PROPERTY NEWS - While married couples still represent a large percentage of first-time buyers in the market, there are a growing number of people who are flying solo and purchasing a property on their own.
Although the process of buying a home as a sole owner may seem daunting at first, it can actually be an extremely good financial move if done in the correct manner.
Here are a few tips to make the solo house hunt and property investment a success:
Stay within your budget
For most, buying a home will likely be the largest financial purchase they will ever make and it is a great long-term investment. However, before anything else, it is vital to work out an affordable budget and stay within those limits. When deciding what is affordable it is imperative to consider all recurring monthly expenses such as home maintenance and repairs. Another important aspect when budgeting is determining what can be put aside in a contingency fund in case of emergency. Considering there will only be one person responsible for the bond repayment, there needs to be enough money put away to counter any unexpected circumstances or loss of income.
An additional factor to consider is that as a solo buyer there is likely to be a smaller budget than a couple who can join their savings and income, therefore solo buyers will need to be smart with their money.
Be smart and save beforehand
In today’s market most buyers will be required to have a deposit of between 10% and 25% of the purchase price of the property. It is advisable to have at least a 10% deposit saved up, along with enough money to cover all the other costs associated with buying a home. These costs include transfer duty, attorney fees, home insurance and bond costs.
Choose the right home for you
The buyer’s future plans will largely determine the type of home that will suit them best. Are you looking for a home with the potential to add-on or merely a small starter home that can be rented out in the future? The answer to these questions will help the buyer narrow down their search and pinpoint the right property to meet their needs.
A sectional title property would mean less maintenance and possibly a lower bond repayment; however there will be the cost of the levies to consider, as well as the rules and regulations of the body corporate. A freehold home would offer the buyer the freedom to do what they want with their home, but it could be less secure and more expensive to maintain.
Here are a few tips to make the solo house hunt and property investment a success:
Stay within your budget
For most, buying a home will likely be the largest financial purchase they will ever make and it is a great long-term investment. However, before anything else, it is vital to work out an affordable budget and stay within those limits. When deciding what is affordable it is imperative to consider all recurring monthly expenses such as home maintenance and repairs. Another important aspect when budgeting is determining what can be put aside in a contingency fund in case of emergency. Considering there will only be one person responsible for the bond repayment, there needs to be enough money put away to counter any unexpected circumstances or loss of income.
An additional factor to consider is that as a solo buyer there is likely to be a smaller budget than a couple who can join their savings and income, therefore solo buyers will need to be smart with their money.
Be smart and save beforehand
In today’s market most buyers will be required to have a deposit of between 10% and 25% of the purchase price of the property. It is advisable to have at least a 10% deposit saved up, along with enough money to cover all the other costs associated with buying a home. These costs include transfer duty, attorney fees, home insurance and bond costs.
Choose the right home for you
The buyer’s future plans will largely determine the type of home that will suit them best. Are you looking for a home with the potential to add-on or merely a small starter home that can be rented out in the future? The answer to these questions will help the buyer narrow down their search and pinpoint the right property to meet their needs.
A sectional title property would mean less maintenance and possibly a lower bond repayment; however there will be the cost of the levies to consider, as well as the rules and regulations of the body corporate. A freehold home would offer the buyer the freedom to do what they want with their home, but it could be less secure and more expensive to maintain.
