a time.

It makes comparing properties much easier and saves you from spending every weekend driving from one side of Perth to the other.

Research recent sales and median prices and speak with local agents to understand what your budget can realistically buy in each area. If one suburb isn’t stacking up, you can adjust your shortlist as you go.

Once you’ve narrowed down your preferred areas, introduce yourself to agents who regularly sell in those suburbs.

Joining their database or newsletter can give you an early look at coming soon and off-market opportunities, sometimes before they’re advertised to the wider market.

If newsletters aren’t your thing, check in with your preferred agents regularly and let them know exactly what you’re looking for. Being on their radar can make a real difference when the right property comes along.

Photos, videos, floor plans and virtual tours are fantastic for narrowing down your search, but nothing quite replaces walking through a property yourself. You’ll get a much better sense of the home’s condition, layout, natural light, surroundings and, importantly, how it feels.

If you can’t attend in person, ask someone you trust to inspect on your behalf and consider joining them via video call so you can take a closer look and ask questions in real time.

Once you’re getting serious about buying, you’ll probably discover that everyone has an opinion. Advice can be incredibly valuable, but too many opinions can also make an already big decision feel even harder.

Choose one or two trusted people who understand your circumstances and what you’re trying to achieve. Listen to their advice but remember that ultimately the property needs to work for your budget, your goals and your lifestyle.

If you’re short on time, buying from interstate or simply want professional support throughout your search, a buyer’s agent may be worth considering.

A buyer’s agent works on behalf of the buyer rather than the seller and can assist with sourcing suitable properties, inspections and negotiations.

Vivian’s has previously provided buyer representation too, although we don’t act as a buyer’s agent on our own listings, helping keep the interests of buyer and seller clearly separated.