Your first home purchase can influence your lifestyle and financial security for years to come. Beyond mere practical considerations, this choice affects aspirations, dreams and your feeling of security in the place you’ll call home. For many people, a starter home provides an affordable way to become a homeowner, a first step in accumulating equity and creating a future. Purchasing a forever home right away offers some people the long-term security and stability they desire.
With our dedication to helping first-home buyers, we offer expertise, understanding, and insight into what makes a house a home. Whether you decide to move immediately into a forever home or to use a starter as a stepping stone, your decision should complement your current circumstances while keeping your aspirations for the future in mind. With our support and direction, this process becomes clear and purposeful, bringing you one step closer to a house that genuinely fits your goals and identity.
What Is A Starter Home?
Starter homes are usually smaller and more reasonably priced entry-level properties that are attainable for first-time purchasers. These residences are typically chosen with the knowledge that the buyer may someday need more room or want to move to what will be a more permanent residence. For individuals or young families who are just starting their homeownership journey, starter homes – which are typically condos, townhomes, or modest single-family houses – are perfect. Their affordability, ease of upkeep, and possibility for resale when the homeowner’s requirements and finances change, are the key factors that influence their selection.
What Is A Forever Home?
A forever home is a property that most buyers would plan to occupy for an extended period of time, possibly for the remainder of their lives. In contrast to a starter home, a forever home is selected with more long-term requirements in mind, like sufficient room for a growing family, accessibility to desired schools or places of employment, and features that fit the homeowner’s desired lifestyle. Since this home satisfies both present and future demands, there is no need to “upgrade” later.
Starter Home Vs Forever Home
Starter Homes
Pros
- Affordability: First-time buyers can more easily enter the real-estate market because starter homes are often less expensive.
- Reduced maintenance costs: Utility bills and upkeep are frequently lower in smaller spaces.
- Flexibility: Purchasing a starter home might help consumers accumulate equity and possibly upgrade to a larger home.
- Potential for investment: The starter home may turn into a profitable rental property if you choose to keep it when you move.
Cons
- Limited space: Because starter houses are often smaller, they might not be the best option for expanding families or people who require additional space.
- Fewer options for customisation: People with smaller resources may not be as free to make major modifications to their homes.
- May need to move sooner: You could outgrow a beginner home faster if your needs change, which could mean another transfer.
- Resale considerations: The value of certain starter houses may be affected by their less attractive locations.
Forever Homes
Pros
- Long-term comfort: Such homes are chosen with the buyer’s present and future requirements in mind, fostering a feeling of security.
- Possibilities for customisation: Purchasers are more willing to spend money on improvements and modifications to make the house their own.
- Fewer moves: Having a forever home usually reduces the need to relocate, which saves money and labour over time.
- Community and roots: A lot of purchasers search for lifelong residences in communities where they hope to establish lasting relationships.
Cons
- Higher costs: Since forever homes are typically larger with more amenities, they may come with higher mortgages and related expenses.
- Long-term commitment: It’s more difficult to reverse course if your career or lifestyle changes once you commit to a forever home.
- Maintenance: Upkeep and repairs are frequently more of a burden for larger homes with customised amenities.
- Market dependency: You’re more vulnerable to changes in the real-estate market if you want to stay for a long time, which could have an impact on the home’s worth if and when you decide to sell.
Questions To Ask Yourself Before Making The Decision
Should I Skip The Starter Home?
Starter homes are usually more reasonably priced, entry-level choices. But as real-estate values climb, some buyers are choosing to move directly into a forever home rather than a starter home, in order to save money on moving expenses and any price increases. If you’re financially ready to take on a higher mortgage and have a clear idea of where you want to settle long-term, skipping the starter home may save you money in the long run. For others, a starter home can be a more practical stepping stone, allowing you to build equity and eventually upgrade when circumstances allow.
How Much Can I Afford?
Calculating your budget is essential in any home purchase, especially given Australia’s high property prices in major cities. Financial experts recommend that housing costs, including mortgage repayments, property taxes, and insurance, should not exceed 30% of your gross income. You’ll also need to consider stamp duty, any lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) if your deposit is below 20%, and ongoing rates and utilities. Consulting with a mortgage broker can help you understand your borrowing power, which is crucial in markets like Sydney or Melbourne, where prices are higher.
How Long Am I Going To Stay In This Home?
The time you plan to stay in the home greatly impacts whether a starter or forever home is right for you. For shorter stays (five years or less), a starter home may be more economical, especially with costs like stamp duty and potential capital gains taxes when selling. But if you’re planning to stay in one place for seven years or more, investing in a forever home can save you from repeat transactions, moving costs, and potentially benefiting from future price appreciation. Long-term ownership is often more cost-effective, particularly in stable or high-growth areas in Australia.
How Do Current Market Trends Affect My Buying Decision?
Australia’s property market fluctuates, influenced by factors like interest rate changes, government incentives, and regional demand. Low interest rates can increase borrowing power, making it easier to afford a forever home, while high rates may limit your options. Additionally, government grants or concessions for first-home buyers could affect your decision; programs like the First Home Guarantee can make a starter home more attractive with only a 5% deposit. Keeping an eye on these trends and speaking with an expert can help determine the best time to buy.
Do The Location And House Suit Your Current And Future Needs?
Location is a big consideration, especially with property value differences between urban, suburban, and regional areas. A starter home may be more affordable but in a less desirable area or farther from work, family or preferred schools. A forever home, however, is typically chosen with future needs in mind. If the area is experiencing infrastructure development (like the Western Sydney Airport or Melbourne’s Suburban Rail Loop), this can increase the area’s desirability and future property values.
How Does This Decision Align With My Lifestyle?
Your home should support your lifestyle now and in the future. For instance, if you prefer a low-maintenance lifestyle and value flexibility, a starter home in an apartment or townhouse might be ideal, especially in urban areas. But if you want more space or to settle down for the long haul, a larger home in a family-friendly suburb could be more appealing. Reflect on how your lifestyle aligns with this decision. If you’re likely to travel or work interstate, or if your family will grow, these considerations can affect your choice.
Is Renovation Or Remodelling An Option?
Renovation potential is another factor, especially for older homes. If you’re considering a starter home, budget-friendly renovations might be a way to personalise it without overcommitting financially. However, a forever home offers more flexibility to invest in upgrades that add comfort and value over time, which is ideal if you’re settling down. Keep in mind that council regulations and heritage overlays in certain neighbourhoods could affect renovation plans, so be sure to check these before deciding.
Need Expert Guidance?
The most important takeaway for first-time buyers is that your first home doesn’t need to be your forever home, it just needs to be a smart investment that works for your current situation. By focusing on getting onto the property ladder, building equity, and staying flexible with your future plans, you position yourself for greater opportunities down the road.
At Home Loan Experts, we’ve supported thousands of first-home buyers in getting approved for their mortgages. Whether you’re looking for advice, or need help with the approval process, we’re passionate about making your journey easier and increasing your chances of success.
Call us today at 1300 889 743, or complete our free online assessment form to get personalised guidance and take that first step.
Success Stories: Homeowners Who Didn’t Buy Their Forever Home First
Danica And Tom: From Starter Home To Dream Home
Danica and Tom were in their early 30s when they purchased their first home, in Crace, a suburb of Canberra. They were looking for a property that could accommodate their growing family without breaking the bank. The three-bedroom house they bought was slightly farther out than they had originally hoped, but it fit within their budget and offered room for their future children.
Knowing that it wasn’t their forever home, they approached the purchase with a pragmatic mindset. Five years and two children later, their home had increased in value, allowing them to sell it for a good profit. With the equity they had built, Danica and Tom were able to upgrade to a larger home in a more desirable location closer to the city.
This move wouldn’t have been possible if they had waited for the perfect home from the start. Instead, by entering the property market early and buying a starter home, they were able to make a smart financial decision that led to their forever home.
Joanne: Building Wealth One Home At A Time
Joanne purchased her first home, a one-bedroom apartment in Belconnen, in regional ACT, in her late 20s. While the apartment wasn’t her ideal living situation, it allowed her to get a foot on the property ladder. Knowing that her starter home wouldn’t be permanent, Joanne approached the purchase with a focus on building equity.
After a few years, Joanne and her partner sold the property for a profit and used the funds to upgrade to a larger two-bedroom apartment. This also wasn’t a forever home, but it allowed them to continue building wealth while enjoying a more comfortable living situation.
Over time, Joanne turned her property investments into a wealth-building strategy, eventually purchasing a block of land for development. Today, she’s working on a multi-unit project that will provide her with rental income and financial freedom, all thanks to her decision to enter the market early with a starter home.