Finding a house and land package that fits your budget feels great. One price for the land and a brand new home sounds simple. But does that price cover everything you need before you can actually move in?
Usually, no. The advertised price covers the main building work and some chosen inclusions. Other costs depend on the block, the contract and the builder. So before you pick a package, here’s what to check.
Does the advertised price include everything?
Start here. A house and land package puts a block of land and a home design together, but what’s included changes from one package to the next.
One package might cover basic flooring and a few kitchen fittings. Another might come with better finishes or extra features. Don’t assume everything you saw in the display home is in the price.
Ask for a full breakdown in writing. In particular, find out:
- What exactly is included in the advertised price
- Whether the price covers both the land and the build
- Whether the finishes on display are standard or paid upgrades
- Which items will cost extra
Clear answers make it much easier to compare packages fairly.
Are site costs included?
Before a home can be built, the land often needs work. How much depends on things like soil type, the slope of the block, drainage and access.
What matters is whether these costs are included, estimated or likely to change. Ask if the quote is based on your actual block. Also ask if any allowances could go up after soil tests or engineering checks. This helps you build a more realistic budget.
What about flooring, appliances and window coverings?
A display home always looks finished. But the flooring, appliances, air conditioning and blinds you see may not come with your package.
When you compare two builders, put their inclusions lists next to each other. Look at the actual products and specifications, not just the photos. Ask what upgrades are available and what they cost. Sometimes a lower starting price ends up costing more once you add what you need.
Will you pay extra for landscaping, fencing or a driveway?
Picture this. You get the keys to your new home, and the yard is still bare dirt. Could you afford to fix that straight away?
Driveways, fencing, landscaping, letterboxes and clotheslines are often left out of packages. It all depends on your agreement. Write down everything you want finished before you move in. Then get written confirmation of what’s included and what you’ll need to organise yourself. That gives you a much better idea of your real total cost.
Is “turnkey” different from a standard package?
You’ll probably see the word “turnkey” while researching. It usually means the home is closer to move-in ready, with more finishing items included. But the word alone doesn’t guarantee that everything is covered.
Your contract and inclusions schedule are what count. Before you sign, check whether flooring, window coverings, driveway, fencing, landscaping and appliances are in there. Ask for any exclusions to be clearly listed. Never rely on the word “turnkey” by itself.
Are the land and the home on separate contracts?
Sometimes you sign one contract to buy the land and another to build the home. The timing, conditions and responsibilities can be different in each.
Ask how the two contracts work together, when payments are due, and what happens if the land settlement or the build gets delayed. It’s also smart to have a solicitor or conveyancer read the documents first. They can explain the risks and your rights. Understanding the paperwork matters just as much as loving the floor plan.
Can you change the home design?
Does the standard floor plan suit how you live, or do you want to change it? Depending on the builder, you may be able to pick different finishes, adjust parts of the design or add options. Some changes may not be allowed, and others will raise the price.
Think about your daily routine first. Look at the kitchen layout, storage, where the bedrooms sit, natural light, and how the indoor and outdoor areas connect.
If you’re looking at designs with Granton Homes, think about how the layout, finishes and choices fit your lifestyle and budget. Then confirm the design options, inclusions and costs directly with the builder before you commit.
The best floor plan isn’t always the prettiest one. It’s the one that will still work for you years from now.
How do you compare two packages fairly?
Two packages with the same price don’t always give the same value. One may include more fixtures and finishing work. The other may leave several things for you to arrange after the build. Site conditions, design options and contract allowances can also change what you end up paying.
Make a simple checklist for each package:
- Total land and construction cost
- Site works and service connections
- Flooring, appliances and other fittings
- Driveway, fencing and landscaping
- Optional upgrades and possible variations
- Contract conditions and estimated timeframes
Ask for written quotes and compare the same categories side by side. If something isn’t clear, ask before you decide.
What should you check before signing?
Don’t just look at the headline price. Read the whole agreement. Check the plans, specifications, inclusions schedule, payment stages, construction timeframe, variation process and any provisional allowances. Make sure the documents match what you actually agreed to buy.
Ask what happens if unexpected site work comes up, or if you want to make changes later. Check the builder’s licence and credentials, and speak to recent customers if you can. Building contracts and consumer protections differ between states and territories, so get independent advice where you need it.
A few extra questions now can save you a lot of confusion later.
Final thoughts
A house and land package can make things easier because you look at the land and home together. But the advertised price is only part of the picture.
What really matters is whether you understand the full cost, what the contract covers, and what you’ll have to pay for separately. Whether you’re comparing packages or exploring designs with Granton Homes, take your time, check the details and compare the written specifications. Choose what fits your budget and lifestyle.
Before you commit, ask yourself one last thing: do I know exactly what I’m paying for, and what still needs doing after the home is built? Get that answer in writing.
Note: Inclusions, costs, contract terms and design options vary by builder, property and state or territory. Confirm the details for your own project before you sign.