For first-time home buyers, the idea of building a brand-new home is incredibly exciting, but also a little daunting if you know nothing about building a home.
That’s where house and land packages come in. These all-in-one options are growing in popularity because they offer a simpler, more affordable way to get into the property market, especially here in WA.
In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly what a house and land package is, how house and land packages work, what’s included and how to know if this building option is the right fit for you.
What is a house and land package?
House and land packages bundle two things: a block of land and a home design to go with it. Rather than you having to buy land and then separately finding a builder to create your home, with a house and land package, the two are matched up from the start, making the process more streamlined and often more cost-effective.
“It’s a bundled offer where a buyer purchases a block of land and a house to be built on it, usually with two separate contracts (one for the land, and the other for the house),” explains Easystart Homes’ New Homes Consultant, Blake Garvey.
There are typically two types of house and land packages:
- Standard package: You choose a pre-selected home design matched to a block.
- Custom package: You work with the builder to tweak or fully customise your home design for the block.
A builder often sells house and land packages in partnership with land developers, giving you exclusive or early access to land that may not be available elsewhere.
What do house and land packages include?
Most house and land packages will include:
- a block of land, usually in a designated housing estate
- your chosen home design
- site works (the work needed to prepare the block for construction)
- features like flooring, lighting and kitchen appliances, depending on the level of finish you choose.
“At Easystart, we tailor the inclusions to suit your budget and needs,” says Blake. “Some new-home buyers want a fully completed home with all the floor coverings, window treatments and even reverse-cycle, ducted air-conditioning. Others might choose to leave out a few items that they can DIY at a later date.”
What is a turnkey package?
A turnkey house and land package means your home is 100% move-in ready from day one, right down to the floor coverings, curtains and even landscaping. Just turn the key and walk in!
At Easystart, we offer full turnkey packages across Perth, which are perfect for buyers who want a finished product with no extra work after handover.
“Turnkey house and land packages in Perth are ideal for first-home buyers who don’t want the hassle of organising trades or doing extra work after they move in,” says Blake. “You know exactly what’s included, and the price is fixed upfront.”
Benefits of choosing a house and land package
House and land packages are a fantastic option for all buyers, particularly first-home buyers. Here’s why:
Cost savings
Because builders often work directly with land developers, they can pass on savings to buyers. Fixed-price packages also make budgeting much simpler.
“You’re not dealing with bidding wars at auctions or hidden costs,” says Blake. “The price is set from the start.
“The government grants, schemes and incentives all help financially as well, along with lower ongoing maintenance costs thanks to extended home warranties that come with brand-new builds.”
So, what are these government grants and schemes? There’s the $10,000 First Home Owner Grant and, stamp duty exemptions (which means you don’t need to save as much deposit), plus low-deposit finance schemes.
“If you buy land only, you’ll miss out on those perks, since FHOG only applies when you sign a building contract,” notes Blake.
With these incentives, the dream of home ownership might be closer than you think. Discover more ways to save when building.
Convenience
Builders like Easystart, which offer land, home designs and finance in one place, make building so much more convenient than doing it yourself. There’s less running around and fewer headaches for new-home buyers.
Energy efficiency
New homes tend to be a lot more energy-efficient than established houses. In fact, Blake says all Easystart homes are built to a 7-Star Energy Efficiency standard, making them far more energy efficient than existing homes. This helps to reduce your power bills and environmental footprint.
But it’s not just what we build, it’s how we plan it. We carefully design homes to suit the block’s orientation, making the most of natural sunlight and breezes. A well-oriented home feels brighter, more comfortable year-round, and is cheaper to run.
Support at every step
Some builders (like Easystart!) offer in-house finance teams who can help you understand your borrowing power and secure a loan, even if you have very little saved for a deposit or are carrying existing debt. Easystart’s in-house finance team from Westgate Finance can help you make sense of government grants and low-deposit options.
“We help clients with finance, land and the home itself. It’s simple, stress-free guidance from start to finish,” Blake adds.
What is the house and land package buying process?
Here’s a breakdown of how it all comes together:
Step 1: Work out your budget
Start by chatting with our team to discover your borrowing power. Easystart’s in-house finance team can help you go through government grants and low-deposit options.
Step 2: Choose a location
Pick a suburb that suits your lifestyle, whether that’s close to work, nature or schools. Easystart has locations around Perth where you can start building your home.
Step 3: Match a design to a block
We’ll help you find the perfect match, including exclusive blocks not advertised online.
Step 4: Sign contracts
Get your pens ready. Your Easystart team will support you in signing two contracts – one for land and one for the build.
Step 5: Finance and settlement
We’ll help you secure your home loan and settle on the land so construction can begin.
Step 6: Construction and handover
Track your build progress and enjoy updates from your dedicated client liaison right through to key handover day!
“From site works to slab down, roof cover and lockup, you’ll have access to your own online portal so you can check exactly where your build is and what’s ahead,” says Blake. “You’re never left wondering what stage your build is at, and your New Home Consultant is with you every step of the way.”
Is a house and land package right for you?
Now you know how a house and land package works, the question is, is a new home right for you? If you want:
- a new, low-maintenance home
- clear and fixed costs
- finance help and step-by-step guidance
- more choice and personalisation than buying an existing home
…then a house and land package could be the perfect fit.
Whether you’re a FIFO worker looking for something easy to care for, a couple planning for the future, or a parent wanting stability, Easystart is here to make your first-home experience feel simple, achievable and exciting. Get in touch today to make the first step towards your new home.
