Created especially for the Australian customer! Learn to: Find the perfect property for you Finance your dream Choose from an established home, brand-new property or a 'fixer-upper' Get your foot on the property ladder! Open the book and find: Strategies for getting your deposit together Pros and cons of buying a period home What's involved with becoming an owner builder Pitfalls to consider when buying 'off the plan' How to secure a home loan if you're self-employed Tactics to beat the auctioneersat their own game Unearth your dream home and negotiate the mortgage maze Do you search property websites, wondering whether a particular property could be your dream home? Do you feel like you're wasting money on rent but are confused by the world of real estate and real estate agents? Relax! This practical guide covers all aspects of buying property, from buying a piece of history to building from scratch to signing on the dotted line. Work out whether you're ready to buy find out whether you're ready for the commitment of buying property, financially and psychologically Focus in on the right property for you determine your 'must haves' and 'like to haves', and whether you'll need to make a trade-off between these and your preferred location Decide what kind of property you want discover if your best option is to buy off the plan, find an established property or build yourself Deal with property professionals cut through real estate agent spin and understand how buyers' agents work Find the right finance choose the home loan that suits you and your finances Negotiate a great deal move smoothly through the buying and settlement process, whether buying at auction or through private treaty sale