If you’re planning to build your first home, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make early on is whether to buy land first or choose a house & land package.
Both pathways work — but they suit different types of buyers, budgets and timelines.
Here’s the simple breakdown to help you choose what’s right for you.
1. Buying land first — flexible, but a few extra steps
Buying land on its own gives you complete freedom over who builds your home and what design you choose.
Why people choose land first
- You can pick any builder
- You have full flexibility with your floorplan
- You can customise your home more
- You can lock in land you love before it sells out
Things to watch out for
Buying land first sounds simple, but it comes with extra considerations:
- Borrowing power can drop once you take on a land loan
- You may need two separate approvals (land now, build later)
- If your situation changes, you could qualify for the land but not for the build
- You might start paying interest on land before the build even begins
- It’s more time-consuming — you source the land, the builder, and the design yourself
Land-first suits confident buyers who want maximum choice and don’t mind coordinating everything.
2. Buying house & land — simpler and more predictable
House & land packages are designed to make the build process straightforward, especially for first-home buyers.
Why people choose house & land packages
- The home is already matched to the land
- You know the overall price upfront
- Fewer surprises with design changes
- One builder, one point of contact
- Often more affordable due to builder–developer partnerships
- Easier for lenders to assess (one combined loan)
Potential downsides
- Less flexibility with choosing the exact block
- Some upgrades may cost extra
- Not ideal if you want a completely custom home
For most first-home buyers, house & land offers the smoother, safer, and less stressful pathway.
3. How combining both options works
Many buyers don’t realise you can hold land first, then choose your builder later — without committing to the full build upfront.
This option gives you:
- Time to compare builders
- The ability to secure a good block early
- Space to pick a design that fits your land and budget
- No rushed decisions
It’s the perfect mix of flexibility and structure.
4. How we help buyers choose the right path
For most first-home buyers, the hardest part is simply knowing where to start — land first or house & land.
We make the process easy by helping you:
- Understand your full budget (land + build together)
- Put land on hold safely so you don’t miss out
- Pair you with a preferred build partner who fits your price, design, and location
- Avoid blocks that cause big site costs
- Choose options that keep your borrowing power strong
This gives you the confidence of knowing the land you choose actually works with the home you want — without risking your finance later.
