Whether you are a first home buyer or building for the first time, we have answered the most common questions about building a new home in Perth.
How do I choose the right block of land?
What is the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) in WA?
The WA Government offers a $10,000 grant to eligible first home buyers building a new home. You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident and must not have previously owned property in Australia. Find out if you are eligible.
Can I customise the floor plan of my home?
Yes. We offer a range of home designs that can be modified to suit your block and lifestyle. Talk to your sales consultant about changes to room sizes, layouts and features. Browse our designs.
How long does it take to build a home in Perth?
Most of our homes take between 10 and 12 months from slab pour to handover, depending on the design and site conditions. We will give you an estimated timeline before construction starts.
How do I start the process of building my first home?
Book a free consultation with our team. We will walk you through your options for land, home designs and finance so you have a clear picture before you commit to anything. Get in touch.
Do I need to own land before I talk to a builder?
No. We can help you find land that suits your budget and preferred location. Many of our clients choose a house and land package, which bundles everything together.
Can I build on a narrow block?
Yes. Many of our home designs suit compact lots, which are common in Perth’s newer estates. Browse our home designs to find one that fits your block.
What is included in the base price of an Affordable Living home?
Our base price includes floor coverings, window treatments, and stone benchtops to the kitchen, ensuite, and bathroom. It also features clear glazed shower screens to the bathroom and ensuite, tiling to the laundry and WC, LED lighting plus much more. Ask for our full inclusions, or refer to the detailed list for more information. View inclusions.
What happens after I sign the building contract?
Your plans progress through to detailed working drawings, followed by ordering survey and engineering reports. You’ll then attend your colour selection meeting to select colours and finishes. We manage council approvals and building permits, and once everything is approved, we prepare the site, pour the slab, and begin construction. Throughout the build, you’ll receive regular updates from your client liaison.
What is Keystart and how does it work?
Keystart is a WA Government initiative that offers low deposit home loans starting from as little as 2% to help residents purchase their first or subsequent homes. Designed to remove the need for Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). Keystart acts as a transitional lender for those who may not meet traditional bank deposit requirements, with the aim of helping borrowers refinance with a standard lender over time.
Can I upgrade my inclusions?
Yes, we offer a range of upgrade options for your home. Your sales consultant will guide you through our showroom, outlining available choices and costs during the design phase. Alternatively, upgrades can be discussed with your colour selection consultant during your colour selection meeting.
What suburbs do you currently have house and land packages in?
Our available packages change regularly as new land releases come to market. Check our house and land page for current stock across Perth’s northern and southern growth corridors.
What is a house and land package?
It is a single deal that includes your block of land and your new home build. You sign one contract for the land and a separate building contract for the home. It simplifies the process and makes budgeting easier. View our packages.
Can I visit my home during construction?
Yes, with your site supervisor’s permission. We can arrange key stage inspections so you can see progress at important milestones like roof frame stage, lock-up and practical completion.
What are the Keystart eligibility requirements?
You need to meet income limits (these change periodically) and the property must be under the current price cap of $800,000 in metro Perth. Visit keystart.com.au for the latest figures or ask our finance team. See Keystart details.
Do I need a 20% deposit to build a home?
No. With Keystart you can build with as little as a 2% deposit. Other lenders may accept 5% with the First Home Guarantee scheme (no LMI on a 5% deposit for eligible buyers). Explore finance options.
What is a PCI (Practical Completion Inspection)?
It is the final walkthrough of your finished home before handover. You and your site supervisor check every room to make sure everything meets the agreed standard. Any items that need attention are noted and fixed before you move in.
Do your homes come with air conditioning?
Air conditioning is not a standard inclusion however; we often offer ducted air conditioning as part of a promotion. Speak with our team to find out about current and additional promotional offers we have available at the time of your enquiry.
Can I build if I have never owned a home before?
Absolutely. Most of our clients are first home buyers. We guide you through every step, from finance approval to choosing your home design to picking up your keys. Learn more about first home buying.
What should I look for when visiting a new estate?
Check the distance to shops, schools, public transport, main roads and also the community facilities. Ask about title dates so you know when the land will be ready to build on.
Can I use the FHOG as part of my deposit?
Yes. Many first home buyers use the $10,000 FHOG to cover part of their upfront costs. Your finance broker can explain exactly how this works with your loan. Read about grants.
What warranties come with my new home?
All our homes come with a 25-year structural guarantee. Non-structural defects are also covered by statutory warranties under the Home Building Contracts Act WA. See our full inclusions and warranty details.
Where can I build with Affordable Living?
We build across the Perth metro area with over 60 suburbs to choose from. See our full suburbs map to find your preferred location.
Are your homes designed for Perth’s climate?
All our homes are designed to meet the energy efficiency requirements for Perth’s climate zone. This includes orientation advice, insulation, eaves and ventilation to keep your home comfortable year-round. Explore our designs.
Do first home buyers pay stamp duty in WA?
First home buyers in WA receive a concessional rate on stamp duty for new homes, but it is not a full exemption. The amount depends on the value of your property. Learn more about first home buyer grants and concessions.
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