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First Home Buyers

Property hotspots for 2010With Australia's property market continuing to rally despite the threat of rising interest rates, it's more important than ever for first home buyers to hunt out the suburbs that offer the best value for money.

Why does Australia lack affordable housing?According to the sixth Demographia Housing Affordability Survey, all but one of Australia's 23 metropolitan property markets are deemed "severely unaffordable". What would you do to fix Australia's affordable housing shortage? Have your say here...

As lenders gets tougher, borrowers get craftierLenders, feeling the heat of tightening funds and governments breathing down their back, are getting tougher. And some first home buyers are following suit by getting craftier...

Is real estate the new 'I do'?A growing number of Australian couples are sacrificing a big wedding and living out of wedlock in favour of buying real estate...

What can and can't be compromised when buying your first home?If it's your first home, chances are it's not going to be perfect. But what really matters when buying your first home? Find out when you need to compromise, and when you should stand your ground...

10 quick tips for first home buyersTen quick, easy tips for making your first home buying experience go smoothly...

Property outlook for 2010Australian real estate prices continued their upward trajectory in 2009. And next year will see many more would-be home owners enter the fray.

Early inheritance: buying the kids a homeWorried their children may never be able to afford their own home, a growing number of parents are putting their hand in their pocket to give their kids an early inheritance by buying them their first home.

What you can get for $300,000These days, $300,000 doesn't seem like a lot of money. In fact, it's below the median house price in Australia. Still, if you take a good look around properties with a practical view of value — and an open mind — you can find some great buys.

House sit your way to a new homeWith the first home owners grant nearing expiration, the attraction of building up a deposit as quickly as possible makes house sitting even more appealing.

Where it's cheaper to buy than rentBuying property is becoming cheaper than renting in many suburbs across Australia, research has found. Here we show you which suburbs are cheaper with our Price Mapping Tool.

Buying your second home, firstIf you can't afford to buy a house or apartment in a suburb you want to live in, why not keep renting in the city, and buy a holiday home instead?

Getting what you want at auctionThe basic ingredients of a property auction are pretty straightforward: there is an auctioneer, but as a potential buyer, what are you mean't to do on the day?

What to do if your mortgage is deniedA growing number of people are having their mortgage applications denied thanks to a sudden tightening of banks' lending criteria. What should you do if your loan is rejected?

Big, budget ideas for small spacesWhen it comes to buying your first home, having too much space is not often on the list of potential decorating problems. Here we bring you some great budget tips for decorating small spaces.

Mates rates: is buying with friends a good idea?For those seeking to get on the property ladder but can't do it alone, buying with friends is a hot new trend. But is buying with friends in the best interest of your investment — or friendship?

Sites to inspireBefore you tear out the sinks or buy that new couch in your new home, take some time to do some research and get motivated.Here we bring you our favourite websites to inspire you in your new place.

8 lies real estate agents tellAre you just putty in the real estate agent's hands? Here are 8 common fibs real estate agents tell, and how you can unravel them to negotiate for a better buy.

People like me: Alex and NataliaVideo: Buying a home is an important decision and purchasing your first home even more so. Alex and Natalia talk about their experiences buying their first home.

Should I buy off the plan?If you do your homework and everything goes to plan then buying your first home off the plan may be a good proposition.

Ten costly mistakes first home buyers makeBuying a home is an important decision and purchasing your first home even more so. Here are the 10 steps to avoid when it comes to purchasing your first property.

Understanding real estate jargonHave you just started looking for a home to buy and getting bamboozled by all the property jargon? Get in-the-know with our jargon-buster glossary.

Apartment living: buying into a strata planMany people love the ease that apartment living provides but it's important you know what you're investing in when it comes to strata plans.

The first home buyer's checklistSo you've been saving hard for a few years and you finally feel ready to start seriously looking to buy your first home. But where do you start?

Is the sun setting on the Queensland property market?

source: Andrea Sophocleous

Brisbane property prices are catching up to prices in Sydney, but does that mean investors have missed the boat in Queensland? Andrea Sophocleous reports.

The upside of renting a family home

source: Andrea Sophocleous

Home ownership might be the great Australian dream, but renting a family home can also have its positives, writes Andrea Sophocleous.

Giving up the great Australian dream: what are the perks of high-density living?

source: Barbara Messer

Barbara Messer looks at the perks of high-density living.

Auction fever

source: Andrea Sophocleous

Andrea Sophocleous looks at how to keep your cool at auctions to ensure you come out on top.

Suburbs made famous by TV

source:

While a favourite pastime in the suburbs might be watching telly, it's curious to note that sometimes, television watches the suburbs. In fact, sometimes telly spends so much time watching particular suburbs that those suburbs become famous. Here are a few you've already been watching.

Housing affordability: Who's to blame for Australia's affordable-housing crisis?

source: Barbara Messer

Barbara Messer looks at the soaring prices of Australian houses and asks who is to blame.

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