In this special Q&A episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer sits down with property editor Liam Garman to tackle listeners’ top questions about navigating Australia’s challenging property market as a first-time buyer.

The episode covers everything from market dynamics to financial preparedness, with a strong focus on the importance of thorough property inspections, especially when buying apartments or new builds, which often come with hidden structural issues.

Liam urges buyers to favour established properties over off-the-plan ones, citing inflated prices, oversupply risks, and aggressive sales incentives in new developments.

Financial strategy is a key theme, with Liam recommending a 20 per cent deposit to avoid lender’s mortgage insurance and advising against prioritising student debt repayment over asset acquisition.

The show also explores saving tactics, suggesting short-term, practical methods like budgeting and taking on extra work, rather than investing in shares or super.

For those considering joint purchases, the hosts caution against buying with friends due to exit risks, instead recommending rentvesting for solo buyers.

They emphasise the need to treat the first property as a stepping stone, not a forever home, and stress the value of maintaining a financial buffer.