Buying your first home is one of life’s biggest milestones. It brings excitement, pride, and a sense of long-term security. But without proper planning, it can also become financially overwhelming. From down payments and EMIs to furnishing and maintenance, the journey of homeownership requires careful budgeting at every step. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, there’s good news: smart planning and small savings can go a long way. Here are nine practical and budget-friendly tips that can help you manage costs and start your homeownership journey with confidence and control. 1. Set a Realistic Budget Before You Start Searching One of the biggest mistakes first-time buyers make is house-hunting without a clear budget. It’s easy to fall in love with a beautiful flat that’s far beyond your financial comfort zone. Instead, evaluate your monthly income, existing liabilities, and future expenses before deciding how much EMI you can comfortably handle. Financial experts recommend that your home ...