Toowoomba property: Couple get engaged after saving deposit for $372k Oakey property through Re/Max Success

A shock marriage proposal at the key handover was the cherry on top for a city couple, who bought their first home at Oakey after saving $37,000 for the deposit.

Aaliyah Suey already had plenty of reasons to be excited, having secured her first home at 19 years of age in Oakey with an incredible 10 per cent deposit.

But it was her partner Tyler Hook dropping to one knee at the key handover that really left her overwhelmed.

“I was so shocked, I was not expecting it at all,” she said.

“As we were taking photos that’s when he did it.”

Young couple Tyler Hook and Aaliyah Suey at their Oakey home. Picture: Kevin Farmer

It’s the cherry on top of a remarkable achievement for the couple, who spent several years saving $37,000 for a home deposit.

They are one of hundreds of young couples across the Toowoomba region cracking the housing market, often with government grants and family support.

Securing a three-bedroom home on Proposch Street in Oakey through Re/Max Success, Ms Suey said their friends were shocked to find out the pair hadn’t received money from their parents.

Aaliyah Suey received a surprise engagement from her fiance Tyler Hook at the handover of keys for their first home in Oakey, which was sold through Re/Max.

Though she conceded there was one leg-up that didn’t hurt.

“I personally always wanted to own a house before I was 20 and Tyler said he wanted similar — we were looking at renting, but it cost more than a mortgage,” Ms Suey said.

“I just started a full-time job as soon as I finished school and when Tyler finished school he was working a nightshift.

“I made him good with money — living at home really helped, it made it easy to save.”

Ms Suey said their new home at plenty of redevelopment potential, noting Oakey’s market allowed them to have a larger block than they would have gotten in Toowoomba.

Tyler Hook and Aaliyah Suey. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“We looked at multiple houses in Toowoomba, but the blocks were too small, and they were $100,000 more than what this one was,” she said.

“When we looked at this house, it’s only three bedrooms and one bathroom but it’s set up to become four bedrooms and two bathrooms, so that’s a money-making thing there.

“We have two dogs and a boat and two cars so we wanted room.”

And the secret to building up a deposit without parental help is the straightforward one.

“We have older friends and they’re amazed because they’re still renting,” she said.

“When we did tell people, they were so shocked.

“It is hard, but just be strict with yourself.

“Have fun, but even if it’s a small amount, just save.”

Tyler Hook and Aaliyah Suey. Picture: Kevin Farmer