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Can You Afford to Buy a Home? Here’s How to Know

Buying a home and taking on a mortgage is a big move—and it should feel exciting, not overwhelming.

With a bit of planning and the right guidance, you can figure out if homeownership is within reach (spoiler: it might be more doable than you think). Here are some practical tips to help you decide if you’re ready to take the leap!

1. Know your affordability zone

A great starting point is to combine:

  • Your current rent, and
  • The amount you’re already saving each week

This gives you a rough estimate of what you could comfortably manage in mortgage repayments. If that number works within your budget, you’re already halfway there!

 

2. Use a mortgage calculator

Online mortgage calculators can give you an idea of what your repayments might look like based on your loan size and interest rate. It’s not exact, but it helps to visualise what’s realistic—and where your limits might be.

 

3. Compare renting vs buying

Renting might seem cheaper at first, but over time it adds up… without building you any equity.

Let’s look at an example:

Buying Renting

Weekly cost — $899 mortgage (on a $650K loan @ 6% interest rate)

30-year total — $1.4M in repayments

Long-term outcome — Home could be worth $3.7M*

Weekly cost — $650 rent to landlords pocket

30-year total — $2.67M in rent (with 6% annual rent increase)

Long-term outcome — No ownership and the rent cycle continues

* Based on 6% annual growth rate

Over 30 years, that’s a huge difference—and it’s why many people choose to buy instead of renting long-term.

 

4. Grab our free budget tool

Budgeting isn’t just about saving—it’s about feeling confident with your money. Use our free budgeting template to get a clearer view of your spending and saving habits.

Get free budget planner

 

5. Be realistic, not risky

Start with a home that fits your finances. It doesn’t have to be your forever home—it’s a stepping stone. Getting into the market now could mean upgrading later with more equity under your belt.

 

6. Shop around for lenders

Most people stick with their bank… but that could cost you thousands over time. That’s why we work with Simplii Finance. Their brokers compare loans from multiple lenders to find the best deal for your situation—not just what one bank can offer.

 

Your home is more than a place to live

It’s your future. Every repayment chips away at your loan while your home (ideally) grows in value—building equity that could help you buy again, invest, or renovate down the track.

Whether you're just starting to explore or you're ready to take the next step, we’re here to help you make an informed decision.

Complete our free pre-qualifier online or reach out to chat with one of our New Home Consultants.

Want to know more? Get your hands on our free info pack!

Disclaimer: The articles featured on this website are for general information purposes only and designed to help educate our readers. Any financial decision should be considered wisely with the help of a qualified professional and based on your own personal goals and financial circumstances. Always seek proper advice before committing to any course of financial action. This is information is not to be deemed as advice. View our full disclaimer.