Tips for New Home Buyers in 2025

Owning your own home is a dream for many people, especially first-time buyers. In 2025, various changes in trends, policies, and economic conditions will create new challenges and opportunities in the property market. Therefore, first-time home buyers need to make smart and profitable decisions. In this article, we will discuss some practical tips for those of you who want to buy a home for the first time in 2025.

1. Determine a Realistic Budget

The first step is to ensure that the home purchase budget is following your financial capabilities. You can estimate your budget capabilities by calculating your monthly income – (routine expenses + accidental expenses + savings) which results can be used as an estimate of the allocation of funds for home instalments.

You can also use a mortgage simulation calculator to get an idea of ​​monthly instalments that match your income. Also include additional costs for buying a home such as property taxes, notary fees, insurance, and home maintenance costs that are often overlooked in the initial planning.

Pro Tips:

• You should try to have a reserve fund of at least 10-20% of the house price to cover unexpected costs.
• Avoid mortgages that exceed 30% of your income.

2. Consider Location Carefully

The location of the house is a crucial factor that not only affects the comfort of living but also plays a big role in increasing the value of the house in the future. Choose a location that makes it easy for you to meet your daily needs, such as being close to your workplace, school, shopping centre, hospital and other important facilities.

In addition, if you choose a location that is close to an area that is undergoing infrastructure development/construction such as in Artha Batam Sanctuary, it tends to increase the value of your property, especially when the construction is complete and operating for the public.

Pro Tips:

• Monitor the potential for development in the area, for example, the construction of flyovers/toll roads, road widening, and so on.
• Make sure the road to the housing can accommodate 2 vehicle lanes and allow for free passage, especially by vehicles related to emergency conditions such as Ambulances and Fire Engines.

3. Determine the Criteria for the House You Need

As a first-time home buyer, you need to have criteria for a house before starting your home search. Make a wishlist for the number of rooms, land area, additional facilities (such as a garden, garage, or balcony), and architectural style. Try to focus on the needs to support your family’s life in the future.

For example, if you work from home, then you need a comfortable workspace, or if you already have children, easy access to schools and play facilities is certainly part of your priority.

Pro Tips:

• If your budget is limited, prioritize needs over wants in determining the facilities provided in your home.
• Always consider buying a house that can be expanded or renovated.

4. Do Research on Developers and Property Projects

Buying a house from a trusted developer is one of the important steps to ensure the quality of the house and the security of the transaction. Do due diligence about the developer’s reputation by checking previous projects, reviews from their buyers, and what property certificates they will issue later.

A good developer usually provides transparency regarding the purchase process, handover time, and facilities provided in the housing complex.

Pro Tips:

• Visit directly to the housing projects that are built by the developer to see the quality.
• Check the completeness of the project’s legality such as land certificates and IMB

5. Consider the Potential for Future Development

The potential for infrastructure and facility development around the property will increase the value of your home in the future. Locations that are close to economic and transportation development centres tend to have faster property value increases compared to areas that are already densely populated and saturated/stagnant.

Pro Tips:

• Check the city plan and development plans around the area you are targeting.
• Find out about major infrastructure projects that are being or will be built in the area where the property you want is located.

6. Prepare an Emergency Fund

After buying a house, make sure you have sufficient emergency funds for unexpected things such as sudden repairs or renovation needs. In addition, it is important to have reserve funds during the home instalment period so that your finances remain stable.

Pro Tips:

• Set aside 10-20% of your income as an emergency fund.
• Also set aside a monthly regular home maintenance budget, especially if you buy a second-hand house.

7. Be Patient During the Home Search Process

Buying a home is a big decision that should not be done in a hurry. Take your time to do in-depth research, always compare several developers, and consider all aspects with your loved ones before making a final decision. Patience in going through the process will be the key to finding the home of your dreams and staying within your budget.

Conclusion

Buying a home for the first time is a big decision and step in life, especially with the various opportunities and challenges in the current property market. With careful planning, you can estimate that the house you will buy will not only suit your current needs but will also be a profitable investment in the future for your family.