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What to look for in an affordable house and land package in WA

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TLDR:

A house and land package gives you the home you want on a block you love, all in one go. It’s all about choosing a package that fits your lifestyle and budget. Look for a location that suits the way you live, check what’s included, and be clear on any extras you may need. Explore available grants, compare builders, and always walk through a display home or virtual tour to get a feel for quality. Factor in things like utilities and fees, and make sure your builder has a solid track record.

Nail these basics, and you’ll find a Step 1 Homes package that’s designed for your life now and ready for your future.

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Choosing a house and land package lets you lock in your new home and your block in one go. If you’re a first home buyer in WA, it’s one of the simplest ways to know your costs early.

This guide covers what to look for in affordable house and land packages. We’ll walk you through finance, location, inclusions, grants and the extras to budget for.

What is a House and Land package?

It’s when you secure the land and build a new home together (usually under two contracts). Buyers love it because it’s simple, clear, and offers room to personalise your home.

You’ll usually get:

Upfront pricing: You’ll know your land + build cost early, before committing
Design flexibility: Most packages will allow you to choose layouts, finishes and upgrades that suit your style.
Convenience: You’ll be able to coordinate with a developer for the land and one builder for the home, streamlining the process.

While many packages include standard features like kitchens, bathrooms, and basic landscaping, extras such as driveways, fencing, premium appliances, or flooring may come at additional cost. Just be sure to check what’s included and what counts as an upgrade so you can budget properly.

How does a house and land package work?

You’ll usually sign two contracts, one for the land and one for the build. Here’s the order things happen in.

Sort your finance first. Talk to your lender or our finance partner so you know what you can borrow before you commit to anything.
Choose your block and your home design. We’ll help you match a design to the block you like.
Sign the land contract and pay your deposit on the block.
Sign the building contract once your finance is approved.
Settle on the land, which is when the block officially becomes yours. Most lenders treat this part as a land loan, a loan just for the block.
Your build starts once your land has settled and your building permit comes through. Your lender releases the build money in stages as each stage is finished. You only pay interest on what you’ve drawn so far.
Handover. You get the keys and move into your new home.

Every block and every design is a little different. See the full timeline on our process page, or talk to us about where you’re up to.

Is it tailored to your lifestyle?

Not all house and land packages suit every buyer. Think about how you want to live and choose a location that matches. Before choosing a package, ask yourself:

Proximity to amenities: Do you want to be near the beach, golf courses, parks, or public transport? Being close to what you value can improve your day-to-day lifestyle.
Family-friendly features: Are playgrounds, green spaces, or kid-friendly areas important? These can impact your family’s experience and the neighbourhood vibe.
Commute considerations: How long will it take to get to work, school, family, and friends? Convenience is key to making your new location enjoyable.

Future developments like new shops or schools can also boost long-term value.

Understand what’s included

House and land packages vary widely in inclusions. Understanding exactly what comes with your package ensures you don’t encounter unexpected costs:

Standard inclusions: Some packages may include essentials like fencing, driveways, landscaping, carpets, and garages.
Optional Extras: Kitchens, appliances, upgraded finishes, or additional features may come at extra cost. Clarify what’s included upfront.
Budgeting for extras: Even if some items aren’t included, it’s wise to budget for them so there are no financial surprises.

Get clear on what’s included upfront so there are no surprises later.

Government grants and concessions

Many first home buyers and property investors can benefit from government incentives. Understanding these can save you a significant amount:

Grants for new homes: These may be available for first home buyers
Tax and stamp duty concessions: Reductions in taxes and stamp duty can decrease the overall cost of your purchase.
Professional advice: Speak to experts or check government resources to ensure you don’t miss out on any entitlements.

If you’re an eligible first home buyer in WA, you may receive a one-off $10,000 payment towards your new home.

From 7 May 2026 there’s also no stamp duty for eligible first home buyers on a home and land package valued up to $600,000. Between $600,001 and $800,000 you pay a reduced rate. Check what you qualify for before you set your budget.

Try before you buy

Visiting a display home and seeing a home in person or virtually gives you a better sense of quality and functionality:

Explore layouts, finishes, and inclusions: Walking through a display home allows you to see how spaces flow and how the finishes look in real life. You’ll notice details that aren’t always visible in plans or brochures.
Compare different builders and designs: Display homes let you assess the workmanship and quality of home designs side by side. This helps you make a more informed decision.
Visualise your potential home and modifications: You can identify changes you might want, such as relocating power points, adjusting kitchen layouts, or upgrading fittings, before construction begins.

Physical or virtual tours are crucial in understanding what your finished home will feel like.

Check the builder’s experience

A builder’s track record can tell you a lot about reliability and quality:

Completed homes: Ask to see examples of homes the builder has completed recently. This gives you a realistic idea of their craftsmanship.
Talk to past homeowners: Speaking directly with previous clients allows you to gauge their satisfaction and the builder’s ability to meet expectations.
Specialisations: Some builders focus on certain home types or designs, so ensure their experience aligns with the home you want.

Choosing an experienced builder minimises risks and ensures your home is built to a high standard. Step 1 Homes is part of the Plunkett Homes family, a name WA has trusted for over 120 years. You get the same proven craftsmanship, backed by a dedicated team who’ll guide you through every step of your first home journey.

Factor in additional costs

There are a few things outside the package price to plan for:

Taxes and fees: Stamp duty, registration fees, legal fees, and other charges
Utility connections: Power, water, gas, and internet setup costs
Ongoing land maintenance: Keeping your block clear and tidy may be your responsibility, with fines possible if standards aren’t met.

A solicitor can help you understand the fine print and protect your investment.

Key takeaway

Choosing the right house and land package isn’t only about the price. It’s about lifestyle, quality and long-term value.

Understand the inclusions, location, builder experience and available grants first. You’ll be in a strong position to choose a home that feels right from day one.

Ready to explore house and land packages built around your lifestyle? Browse our current house and land packages, or tell us your budget and the block you’ve got in mind. We’ll show you what your first step looks like.

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Common questions about house and land packages

How does finance work on a house and land package?

It usually runs in two parts. First you take a loan for the block. Then a construction loan pays your builder in stages as the build progresses. You only pay interest on the money you’ve drawn so far, so repayments grow as your home goes up. Our finance partner can walk you through both parts before you commit.

How much deposit do you need for a house and land package?

It depends on your lender and the loan you choose, so there’s no single figure. Some first home buyers in WA buy with a 5% deposit through the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme. Keystart low deposit home loans are another option worth checking. Our deposit options page explains what each one needs.

Are there hidden costs in a house and land package?

There shouldn’t be surprises if you check early. Ask what sits outside the package price: stamp duty, registration and legal fees, utility connections. Ask which finishes are standard too, because driveways, fencing, upgraded appliances and flooring often cost extra. Get both lists in writing before you sign anything.

Is a house and land package a good option for first home buyers?

It suits you if you want your land and build cost known early and one team coordinating both. You choose the design and the finishes, so the home still fits the way you live. It works less well if you want an established home you can move into straight away. Weigh up the location, the inclusions and the builder’s track record before you decide.

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