In a world where headlines scream uncertainty - whether it’s Trump’s tariffs, Reserve Bank interest rate shifts, global share market volatility, or soaring costs of groceries and electricity - it’s easy to feel like home ownership is an impossible dream. Add in conflicting media commentary (“Don’t buy, prices are falling” vs. “Buy now before they rise!”), it’s no wonder many potential buyers are feeling paralysed by indecision.

But amidst the chaos, one enduring truth remains: your best strategy is to control the controllables.

Let’s face it - there will never be a perfect time to buy property. There will always be elections (like the recent federal one), global economic shifts, and strong opinions from every direction. Yet despite all this noise, Australia currently enjoys a stable government and low unemployment. For many, this provides a rare moment of relative economic confidence to make a move - particularly for first-time buyers.

One government initiative currently under the spotlight is the 5% deposit scheme. Critics call it reckless, warning it may push prices higher or place buyers under financial stress. But is that the full story?

For buyers willing to act prudently, it could be a useful stepping stone. The key is resisting the temptation to buy a property at the edge of your budget. Instead, buy what you can comfortably afford, not the biggest house you can stretch to. Your first property doesn’t have to be your dream home. It’s a stepping stone, a platform for building equity and financial confidence. The smaller the loan, the faster you can reduce the principal, and the better your position will be when it's time to upgrade.

Another overlooked factor is the support network many first home buyers have, including the socalled “Bank of Mum and Dad.” But rather than parents handing over a lump sum (which may jeopardise their own retirement), it might be more sustainable for them to act as a financial backstop - available only if unexpected short-term problems arise.

Don’t forget about the generous support already in place for first home buyers: the First Home Owner Grant and stamp duty concessions. Stamp duty in particular represents a significant cost saving, freeing up more funds for genuine investment in your home and lifestyle.

Yes, there’s risk in buying property. But let’s not ignore the risks of renting, either. Rents increase regularly or you can be forced to move at any time if the owner’s situation changes. As you get older, start a family, or look to settle down, these uncertainties become more disruptive and emotionally taxing.

Home ownership offers stability. It gives you control. It roots you in a community. If the experts are right and property values do continue to rise, you stand to benefit from the capital growth - tax free if it’s your principal place of residence. That growing equity will be your ticket to a better home, a better location, or both.

Building wealth through property doesn’t happen overnight. Buy smart, stay patient, and repeat the process over time. As you climb the property ladder, each step becomes easier, especially when you're not maxed out from the beginning.

So block out the noise. You don’t need to predict global markets or decode political commentary to make a good decision. What you can do is focus on your budget, your long-term plan, and your own values. Control what you can. Buy what you can afford and take your first step on your terms.