MyStart

Owning a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

Wednesday, 20 May 2020

Building inspections and why they are an essential step in the home buying process.

We often get a lot of questions surrounding Building and pest inspections. So we spoke to Noel Floun... | Read More

Thursday, 9 April 2020

How to cut small expenses for big savings!

Have you ever looked at your bank statements and noticed a tally of little expenses spread throughou... | Read More

Friday, 27 March 2020

Upfront costs explained

Imagine this: You work so hard to save a deposit, only to fall just short due to some unexpected upf... | Read More

Starting Over Borrowing Tips Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Friday, 27 March 2020

HomeStart Finance pauses LPC to help South Australians onto property ladder

Forget paying large upfront costs when building or buying a new home - we have paused our LPC - from... | Read More

Friday, 16 November 2018

How a shared equity home loan can work for you

Compromise and buying a home go hand-in-hand. Finding a house that ticks all your boxes, including l... | Read More

Friday, 19 October 2018

What you need to know about property inspections

A building inspection can not only save you money by working out what improvements your potential ne... | Read More

First Home Buyer

Saving Tips Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Wednesday, 19 September 2018

How to pet proof your new home

Keep your home free from pet destruction with these quick and simple steps ... | Read More

Thursday, 3 May 2018

A survival guide for living with your adult children

Your child is officially grown up - they're over 18, can vote, drive a car and are studying or working towards becoming a self-sufficient member of society. In every sense of the word, they're an adult. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Budgeting First Home Buyer Home Loans

Thursday, 30 November 2017

Terms busted for first home buyers

The terms you need to understand when buying your first home. ... | Read More

Thursday, 24 August 2017

What comes first - the baby or the first home?

In the 70s the ‘norm' was to marry, buy your first and for women to have a baby in their early 20s. But times have changed! ... | Read More

Monday, 29 May 2017

How to buy your first home without a large deposit

You don't need 20% deposit to buy a home. Here are several ways to buy your first home without a large deposit. ... | Read More

Friday, 12 May 2017

First home buyers guide to the Federal Budget

Find out the Federal Budget measures that will impact first home buyers in Australia. ... | Read More

Finding a Home First Home Buyer

Friday, 21 April 2017

The up and coming Adelaide suburbs for first home buyers

Here are the Adelaide suburbs first home buyers should be looking at. ... | Read More

Tuesday, 11 April 2017

Where's the best place in Australia for first-time buyers?

Where you live has a huge impact on how easy it is to break into the housing market. So where is the best place in Australia for first-time buyers? ... | Read More

Friday, 10 March 2017

Should you lend for love?

Should parents lend to first home buyers and what are the risks of this act of love? ... | Read More

Wednesday, 1 March 2017

Home or wedding – what would you choose?

Buying your first home and getting married are two of the biggest financial commitments a couple can make together. What would you choose? ... | Read More

Tuesday, 21 February 2017

The five home truths every parent should share

We have the top five pieces of home buying advice every parent should teach their children. ... | Read More

Monday, 23 January 2017

Save thousands when buying your home

When buying a home, the lower the interest rate on your home loan the better - right? ... | Read More

Monday, 2 January 2017

Want your own home in 2017? Start planning now!

If your heart is set on buying a home in 2017 we've got some advice on how to realise your dream. ... | Read More

Friday, 16 December 2016

What AFL and media stars think about buying a home

South Australian AFL and media stars share their first-time home buying tips and what they would do differently. ... | Read More

Wednesday, 14 December 2016

The fastest way to buy a home

So you've decided it's time to buy a home and take that important step towards becoming a financially responsible adult. You jump online and run the sums. Reasonable income - tick. Houses in your price range - tick. Savings...BIG problem. ... | Read More

Building a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Monday, 15 August 2016

7 tips on where to get your home loan advice

There's a lot of information out there about home loans. But where to start? We've got some tips to help you know your options when it comes to getting advice about home finance. ... | Read More

Thursday, 11 August 2016

Why now is a great time to buy an apartment, off the plan

With the extension of stamp duty concessions, there's never been a better time for first home buyers to get into their own off-the-plan apartment. ... | Read More

Tuesday, 2 August 2016

What would you do with $20,000

If you were handed $20,000 in cash, how would you use it? That was the question put to 250 South Australian home buyers in our First Home Buyer Confidence Index. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Borrowing Tips First Home Buyer

Thursday, 5 May 2016

The sometimes-forgotten costs of buying a home

The first thing we think about when we're saving to buy a home is the deposit. But there are some extra costs to keep in mind when you're buying a property. Check out our list so you know what you're saving for. ... | Read More

Tuesday, 3 May 2016

8 tips to get ready for a home loan

Are you thinking about buying a home. but feeling a little daunted about taking on a mortgage? Being prepared is the key to feeling confident, so we've got some tips on how you can get yourself financially prepared for a home loan. ... | Read More

Buying Tips Finding a Home First Home Buyer

Monday, 2 May 2016

6 tips to find the right hood to call home

Whether you're looking for a new place to rent or buy, finding the right suburb to live in is a big decision. And while we all have our own opinions about what makes a neighbourhood great, it pays to do your research so you can feel confident about m ... | Read More

Owning a Home Building a Home First Home Buyer

Friday, 22 April 2016

How to pick the perfect tradie

Having a trusted tradie is like having a good hairdresser or GP - once you find one, you won't want to let go. But how do you find the right tradesperson for the job? ... | Read More

First Home Buyer Home Loans

Thursday, 4 February 2016

Applying for a home loan

The application process to buy your own home can be pretty overwhelming. Don't stress. We've got some handy tips to get you on your way. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

Monday, 1 February 2016

Making the most of renting (before you buy your own home!)

Renting can really suck. And our survey explains what annoys renters the most! But while you're saving for your own home, here's some tips to help you make the most of your rental situation. ... | Read More

Buying Tips Finding a Home First Home Buyer Home Loans

Friday, 29 January 2016

Avoiding home loan mistakes

Applying for a home loan can be really confusing, and it's easy to make mistakes along the way. We've got some tips to help you avoid the bad stuff when it comes to your home loan. ... | Read More

Finding a Home First Home Buyer Home Loans

Thursday, 28 January 2016

Why first home buyers want to live by the beach

Everyone has that ‘dream suburb' they would love to live in, and we wanted to know what they were for first home buyers. Turns out the beach is where it's at. ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips Budgeting Buying Tips Finding a Home First Home Buyer Home Loans

Tuesday, 12 January 2016

The frustrations of renters

If you have ever rented a home before, you'll know that it comes with limitations. We asked home buyers and homeowners what their biggest frustrations with renting have been. ... | Read More

Building a Home Buying Tips Finding a Home First Home Buyer Home Loans

Sunday, 10 January 2016

Getting arty in your home

Artwork is a great way to bring a room to life, adding interest and beauty to your home. But where do you start when trying to choose art? Don't stress. We've got you sorted! ... | Read More

Thursday, 7 January 2016

Beach suburbs are so hot right now

HomeStart research shows that buying a home within Adelaide's beachside suburbs tops the wish list for homebuyers. ... | Read More

Owning a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

Monday, 4 January 2016

Home ownership makes perfect cents

Turns out that the majority of young South Australians believe that buying a home is one of the best financial decisions they will ever make. Well, aren't you glad you bought your own home! ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips Buying Tips Finding a Home First Home Buyer Home Loans

Sunday, 3 January 2016

How to throw a killer garage sale

The start of the New Year is a good time to rid your home of clutter and make some extra cash to boost your savings. And a great garage sale is the perfect way to do it. Here are some tips to get you started. ... | Read More

Monday, 2 November 2015

Your guide to auctions

Auctions can be pretty daunting for first home buyers, particularly with all the excitement and expectations about getting into your own home. Don't stress - we've got some tips for you to consider, and help get you started before auction day. ... | Read More

Owning a Home First Home Buyer Home Loans

Sunday, 1 November 2015

6 housewarming presents people actually want

Owning a home is possibly the largest investment you'll ever make. So it's important to ensure that your insurance cover will deliver on your expectations. ... | Read More

Monday, 5 October 2015

Home owners: breathe a sigh of relief

It is a well-known fact that breaking into home ownership is a growing challenge for young South Australians. However, more unknown is how the challenge of entering the housing market has impacted the mindsets of young homebuyers in the state. ... | Read More

Monday, 5 October 2015

Don’t fear your finances

If a fear of your financial state is making you want to avoid opening your bills or looking at your bank statement, you're not alone. ... | Read More

Sunday, 2 August 2015

What does your garden say about you?

For some people, gardening is a hobby, while for others, it's an art form. Styling your garden is a way to channel your passion and imagination, and add value to your home at the same time. ... | Read More

Tuesday, 28 July 2015

Guide to hidden home buying costs

It's important to get the whole picture when it comes to the costs associated with buying your own home, so there are no surprises along the way! ... | Read More

Thursday, 30 April 2015

What is LMI and why do you have to pay it?

LMI stands for Lenders Mortgage Insurance and it is designed to provide lenders (banks and home finance providers) with an extra level of protection in case the borrower defaults on (can't repay) their loan. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Ask the CEO Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Tuesday, 21 April 2015

Call in the conveyancer

What happens after you make an offer on a home and it gets accepted? This is the stage that every homebuyer should have a conveyancer ready to step-in. ... | Read More

Sunday, 22 February 2015

Beating upfront costs

So, you've made the decision to buy your own home. How exciting! But before you can start picking out paint colours for the new house, you will need to work out how much money is required for the deposit and other upfront costs. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Ask the CEO Finding a Home First Home Buyer

Thursday, 19 February 2015

Fuel your deposit with petrol savings

Falling petrol prices and February's official interest rate cut have both provided some much needed breathing space for household budgets. ... | Read More

Saving Tips First Home Buyer

Monday, 12 January 2015

Get your homeownership plans on track

With house prices continuing the steady march upwards and the challenge to overcome upfront purchase costs as great as ever, buying a home isn't likely to get any easier in 2015. ... | Read More

Owning a Home Budgeting Building a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

Monday, 12 January 2015

Adelaide's North - hottest first homebuyer region

Adelaide's first homebuyers are rushing north with affordable housing and an abundance of cheaper land providing ideal buying conditions. ... | Read More

Thursday, 8 January 2015

Managing your home loan

While the focus can be on getting into your own home sooner, it's equally as important to consider how you will manage your home loan once you have one. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Budgeting First Home Buyer

Tuesday, 9 December 2014

Avoiding costly mortgage insurance

When shopping around for a home loan, unless you have saved a deposit of at least 20%, chances are you will encounter Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). ... | Read More

Sunday, 7 December 2014

Beating Christmas finance stress

Extra costs at Christmas can make it harder to meet regular home loan repayments, or derail your home-buying savings goal. John Oliver shares some tips on how to keep your Christmas spending in check. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO First Home Buyer

Wednesday, 3 December 2014

Choosing the right broker

Brokers have become one of the most popular ways for home buyers to source a home loan. But how do you choose a broker that is right for you? John Oliver shares some tips to get you started. 1. ASK your friends and family for recommendations. Many ... | Read More

Wednesday, 26 November 2014

Dispelling myths in the rent vs buy debate

With rising house prices and declining affordability, particularly for first homebuyers, there's been a growing chorus of backers advocating the benefits of renting over buying a home - what should we believe? ... | Read More

Saving Tips Borrowing Tips Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

Monday, 17 November 2014

Unusual Video - Sooner Portraits

Nic Maumill, Copywriter/Art Director at Showpony Advertising, shares his insights on our somewhat unusual video about getting into your own home sooner! ... | Read More

Friday, 31 October 2014

Graduating into home ownership

Each year, HomeStart conducts research with first homebuyers to understand, among other things, what the greates barriers to owning a home are. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Borrowing Tips Budgeting First Home Buyer Home Loans

Thursday, 23 October 2014

How much will I need upfront?

Buying your first home is a great achievement but the upfront costs can make it difficult to get started. ... | Read More

Monday, 29 September 2014

It's our 25th birthday!

To celebrate 25 years and helping 65,000 households into home ownership, HomeStart went back to where it all began and spoke with its very first customers from 1989. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Borrowing Tips Budgeting First Home Buyer

Monday, 29 September 2014

Spring into action!

Spring has sprung, so get out the elbow grease and give your house a thorough spring clean to give some love back to your home, as well as your investment. We've got some tips on where to start... ... | Read More

Sunday, 7 September 2014

Budgeting for 20 somethings

Tips for graduates on budgeting after school or uni; how to save while paying off your HECS. ... | Read More

Tuesday, 2 September 2014

Enjoy the benefits of home ownership

For yet to be home buyers stuck in a rental cycle, John Oliver outlines eight reasons to get your home ownership journey moving. . ... | Read More

Saving Tips Budgeting First Home Buyer

Tuesday, 2 September 2014

Think twice before loaning for love

With today's cost of living, there is a huge amount of pressure on parents to help their kids get a financial leg up in life - particularly when it comes to entering the housing market. ... | Read More

Friday, 1 August 2014

Saving your first deposit

The path to home ownership starts with saving for your first home deposit. For many, it requires a new attitude to financial responsibility and learning some new financial techniques to make your savings grow. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO Finding a Home First Home Buyer

Tuesday, 22 July 2014

The truth about home ownership

It's no secret that homebuyers face significant barriers when it comes to home ownership. But a quick review of HomeStart's annual Home Truths survey paints a refreshingly positive attitude. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Ask the CEO Borrowing Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

Tuesday, 22 July 2014

Choosing a loan that fits

With hundreds of home loan options out there, how do you choose one that's right for your situation? HomeStart's John Oliver offers some tips on what you should look out for. ... | Read More

Owning a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

Saturday, 12 July 2014

Loan repayments explained

Home loans come with different types of loan repayments. It's important to understand the different options, so you can chose the repayment type that best suits you. ... | Read More

Thursday, 3 July 2014

Owning your piece of the puzzle

There are two forms of joint ownership so it's important to know the difference to be able to choose what's best for you. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Ask the CEO Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Thursday, 26 June 2014

Putting money in your home

HomeStart's John Oliver looks at some of the many features that add value to your home whether you are looking to buy or sell. ... | Read More

Thursday, 26 June 2014

Avoid costly mistakes when buying a home

Buying a house can be complicated. HomeStart's John Oliver offers tips to help avoid common mistakes so you can save on time and money. ... | Read More

First Home Buyer Home Loans

Tuesday, 20 May 2014

Should you buy before 1 July 2014?

The end of the $5,000 First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) for established homes on 30 June 2014 marks the first time in years that there hasn't been assistance available for purchasing existing homes. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO Borrowing Tips Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Thursday, 8 May 2014

Getting started in the market

For many recent graduates, leaving university is an exciting time.You've got the degree, you've started your working career - now it's time to finally move out of your parents' place or that crowded share-house. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Ask the CEO Building a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Monday, 5 May 2014

8 Steps to your own home

Dreaming of owning a home? HomeStart's John Oliver gives you a step-by-step guide to make it happen sooner. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Ask the CEO First Home Buyer Home Loans

Thursday, 1 May 2014

Research can save you thousands

Doing some upfront research when buying a home can get you into your home sooner, and also save you money. HomeStart's John Oliver takes you through some of the factors to consider. ... | Read More

Starting Over Ask the CEO First Home Buyer

Tuesday, 1 April 2014

How buying a home has changed their lives

Home ownership is a great achievement. You can watch how it's changed the lives of some of Homestart's customers. ... | Read More

Sunday, 30 March 2014

Top tips for single parents

Starting again as a single parent can really stretch the budget, but that doesn't mean you can't buy a home of your own. HomeStart's John Oliver has these tips to help. ... | Read More

Owning a Home Borrowing Tips Building a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

Friday, 28 March 2014

What do HomeStart customers say?

Are you interested in what others have to say about their HomeStart experience? Then take a look right here and listen to Moira's story. While working as a nurse and juggling single motherhood... ... | Read More

Starting Over Borrowing Tips Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans Managing Credit

Thursday, 27 March 2014

Why your credit report matters

Your credit history is an important element of consideration for your home loan approval. It can indicate to your potential lender your previous history with credit commitments, including any defaults, missed repayments or history of bankruptcy. ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

Thursday, 13 March 2014

8 questions to ask your lender

If you're booked in for a loan interview and wonder what you should ask, here are a few tips to help. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Borrowing Tips Budgeting Building a Home First Home Buyer

Thursday, 13 March 2014

Don’t get caught out by extra costs

Buying or building a home is one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, so it's important to be aware of all of the costs involved. Let's explore some of the less obvious costs so you can prepare and budget for them. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO Borrowing Tips Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

Wednesday, 12 March 2014

What is a valuation?

Despite house valuations being an essential part of almost every home loan application, many people are often unaware of their purpose, how they work and the role they play in getting your home loan approved so here's some insight from HomeStart CEO, ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips Building a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Thursday, 2 January 2014

First home owner grants

First home buyers can apply for government grants to help them into home ownership. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Ask the CEO First Home Buyer

Wednesday, 11 December 2013

Curb your holiday spending

HomeStart's John Oliver shares his tips on how to ensure Christmas spending doesn't derail your savings goal for buying a home. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Ask the CEO First Home Buyer

Wednesday, 11 December 2013

Get started in 2014

Have you made a New Year's resolution to buy your own home in 2014? HomeStart's John Oliver shares his tips on how to reach your goal sooner. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Budgeting First Home Buyer

Tuesday, 22 October 2013

How to save through Christmas

Christmas is predictably an expensive time for any household budget. There are plenty of gifts to give and food to share and none of it comes cheap. Planning is the key... ... | Read More

Saving Tips Ask the CEO Budgeting First Home Buyer

Friday, 6 September 2013

A fear of finances

If a fear of your financial state is making you want to avoid opening your bills or looking at your bank statement, you're not alone. ... | Read More

Ask the CEO Building a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Thursday, 5 September 2013

Picking between buying or building

Are you a first home buyer trying to work out whether to buy or build? HomeStart's John Oliver has these top tips to help. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Budgeting First Home Buyer Managing Credit

Monday, 26 August 2013

What’s your money personality?

We are all individual with different personalities and habits that influence how we live our lives, including the way that we handle money. Understanding the traits of your ‘money personality' could help you manage your finances by recognising ... | Read More

Building a Home Buying Tips Finding a Home First Home Buyer Home Loans

Wednesday, 24 July 2013

Real estate in South Australia

If you're looking to buy a home, it's an opportune time to do some research and learn more about the real estate in South Australia. ... | Read More

Saving Tips Borrowing Tips Budgeting First Home Buyer Managing Credit

Wednesday, 24 July 2013

Calculate all your questions

Hate doing the maths? We can help you calculate! Whether you're trying to find out how much you can borrow to buy a home, how much you'll need upfront or where your spending leaks are, there's a calculator to help. ... | Read More

Borrowing Tips Buying Tips Finding a Home First Home Buyer

Wednesday, 27 March 2013

Buying with confidence

Securing pre-approved finance could mean the difference between just finding your dream home and actually being able to buy it. ... | Read More

Owning a Home Starting Over Borrowing Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

Thursday, 21 March 2013

What is equity?

If you're just getting started in the property market, you'll hear the word ‘equity' come up frequently. So, what is it? ... | Read More

Monday, 4 February 2013

3 things to avoid at a loan interview

Imagine you've finally got to loan interview stage, know what you need to bring, and think you're all set to be approved for a home loan. So what could go wrong? We asked our lending consultants the three most common reasons loans are declined at int ... | Read More

Monday, 12 November 2012

SA mortgage repayments under national average

New 2011 Census figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show South Aussies' mortgage repayments are 20% below the national average of $1,800 a month. ... | Read More

Wednesday, 11 July 2012

Share your ideas for MyStart!

Are you looking for more information about home ownership? Is there a topic you'd like to read more about? Why not email us your suggestions! ... | Read More

Friday, 8 June 2012

Budgeting tips from home owners

Watch this video for budgeting tips from home owners who've been in your shoes. ... | Read More

Buying Tips Finding a Home First Home Buyer

Wednesday, 30 May 2012

How to buy a house

Watch the key stages of buying a house through sale by negotiation. When buying a house through a sale by negotiation, the real estate agent will give you a Notice of Offer form. Use the form to state the price you are offering for the house, review ... | Read More

Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Finding a house

Watch Vikki, Lending Team Leader at HomeStart, discuss the questions you need to ask yourself when looking for a home. Be prepared when buying a house by doing your research, asking lots of questions, and decide what's important to you such as si ... | Read More

Friday, 25 May 2012

Building inspection

HomeStart explains what is involved in getting a building inspection when buying a home, and how this could save you a lot of money in the future. ... | Read More

Building a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer

Thursday, 24 May 2012

Benefits of owning a home

Watch John Oliver, CEO of HomeStart, discuss the key benefits of buying a home, such as providing financial security and flexibility to turn a house into a home with your own personal touches. ... | Read More

Wednesday, 23 May 2012

The role of the Conveyancer

Conveyancers are property specialists, who handle the legal transfer of property or land. A conveyancer will provide you with services including advice about your contract, document checks, ordering Government searches and legal documentation prepara ... | Read More

Building a Home Buying Tips First Home Buyer Home Loans

Tuesday, 22 May 2012

What is LVR?

HomeStart's Lending Team Leader, Vikki, explains the Loan to Value Ratio (LVR). LVR is the percentage that the bank or lender is willing to lend towards the purchase of a new home. ... | Read More

Thursday, 17 May 2012

Home buying tips

Don't know what an LVR is? Weighing up the pros and cons of home ownership? Here's a series of short videos to help you find the answers to some of the most common questions about buying a home. ... | Read More

Thursday, 29 March 2012

3 tips for first home buyers

The journey to home ownership can be daunting, especially if you're not familiar with the process of buying a home. Here are 3 tips to help you get prepared. ... | Read More

Thursday, 29 March 2012

3 tips to a smooth loan interview

Applying for a loan is crucial to getting started on the home ownership journey. To get the loan, you'll need to meet with a lender who'll assess your eligibility. The better prepared you are for this loan interview, the smoother the process will be. ... | Read More

Thursday, 29 March 2012

3 tips for first home buyers

The journey to home ownership can be daunting, especially if you're not familiar with the process of buying a home. Here are 3 tips to help you get prepared. ... | Read More