Start by organising important documents such as your mortgage agreement, insurance policies, and receipts for upgrades. Understanding your home’s basic systems—like the water shut-off valve and circuit breakers—will help you respond quickly to issues.
Create an emergency fund to cover unexpected repairs, and take time to connect with your neighbours for support and community insights. Equip yourself with a basic toolbox for minor fixes, and complete small upgrades like painting or flooring before moving in.
Hold off on major renovations until you’ve lived in the space for a while, and focus on updates that add value, like kitchen improvements. Manage one project at a time to avoid being overwhelmed, and be conscious of energy use to keep utility bills low.
Smart planning now ensures a smooth start to homeownership.