Raji and Vardhana, Ingle Farm

“We never imagined owning a home close to the city would be possible within our budget – until HomeSeeker SA showed us the way.”

For Vardhana and Raji, the path to home ownership was anything but straightforward. With rising rental costs and the challenges of saving for a deposit on a single income, the aspirations often felt distant. Saving for a traditional deposit was slow going and every visit to the bank ended in disappointment due to strict lending requirements. This changed when they discovered HomeSeeker SA.

“We first heard about HomeSeeker SA through friends,” they shared. “What really motivated us to explore the initiative was the opportunity to find affordable homes that fit within our budget.”

What stood out most was HomeSeeker SA’s commitment to helping everyday South Australians break free from the rental cycle and step confidently into home ownership.

Through HomeSeeker SA, Vardhana and Raji accessed clear, easy-to-understand advice on a wide range of financial assistance options designed for prospective home buyers on low to moderate incomes, including:

• Low deposit options: The couple were informed they could purchase a property with a deposit far below what banks typically demanded, making saving achievable and realistic.
• Shared equity: HomeSeeker SA provided clear information about the Shared Equity Option offered by HomeStart, helping Vardhana and Raji understand how sharing a part of the home’s value could increase their upfront budget and allow them to grow their ownership over time with voluntary repayments.
• Additional financial supports: Access to supports such as the First Home Owner Grant and Stamp Duty concessions, allowed the couple to significantly reduce upfront costs and increase their borrowing capacity.

Unlike traditional real estate purchases, where hidden costs for soil testing, landscaping, and rainwater harvesting often arise, there was complete transparency. The quoted price was the final price – no surprises, no extra expenses – making budgeting simple and stress-free. For Vardhana and Raji, this clarity was a game-changer.

The couple also appreciated that everything was included in the package. There was no need to chase up individual items or worry about unexpected costs – a huge relief for a family juggling work and caring for a young child. The process itself was refreshingly simple: pay the deposit, and the rest was taken care of. At the end, they simply collected the keys, without complicated steps or unexpected hurdles.

Knowing their home came complete with all essentials gave them peace of mind and confidence during what is usually a stressful process.

“Purchasing our first home meant peace of mind,” Raji said. “It gave us a sense of security and belonging, especially after the stress of trying to find a rental with a young child.”

Reflecting on their journey, Vardhana and Raji encourage anyone feeling uncertain about their home ownership prospects to take the first step. “We absolutely recommend it. The process was simple, clear, and supportive from start to finish. If you’re thinking about buying your first home, take that first step – it could happen sooner than you think.”