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First Home Buyers

Everything you need to secure your perfect Home & Land package.

In a simple four-part crash course.

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Your map to your first home

The practical, no BS guide to Home & Land.

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01 · Paradigm shift

2 products.
2 sellers.
1 package.

Two prices, not one.

When you buy an existing property, you usually negotiate one price with one seller. A home & land package works differently: the land and the build are separate products, usually supplied under separate contracts by separate businesses.

Two products, two sellers, two contracts.
Each can be negotiated independently.
The sum of the two items can be lower than a similar existing property.

Land purchase

You buy the block from a landowner or developer under a land contract, with its own pricing, timing and registration.

Priced and released on the developer’s terms.
Its own contract, timing and registration.
Only the land sale is a property transaction.

Builder engagement

You engage a builder

You contract the builder to construct a home on that lot. A different seller, a separate contract and different commercial priorities.

Specifications and floor plan will determine how this house compares to other similar properties.
Its own contract, timing and pricing structure.
This is a contract for goods and services, not a property transaction.

The number that matters

The cost of the completed home

The complete build could cost more, the same or less than a similar existing property.

Knowing how to source a great deal can help you come out on top.
Get to know your numbers, from stamp duty and government incentives through to site costs and holding costs.
Aerial view of the whole estate at golden hour
A vacant land release between two built homes
Street-level view of the individual block
The completed home built on the block

02 · Land masterclass

Secure great-value blocks

01 · The release

Where the land comes from

02 · Land discount

Different registration dates can give you better land prices.

03 · Block value

Look out for block shapes that might be underpriced.

04 · What to assess

Land works and build requirements.

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01 · The release

Greenfield estates

Large, master-planned developments released in stages over several years.

01 · The release

Infill developments

Smaller developments built within or beside established suburbs.

01 · The release

Small subdivisions

Smaller projects created by private owners or local developers.

02 · Land discount

The pre-registration window

Land nearing registration may keep pre-registration pricing without a very long wait.

02 · Land discount

Builder-secured lots

A builder may have secured access to a lot earlier and at an earlier price.

02 · Land discount

Near-registration opportunities

Commercial pressure can sometimes create a time-sensitive opportunity.

02 · Land discount

Registration progress

Treat an estimated registration date as an estimate until the evidence supports it.

03 · Block value

Flared lots

A narrower frontage and wider rear can create more useful backyard space.

03 · Block value

Corner lots

More frontage and side space, balanced against extra setback and design rules.

03 · Block value

Rear or battle-axe lots

More privacy, but no street frontage.

03 · Block value

Sloped or split-level lots

A land discount only creates value if it exceeds the extra build cost.

04 · What to assess

Slope and retaining

Confirm who is responsible for retaining and what has already been completed.

04 · What to assess

Easements and services

An experienced builder will always have easements already accounted for in any package they present.

04 · What to assess

Acoustic and bushfire requirements

Nearby roads, rail, aircraft or a bushfire rating can change the required construction.

03 · Build masterclass

Find the builder that fits you, with confidence.

An impressive-looking contract means nothing if what is actually built and charged is inconsistent. Compare the builder models, specifications, inclusions, customisation, likely timeframes and contracts on a like-for-like basis.

Completed contemporary Australian project-builder home at dusk

Type 01

Retail Builder

Best for buyers who value display homes, strong front-end support and a broad range of customisation choices and competitive price points.

High customisation Strong sales support Competitive at scale

Trade-off The final price may move as selections, upgrades and lot-specific costs are added.

Completed single-storey Australian volume-built home at dusk

Type 02

Wholesale / Volume Builder

Best for buyers who prioritise a competitive price point with a smaller range and highly consistent builds.

Competitive pricing Consistent build quality Consistent build times

Trade-off The value is strongest when the builder’s standard plans and specifications are already close to what you want.

Contemporary Australian custom-built home at twilight

Type 03

Custom Builder

Best for buyers looking for high customisation, high support levels, highly consistent build quality and consistent build times.

High customisation Personal service Local expertise Consistent build quality

Trade-off Greater flexibility and hands-on delivery generally come at a higher price. Compare the additional value with what your budget and priorities actually require.

Swipe left for the next builder · right to go back · 1 / 3

01

Check the licence

Use the QBCC register to confirm the builder’s licence is current, appropriate for the work and free from conditions or disciplinary history that needs further investigation.

✓Licence current and in the right class
✓A track record of completed homes
✓Warranty cover in writing
02

Compare the full specification

Put quotes side by side using the same scope, materials, inclusions and time expectations. A lower quote is not a saving if it leaves out items the other offer includes.

✓The written inclusions list
✓What is standard versus an upgrade
✓Finishes, fixtures and fittings
03

Understand what can change

Ask what is genuinely fixed, what is a provisional allowance, which site costs remain open and how variations can change the price or completion time.

✓What is fixed versus provisional
✓Site costs and allowances
✓Fees, upgrades and variations
04

Confirm energy compliance

Confirm the build price accounts for 7 star energy compliance before signing contract. Make sure you sight the energy compliance certificate before signing off on plans post contract.

✓7 star compliance is now compulsory for QLD builds.
✓Lenders scrutinise energy compliance as part of their policy.
✓Signing plans before seeing the certificate can lead to costly changes.

Swipe left for the next check · right to go back · 1 / 4

No builder model is automatically better than another. First pick a model that matches what you’re looking for, then hone in on the best of the best!

Bonus tip

Don’t Judge a Builder by the Display Home Alone

Builders are incentivised to put their best foot forwards and spec up their display homes. A real handover gives you a better view of what customers actually receive.

Before you commit, ask whether you can walk through a recently completed or near-handover home that’s reasonably similar to what you’re considering.

Tap anywhere to close

04 · Putting it all together

Turn the information into a workable plan.

STEP 01

Map your budget, location and non-negotiables

Speak with your broker, understand your borrowing position and decide what matters most: location, property type, space, customisation, specification, timing or a particular total budget.

Budget Borrowing position Location Property type Must-have specs Customisation priorities

STEP 02

Build your professional team

Have a mortgage broker who understands construction lending and a solicitor or conveyancer who can advise on the relevant contracts. A land contract and a building contract create different obligations, so get the appropriate independent advice before signing.

FINANCEFinance broker
LEGALConveyancer / solicitor, where appropriate
PROPERTYRelevant builder / property professionals

STEP 03

Compare the complete package

Match the proposed home to the actual lot. Add the land, build, site requirements, approvals, required inclusions and likely holding costs. Then compare that completed outcome with realistic alternatives in the same market.

Compare → Due diligence → Secure

STEP 04

Be ready when the right option appears

Good opportunities can move quickly, but speed should come from preparation, not skipped due diligence. Have your finance documents and advisers ready so the land and build details can be reviewed within the available timeframes.

Finance documents ready + Advisers on standby

STEP 05

Move from contracts to handover

After finance and settlement, the project moves through design and estate requirements, building approval, site preparation, construction stages, practical completion and handover. Keep key decisions and variations documented, and inspect the home carefully before final completion.

Land→ Plans→ Approvals→ Slab→ Construction→ Handover

The journey · Bonus visual

From contracts to handover

Once finance and settlement are sorted, a package moves through a clear sequence to completion.

01

Contracts & finance

Contracts and finance are finalised so your home-and-land package can move forward with certainty.

1 of 6
02

Design & estate requirements

Plans, selections and estate requirements are resolved before approvals are submitted.

2 of 6
03

Building approval

Plans are reviewed and approved, giving the green light to begin on site.

3 of 6
04

Site preparation

The block is cleared and prepared so construction can begin on a stable foundation.

4 of 6
05

Construction stages

Your home takes shape through standardized stages, with payments managed by your bank.

5 of 6
06

Practical completion & handover

Final inspections are completed, outstanding items are resolved and the keys are handed over.

6 of 6

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Quick-reference checklist

Before you commit, check what can change the final cost.

0 of 10 checked
✓ Design fits the lotIs the home design suitable for the actual lot?
✓ Site conditions checkedHave slope, retaining, access, easements and overlays been checked?
✓ Site and approval costsAre the site and approval costs included, or still provisional?
✓ Move-in inclusionsAre the driveway, flooring, window coverings, fencing and landscaping included?
✓ Written into the contractAre the plan, specification and promised upgrades written into the contract?
✓ Licence currentIs the builder’s licence current and appropriate?
✓ Energy requirements metDoes the proposed home satisfy the applicable energy requirements?
✓ Timeframes work for youIs registration on track and does the builder have demonstrated evidence that they consistently meet their quoted timeframes?
✓ Advisers have reviewedHave your broker and legal adviser reviewed the parts relevant to them?
✓ Completed cost comparedHave you compared the completed cost, not only the advertised package price?

Questions First-Home Buyers Ask

Are new builds always more expensive than existing properties?+

No. Some new builds cost more, some are comparable and some may cost less. The outcome depends on the land, builder, specification, lot-specific costs and the existing properties used for comparison.

Compare the completed, like-for-like cost rather than relying on a general rule.

Is a home & land package one contract?+

It is often marketed as one package, but it commonly involves a contract for the land and a separate building contract.

Have the relevant documents independently reviewed before signing.

What should I compare between two packages?+

Compare the actual lot, floor plan, full specification, site costs, approvals, energy requirements, turnkey inclusions, contract allowances, likely timeframes and the total amount required to make the home ready to live in.

What does “fixed price” really mean?+

The contract should make clear what is included in the stated price and what may still change.

Pay particular attention to provisional sums, prime cost items, site costs, upgrades and the variation process.

How can I check a Queensland builder?+

Search the QBCC licensee register and confirm the licence status, class, conditions and available history.

Also compare like-for-like quotes and ask to see a real customer home near practical completion.

Is an odd-shaped or sloping block a bad choice?+

Not automatically. The land may be cheaper or provide a layout advantage, but the only meaningful answer comes after checking the build envelope and pricing the additional design, excavation, retaining or engineering work.

How reliable are estimated land registration dates?+

Developers will always do their best to provide accurate estimates but checking the site area 3-4 months from registration should show you a close to complete development.

Can I choose a different builder or change the plan?+

That depends on how the lot is being sold, the builder's control over it, estate requirements and the proposed contract.

Ask before paying or signing anything, because the available choices and consequences vary by package.

Do I need finance approval before I start looking?+

You can research before approval, but a clear view of your borrowing position makes the comparison more useful and helps your team act efficiently if a suitable opportunity appears.

This information is general only. Package inclusions, contracts and lending requirements can vary, so it is important to get independent legal and financial advice before signing.

And most importantly,we’re fee-free!

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If you’re looking for more info, give us a call or send us a WhatsApp message!

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