Spring selling season is coming - what buyers should do now to get ready

Spring is consistently the busiest period of the year for Australian property, with more listings, open homes and competition than at any other time. For buyers who want to be in a strong position when the market picks up in September and October, August is the ideal time to prepare.

Getting ready now rather than scrambling once listings appear can make the difference between securing a property and missing out. Here is what to focus on over the coming weeks.

Get your finances assessed before listings arrive

Understanding your borrowing capacity before you start attending open homes is one of the most important steps a buyer can take. Without a clear number, it is easy to waste time looking at properties outside your price range or, worse, to find something you love and lose it while your finance is still being sorted. A pre-approval also signals to vendors and agents that you are a serious buyer, which matters in a competitive spring market.

Check your credit file now, not later

Your credit file is one of the first things a lender will review. If there are errors, outdated defaults or missed payments listed, finding out now gives you time to address them before you apply. Discovering a problem mid-application, when you are already under time pressure, is one of the more stressful situations a buyer can face. Credit reports are available from the major credit reporting agencies and take only a few minutes to request.

Review your deposit and factor in all the upfront costs

The deposit is only part of what you need to have ready at settlement. Stamp duty, legal and conveyancing fees, building and pest inspection costs, and any loan establishment fees all need to be accounted for. In most states, stamp duty alone can add tens of thousands of dollars to the upfront cost of a purchase. First home buyers should also confirm their eligibility for any applicable grants or concessions, as these can vary by state and property value.

Get clear on what you want before you start looking

Spring brings a flood of new listings, and it can be easy to get swept along without a clear picture of what you are looking for. Before spring starts, it is worth taking the time to define your non-negotiables, the things you genuinely cannot compromise on, versus your preferences, the things that would be nice but are not essential. Buyers who have done this work beforehand make faster, more confident decisions when the right property comes up.

A mortgage broker can help you compare your options before the spring market hits its stride.