From ‘not ready’ to keys in hand – Ed & Vic’s first home journey

When Ed and Vic first approached their bank in 2021, they were told they only had a third of the deposit they needed. Instead of giving up, they sought advice, tightened their finances, and kept looking for solutions.

“We didn’t know where to start,” Ed admits. “But Vic’s determination kept us going. She’d set a goal at 16 to own a house by 25, and she wasn’t going to let that slip.”

Their journey began in a cramped, cold rental that cost as much as a mortgage. With encouragement from friends and family, they started exploring their options and stumbled across a Faisandier development. Initially hesitant about buying off the plans, they found reassurance in Faisandier’s reputation as a trusted, family-run business.

“The credibility made a huge difference,” Vic explains. “We’d heard stories about off-the-plan purchases going wrong, but Faisandier kept us informed every step of the way.”

One of the biggest challenges they faced was navigating the financial process. After their initial setback with the first bank, they approached another lender and were pleasantly surprised.

“The second bank was much more willing to work with us,” Vic says. “We also made a lot of lifestyle changes, like cutting back on unnecessary spending, which made a big difference.”

During the 14 months between signing and settlement, they saved diligently and even moved in with family to reduce expenses.

“By the time settlement day arrived, we had a smaller mortgage and felt much more secure,” Ed says. “It’s a huge relief knowing we’re investing in our own future rather than paying off someone else’s mortgage.”

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Their advice?

Be persistent and explore all your options. “If the first bank says no, try another. And don’t be afraid to ask questions—your broker, lawyer, and developer are there to help you.”