Articles
First home buyer guides for Geelong and the coast
Plain-English guides to grants, budgets and buying well in Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast, written and reviewed by Victoria Whittaker.
Grants, schemes and stamp duty · Where and what to buy · The buying process
Grants, schemes and stamp duty
What help is available, what it covers and how the price caps work.
First Home Owner Grant Geelong: What Can You Actually Claim?Buying your first home in Geelong? Understand Victoria’s First Home Owner Grant, stamp duty relief and how they differ from the 5% Deposit Scheme.Read article →
The 5% Deposit Scheme in Geelong: What First Home Buyers Need to KnowUnderstand the 5% Deposit Scheme in Geelong, including the $950,000 property cap, deposit examples and costs to allow for before you buy.Read article →
Is Torquay Regional for the 5% Deposit Scheme? Bellarine and Surf Coast Caps ExplainedCheck the 5% Deposit Scheme caps for Torquay, Jan Juc, Ocean Grove and Drysdale, and understand why “regional Victoria” can be confusing.Read article →
Stamp Duty for First Home Buyers in Victoria: Why Your Budget Threshold MattersUnderstand Victoria’s first home buyer stamp duty exemption up to $600,000, concessions up to $750,000 and how to check your buying costs.Read article →
Is the Victorian Homebuyer Fund Still Available in Geelong?The Victorian Homebuyer Fund is closed to new applications. Understand what this means for Geelong buyers and where to check current assistance.Read article →
Where and what to buy
Building a shortlist across Geelong, the Bellarine and the Surf Coast.
Best Geelong Suburbs for First Home Buyers: Where Should You Start?Comparing Geelong suburbs for your first home? Build a practical shortlist around budget, property type, commute and the costs beyond the purchase.Read article →
Houses Under $600,000 in Geelong: How to Search at $600k, $650k, $700k and $750kSearching for a Geelong home under $600k, $650k, $700k or $750k? Learn how to compare property types, buying costs and location compromises.Read article →
New Build or Established Home in Geelong: Is the First Home Owner Grant Worth Chasing?Compare a new build, house and land package or established Geelong home, including grant eligibility, extra costs, location and buying risks.Read article →
The buying process
From pre-approval to auction day, and deciding when to buy.
Buying Your First Home in Geelong: Broker, Pre-Approval and Buyer’s Advocate ExplainedUnderstand how a mortgage broker, conveyancer and buyer’s advocate help with your first Geelong purchase, from pre-approval to property selection.Read article →
First Home Buyer Auction Tips: How to Prepare for a Geelong AuctionPreparing for your first Geelong auction? Understand contract checks, finance, inspections and setting a firm bidding limit before auction day.Read article →
Is 2026 a Good Time to Buy in Geelong? A First Home Buyer’s PerspectiveShould you buy in Geelong in 2026 or wait? Consider your budget, holding period and property choice before relying on a house price forecast.Read article →