If you've been scrolling house and land packages in Newcastle, the Central Coast or the Hunter Valley, you've probably noticed something. Prices for what looks like the same size home on a similar block can vary by tens of thousands of dollars.
Some of that is the land. Some of it is the design. But a lot of it comes down to what's actually included in the price, and that's where buyers get caught out.
We've put together a free guide, What You Need to Know About House and Land Packages, to help you compare packages properly. Here's a taste of what it covers.
What is a house and land package?
At its simplest, a house and land package brings three things together:
The key word there is indicative. An advertised package shows you what's possible on a particular block. It's not a home that's already built or under construction.
Why the cheapest package isn't always the cheapest
Not every home builder includes every cost needed to finish a home on a block of land. When a package price looks too good to be true, it's often because some costs have been left out.
Before you compare prices, you need to know what each one includes. Otherwise you're not comparing like with like.
Our guide lists the allowances to look for, starting with site costs and completion costs.
Does the builder own the land?
Usually not. In most cases, builders create solutions on land that's available for sale and present them as a package to help you picture the finished result.
That's why you'll often see several different home designs advertised on the same block. It also means you're not stuck with the combination you first saw.
Can you change a house and land package?
Yes, and most people do. Buying a package exactly as advertised is rare. More often, it's where the conversation starts.
- ✓Love the block but not the home? The design can change.
- ✓Love the home but not the block? Another block can be found.
- ✓Want different inclusions or a different budget? That can be tailored too.
This matters most if you're a first home buyer working to a set budget, or an investor weighing up packages in different regions.
4 questions to ask before you commit
The guide includes a simple checklist of four questions to run any advertised package through. They cover:
If you can answer yes to most of them, the package is doing its job. If you can't, it's time to start tailoring. Download the guide to see the full checklist.
Turnkey, tailored or somewhere in between
You'll see plenty of turnkey house and land packages advertised across NSW. Turnkey usually means more is included, but the definition varies between builders. Whatever the label, the questions are the same: what's in, what's out, and does it suit how you want to live?
Looking at house and land packages in regional NSW?
Hunter Homes builds across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter, the Central Coast, the Mid Coast, New England and the North Coast. Whether you're after your first home, a family home or your forever home, our team can help you shape a package around your land, your design and your budget.
Free guide
What You Need to Know About House and Land Packages
It's free, it's short and it'll help you ask the right questions. Download below.
