Land and House Packages

[derham]

We are hoping to move out to Perth next year and due to the high costs of buying a home it seems the best option would be a land and new build home package and move on after a few years after finding our feet. My big worries are as follows:

1. Are these estates miles away from any amenities (can't tell from web sites and Google), schools, shooping etc.
2. Are they just for first time buyers.
3. Do they have good broadband connections.
4. Do they sell any better or worse than older properties.
5. Is the quality good/bad.
6. Would we be better buying an existing property on an established estate

I know it would depend on the location of the estate but I am looking for any general advice ideally from someone who has bought or is living in one of these land and home sites.

My wife is adament she is not moving to a run down 3 bed or a new build in the middle of no where, were we can't meet anyone ( more for the kids than us). Any help or advice would be helpfull.

[Danny&Em]

Hello, Just joined and what a cracking start to my Perth Poms.
Great questions above from derham which have been echoed in my little brain for some time. Looking forward to some great info on this one. Cheers..

[verystormy]

We are hoping to move out to Perth next year and due to the high costs of buying a home it seems the best option would be a land and new build home package and move on after a few years after finding our feet. My big worries are as follows:

1. Are these estates miles away from any amenities (can't tell from web sites and Google), schools, shooping etc.
2. Are they just for first time buyers.
3. Do they have good broadband connections.
4. Do they sell any better or worse than older properties.
5. Is the quality good/bad.
6. Would we be better buying an existing property on an established estate

I know it would depend on the location of the estate but I am looking for any general advice ideally from someone who has bought or is living in one of these land and home sites.

My wife is adament she is not moving to a run down 3 bed or a new build in the middle of no where, were we can't meet anyone ( more for the kids than us). Any help or advice would be helpfull.

Hope this helps.

1. You can get house and land packages all over the place. Its difficult to know if the ones you are looking at are miles away without knowing which areas you are looking at.
2. No
3. Most new suburbs have ok broadband and the goverments National Broadband Network is in the process of being rolled out. Be aware internet here is not as good as the UK and very expensive and you pay by useage
4. Same
5. Depends on the build company. Though build standards here are a lot lower than the UK. But they look nice
6. Depends on what you want. Do bear in mind though that the price they advertise is VERY differnt to the price you will end up paying. Usually doesnt include ground works and a lot of things in the house. For example, it often only includes one single power outlet per room. Each extra is more $$$. We looked at it very hard - got to contract stage when we realised that the $400k budget was now well north of $500k
At the moment builders are struggling so you might get a good deal.
My advice though would be to rent at first. Perth is a funny place and each area is very different and some suit some people and not others. For example there are two new areas near me. Secret Harbour and Lakelands. I would be ok with the 1st but not the second

[derham]

Thanks, We have looked at Secret Harbour and it seems nice. We would rent for the first 6 months to get to know the area we would eventually settle in but the schools would be top of the list. I figured there had to be a catch on the costs, I couldn't understand how new build was a lot cheaper the the older properties. It looks as though we need to allow $500k then!!!!

[Give me a break!]

Hi We live in Secret Harbour now but are building in Lakelands. We love both places but it all came down to cost. Because Lakelands is much newer it is much cheaper as it doesnt have all the amenities of Secret Harbour, yet. There are lots and lots and lots of land and house packages going all over Perth so I agree with Very Stormy that its best to wait until you get here to have a good look. We have got what is described as a turn key package and it is exactly the price that is advertised and doesnt charge anything extra for flooring air con window treatments etc etc etc. Lots to chose from is a good thing, so good luck

[derham]

Hi We live in Secret Harbour now but are building in Lakelands. We love both places but it all came down to cost. Because Lakelands is much newer it is much cheaper as it doesnt have all the amenities of Secret Harbour, yet. There are lots and lots and lots of land and house packages going all over Perth so I agree with Very Stormy that its best to wait until you get here to have a good look. We have got what is described as a turn key package and it is exactly the price that is advertised and doesnt charge anything extra for flooring air con window treatments etc etc etc. Lots to chose from is a good thing, so good luck

That sounds promising, if you dont mind me asking how much was your property and what size is it?

[Give me a break!]

Ours is $312,000 for a 4x2 with a theatre and separate study and as I said is turn key so it comes with everything ready to move in. Painting and landscaping is our responsibily but everything else is included. Its on a 498 square metre block. I have seen advertised also some that allow money for landscaping too so shop around.

[derham]

That sounds even better than the ones we have looked at online, does your costs include the plot purchase as well?

[Give me a break!]

Yep thats everything exept the wall painting, and landscaping, we are getting that done separately and are having a pool built at the same time. The fences have to be paid for too but you share the cost with the neighbours 50/50

[derham]

That sounds really good, the cost of buying a property isn't as bad as it seems then, considering the salaries are better then it's good news all round. One last question if you don't mind how much is your pool costing, we are not sure about getting a pool (think it may be a luxury that though time will not be used all that much)?