First Home Buyer Tips: Why Off the Plan Can Help You Break into the Market
For many Australians, saving a deposit and entering the property market feels like an uphill battle, especially with rising property prices and the cost of living continuing to climb. But there’s a path that’s often overlooked by first home buyers: buying off the plan.
At Crest Property Investments, we’ve seen first hand how this strategy can make home ownership more achievable – particularly for those struggling to keep up with the market while they save.
Here’s why buying off the plan could be the key to helping you break into the market sooner.
1. Secure Today’s Price – Settle Later
One of the biggest advantages of buying off the plan is that you lock in the purchase price at today’s value, even though settlement may not occur for another 12-24 months.
If the market continues to rise during construction, you’ll effectively gain equity before you even move in – a head start that traditional buyers don’t often get.
This can be a game-changer for first home buyers trying to beat rising prices.
2. More Time to Save
Because construction takes time, you’ll have additional months (or even a year or more) before your property is complete. This gives you extra breathing room to:
- Save more towards your loan or moving costs
- Pay down other debts
- Strengthen your financial position before settlement
By the time your home is ready, you’ll often find yourself in a better financial position than when you first signed the contract.
3. Lower Upfront Costs
Buying off the plan can often mean reduced upfront costs, thanks to:
- Lower deposits (sometimes as little as 5–10%)
- Stamp duty savings – in many cases, first home buyers may pay reduced or no stamp duty on new or off the- plan properties
These savings can make a significant difference in getting your foot in the door sooner
4. Government Incentives and Grants
First home buyers are often eligible for state and federal government incentives, such as:
- The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)
- Stamp duty concessions
- The First Home Guarantee (allowing eligible buyers to purchase with as little as a 5% deposit without Lenders Mortgage Insurance)
- These incentives can combine to make an off the plan purchase even more affordable, especially when you’re buying a brand-new home or apartment
5. Move into a Brand-New Home
Buying off the plan means everything is fresh and under warranty including; new appliances, fittings, and finishes. You won’t face the costly repairs or maintenance issues that can come with older properties.
This helps you start home ownership on the right foot, without surprise expenses.
6. The Long-Term Advantage
Off the plan purchases can be a strategic first step for buyers wanting to enter the market, gain equity, and eventually leverage that property towards a future upgrade or investment.
For many, it’s not just a first home – it’s the beginning of a wealth building journey.
Final Thoughts
Breaking into the property market isn’t easy, but buying off the plan can give first home buyers an edge. It offers flexibility, savings, and the opportunity to benefit from future market growth – all while moving into a brand-new home tailored to your lifestyle.
At Crest Property Investments, we specialise in helping first home buyers find quality brand new and off the plan homes that align with their goals and budget.
If you’re ready to explore your first home options, get in touch with us today – we’ll guide you through the process from search to settlement.
Our YouTube channel and Market Insights also provide a wealth of information to assist you with many areas relating to property.
While we have taken care to ensure the information above is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances and legislation after the displayed date may impact the accuracy of this article. If you want to learn more, please contact us. We welcome the opportunity to assist you.
November 2025
