For many first home buyers, Christmas break is the first real chance all year to slow down, reassess goals, and map out what the next 12 months could look like. If a home purchase is on your radar for 2026, the steps you take now can make a meaningful difference to your borrowing capacity and confidence when the right property appears.

Based on conversations we have been having recently with first home buyers, including young couples, growing families, and clients navigating casual or self-employed incomes, here are a few practical ways to use the summer break to get ahead.

1. Understand What Your Deposit Looks Like

Most first home buyers aim for a deposit between 5 and 10 per cent, plus costs. The best place to start is by understanding where your savings currently sit and whether they’re considered genuine savings.
Over the holidays, take an hour to review your bank accounts, set up a dedicated savings account, and map out what you can comfortably contribute each pay cycle. Even small, consistent deposits help build stronger lending options by the time you're ready to apply.

2. Know What Lenders Look for in Borrowing Capacity

Borrowing capacity is more than just income. Lenders will look closely at:

• Employment stability, including hours worked and length of service
• Living expenses (validated through bank statements)
• Any existing debts or buy-now-pay-later commitments
• Whether your current spending is sustainable long-term

This is why the Christmas period is a great time to tidy up your accounts, minimise unnecessary spending, and ensure your financial picture reflects the habits you want a lender to see in 2026.

3. Hold Off on the New Car (If You Can)

One of the most common surprises for first home buyers is the impact a car loan can have on borrowing power. Even a modest car repayment can reduce your lending capacity by tens of thousands of dollars.
If you’re considering upgrading your car, it might be worth delaying the purchase until after you’ve secured your home loan. For many clients we have worked with recently, this single decision has been the difference between buying their preferred home or having to lower their price range.

4. Get Familiar with Realistic local Price Guides

The Toowoomba and Darling downs market remains competitive, particularly in the $600,000 to $700,000 range, where many first home buyers are looking.
Over the holiday season, keep an eye on local listings and attend open homes if you can. Focus less on the asking price and more on recent comparable sales to build an accurate picture of what properties are actually selling for.
Understanding the market now will make your search in 2026 and 2027 far more efficient.

If 2026 Is Your Year to Buy, Start Preparing Now

Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, and preparation really does make the process smoother. The Christmas break offers the perfect window to reflect, organise, and set yourself up for success.
If you’d like help understanding what you can borrow, how your deposit is tracking, or what steps to prioritise first, we are always happy to guide you through it.