All I want for Christmas

Moving into their first home will be the best present for this young Tasmanian couple, writes Jarrad Bevan.

LIKE most first-time homebuyers, Kate and Dylan Cowen found there were hurdles to jump over to make their ownership dream come true. From the challenge of saving a deposit to learning on the fly about stamp duty or how to make a strong offer on a property that they liked, the couple navigated the process together and ultimately bought a home at Verona Sands in the Huon.

The 20 and 21-year-olds are set to get the keys to their first home in just a few days.

While living in Gordon and Cygnet, Miss Cowen said they had entertained the idea of moving closer to Hobart.

“We quickly found out that it wasn’t on the cards for us, because it is so expensive,” she said.

The Cowens started saving about two years ago, and through that time Miss Cowen said they were always looking at what was available.

It got more serious a few months ago.

“One of the first houses that we looked at, we put in an offer above the asking price, but it was rejected because it was not a cash offer,” she said.

“We decided we would not let that get us down, we would keep trying.”

The couple inspected a couple of homes in Verona Sands, but one felt like a better fit for them than the other, and comparing them helped seal the deal.

After they made their initial offer, the Cowens thought they wouldn’t secure the home, until they received a surprising phone call.

“We had thought that it was not meant to be, but within just a few hours it changed from missing out to having our offer accepted! It was awesome,” Miss Cowen said.

“We were on top of the world. “I was with my nan and pop at the time that we got the good news from Alison Rogers; it was a lovely family moment.”

LJ Hooker Pinnacle Property partner Alison Rogers said for some first homebuyers like Kate and Dylan, weighing up what they can afford versus where they want to live can see them focus their househunt outside of Hobart.

“It is a common situation, although that will depend on the buyer,” she said.

“Some people in their late 20s and early 30s will have well-paid jobs, no children, and their borrowing power can see them purchase first homes in the $600,000 and $700,000s.

“Young buyers might look further afield because Hobart’s property prices have grown exponentially in recent years.”

With their home settlement due on December 12, the Cowens will be in their first home for the festive season.

“It is exciting,” Miss Cowen said. “We love how spacious the house is, how close it is to the beach, and that it has a space where I can set up a gym.

“I love the water, diving and fishing, so it’ll be great to be so close to it.”

For other young buyers trying to get a foot in the door, Miss Cowen’s best tip was to start saving as soon as possible.

She said that while that can be a challenge when you are young, on an apprentice wage, or trying to rent while saving, every little bit counts.

“Start early. I tried to save as much as I could from 16 onward,” she said.

“It can feel too hard sometimes, especially when things come up that are unexpected or unlucky.

“My other tip would be to start buying the things you will need — pots, cutlery, even furniture — there’s always opportunities to get a good price.

“You’ll have to purchase all of those things at some point, and it’s better not to have to buy them all at once.”