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This is general information, not financial advice. Check your eligibility with the SRO and your lender before you make any decisions.
Building your first home is a big step. You'll sign two contracts, hear a lot of new words, and make plenty of choices about land, builders and finance.
I wrote this guide to explain how house and land works in Victoria, what to check before you sign, and which government grants and schemes may help. It's written for first home buyers, but it's useful for anyone building new, whether you're in Melbourne, Geelong or regional Victoria.
People often ask me "Who should I build with as a first home buyer in Melbourne?" There's no single answer. The right builder depends on your land, your budget and the home you want. As a builder broker, my team and I compare over 35 builders for you, right across Victoria. We're paid by the builder from a share of its margin, so using us costs you nothing extra.
When you buy a house and land package, you usually sign two separate contracts. The land contract is with whoever sells the land, often an estate developer. The build contract is with the builder who will build your home.
Each contract has its own deposit, conditions and payment schedule. Read both carefully, and have a conveyancer or lawyer look over them before you sign.
Titled land has a registered title. Once you settle on titled land, the builder can generally start getting ready to build.
Untitled land is in an estate that hasn't been registered yet. You can sign the land contract now, but settlement happens after the titles are issued. Ask the developer for the expected title date, and remember that dates can move.
Every block is different, and the ground under your home affects the cost. Before you commit, ask what has been allowed for:
A soil test and site survey help the builder price these properly. If a quote has been prepared before these are done, ask how site costs will be handled.
Most first home buyers need finance for both the land and the build, often through a construction loan that covers both. Construction loans are usually paid out in stages as the builder finishes each part of the home.
Talk to a lender or mortgage broker early. Knowing what you can borrow helps you choose land and a home that fit, rather than falling in love with something out of reach.
Every build is a little different, but the path usually looks like this:
You can read more about how we work with you on our process page.
A builder broker helps you find the right builder and package for your situation. At Turnkey Building Group, my team and I compare over 35 builders and their packages so you don't have to visit display homes every weekend. We explain the differences in plain English, help you understand what is and isn't included, and point out questions worth asking before you sign.
We tailor each package to you. We help you work out your budget, timelines and requirements for your floorplan, then my team and I piece it all together with our knowledge and industry connections. From there, we manage the presite process on your behalf. Presite is simply all the steps that happen before the build starts, like working out site costs, organising soil tests, getting approvals and sorting out contracts.
I like to be upfront about how we're paid. It works the same way as a salesperson who works for a builder and earns a commission. We're paid by the builder from a share of its margin, so using us costs you nothing extra. If you'd like more detail, just ask and I'll explain it plainly.
I've spent more than 13 years in new homes, and together my team and I have helped over 1,000 people. That experience means we know where buyers often get caught out.
Every builder we work with is a registered builder and a member of the HIA or Master Builders Victoria.
Whoever you build with, do some homework first:
All of our packages are fixed price and full turnkey, unless you choose otherwise.
Fixed price means the price in your build contract is set for the work described in that contract. Full turnkey means your home is finished to the inclusions listed in your contract, ready for you to move in, rather than leaving you to sort out the final pieces yourself. If you'd prefer to take care of some items yourself, we can talk about that too.
Fixed price gives you more certainty, but it only covers what is written down. So the key is to read the contract and the inclusions list carefully.
If something matters to you and it isn't written in the inclusions, ask for it to be added or confirmed in writing.
A variation is a change to the contract after you sign. If you ask for a change, such as a different layout or an upgraded finish, it can change the cost.
Try to make your choices before you sign. It keeps your budget clearer and avoids surprises later.
If you already own a home on a block you like, a knockdown rebuild may be an option. You demolish the existing house and build a new one on the same land.
My team and I help with knockdown rebuild as well as house and land. Things to look into include council and planning rules, demolition, service disconnections and reconnections, and where you will live while the new home is built.
Grant and duty rules may apply differently when you already own the land, so check your situation with the SRO and your lender.
Several government programs can help first home buyers build new in Victoria. The details below were checked on 26 October 2026. Rules can change, so always confirm with the official source.
According to the State Revenue Office, the First Home Owner Grant is $10,000 for eligible first home buyers buying or building a new home in Victoria worth up to $750,000.
At least one applicant must live in the home as their principal place of residence for at least 12 months. That must start within 12 months of settlement or of construction finishing.
Most people apply through an approved agent, such as their bank.
If you are buying land and building under separate contracts, confirm with the SRO and your lender how the $750,000 limit applies to you.
So who can help you use the First Home Owner Grant to build a new home in Melbourne or regional Victoria? Your lender, as an approved agent, usually handles the application. My team and I can help you find a new home package that suits your budget and point you to the right people to confirm your eligibility.
According to the State Revenue Office, eligible first home buyers pay no duty on a dutiable value up to $600,000. Reduced duty applies from $600,001 to $750,000.
When you buy vacant land, duty is assessed on the land only, not the building contract.
The Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme helps first home buyers buy with a minimum 5% deposit. Single parents or legal guardians may be able to buy with a minimum 2% deposit.
You apply through a Participating Lender. Price caps apply depending on location, so confirm the cap for your area with your lender.
This is general information, not financial advice. Check your eligibility with the SRO and your lender.
Bring these to every meeting, including with us:
If you're a first home buyer and not sure where to start, I'm happy to talk it through with you. We work with buyers right across Victoria, including Melbourne, Geelong and regional Victoria. We're paid by the builder from a share of its margin, so using us costs you nothing extra.
Book a time to chat or get in touch.
Our office is at the Old Post Office, 102 High Street, Berwick VIC 3806. Visits are by appointment.
Phone 1300 008 524 or email hello@tkbg.com.au.
