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