First Home Buyer Appliance Checklist: Everything You Need for Your New Home
Moving into your first home is exciting — and equipping it with the right appliances is a big part of making it feel like home. This checklist covers every appliance you need, what to prioritise and how to save money buying smart.
The Essential Appliances
These are the appliances you'll need from day one:
1. Refrigerator
The fridge is the most important appliance in any home. For a couple or single person, a 300–400L bottom mount or French door fridge is usually sufficient. For a family, go 450–600L+.
What to look for: Energy star rating (5+ stars), No Frost technology, crisper drawers for vegetables, water/ice dispenser if desired.
Budget range: $900–$2,500 for most first-home buyers.
2. Washing Machine
A front loader is recommended for first homes — more energy and water-efficient than top loaders, gentler on clothes, and better suited to Australian water prices.
What to look for: 7–8 kg capacity for couples, 8–10 kg for families. 1200+ rpm spin speed. Quick wash program.
Budget range: $900–$1,500.
3. Oven / Cooker
Most kitchens come without an oven, so you'll need one. A freestanding cooker (oven + stovetop in one) is the simplest and most affordable option.
What to look for: 60cm width for standard kitchens, fan-forced cooking for even results, 4–5 burner cooktop.
Budget range: $700–$1,500.
4. Dishwasher
Once you have one, you'll never go back. A dishwasher saves water compared to hand washing and saves significant time.
What to look for: 5-star WELS water rating, quiet operation (under 50 dB), delay start for running overnight.
Budget range: $800–$1,500.
5. Microwave
For reheating, defrosting and quick cooking. A 25–30L solo microwave or microwave with grill function covers most needs.
Budget range: $150–$400.
Nice-to-Have Appliances (Year One)
- Dryer: Essential if you live in an apartment or if Sydney weather ruins your line-drying plans. A condenser or heat pump dryer is best for apartments. Budget $700–$1,200.
- Rangehood: If your cooker doesn't come with one installed, a wall-mount or undermount rangehood keeps grease and steam out of your kitchen. Budget $300–$800.
- Kettle + Toaster set: Budget $80–$200 for a matching set.
What to Buy First
If you're setting up gradually, prioritise in this order:
- Fridge (most essential)
- Washing machine
- Cooker/oven
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
- Dryer
How to Save Money as a First Home Buyer
- Buy at Oceania Appliances — We're significantly cheaper than Harvey Norman, The Good Guys and JB Hi-Fi on most products, with the same warranties.
- Buy a package — Ask us about package pricing when buying multiple appliances at once. We can often offer a bundle discount.
- Don't overspend on features you won't use — A solid mid-range fridge from Westinghouse or Hisense serves most households just as well as a premium Samsung for hundreds less.
- Take advantage of free delivery — Our free Sydney delivery saves you $100–$150 per appliance.
Get Your First Home Set Up Right
Visit our Wetherill Park showroom at 2/14 Centre Place and talk to our team. We can put together a complete first-home appliance package within your budget. Open 7 days, 10 am to 8 pm. Contact us or shop online.