Building your first home can be overwhelming. From understanding orientation and fall to securing financing and selecting a floor plan that aligns with your block, lifestyle, and budget, there are numerous factors to keep in mind.
This is where home and land packages come into play. These packages are essentially curated options prepared by your New Homes Consultant. They highlight a range of available blocks in Victorian estates, paired with Senka Homes' floor plans that best fit the dimensions and orientation of your chosen block.
To try and make the home building process as easy as possible, we’ve created a simple-to-understand guide to help you find the right home and land package.
First, organise your finance
Before diving into home and land packages, it’s essential to understand how much you can borrow and what your monthly repayments will be. Establishing a clear budget will help you narrow down your property options from the start.
At Senka Homes, we can connect you with an expert home and land broker who will guide you through the entire process from assessing your borrowing power and monthly repayments to determining the deposit and savings needed to secure a home loan.
From there, we can discuss your preferences and desired location.
Your borrowing capacity will depend on various factors, including your income, existing debts, and the number of dependent children.
Most lenders require you to demonstrate that you’ve saved at least five per cent of your home loan deposit as genuine savings. This means the funds should be in your bank account untouched for at least three months prior to your application.
Once you’re clear on your finances, it’s time to start searching for your dream home and land package. Meanwhile, your broker will begin working to find you the right home loan deal.
How to find the perfect block of land
Location, Location, Location
Our home and land packages are situated within designated building zones, including Metro Melbourne, Geelong. When selecting an estate or your own block, consider what matters most to you. Would you prefer to be close to work or near friends and family? How important are public transport options or freeway access to your daily routine?
Research the suburb thoroughly and assess its prestige and potential for growth. Location is a crucial aspect of the buying decision, as it can greatly influence how connected you are to various aspects of your life. It will also significantly affect your property’s future value.
Land Orientation
When considering a block of land, it’s essential to think about its orientation specifically, which direction your future home will face. Why does property orientation matter? The short answer is sunlight.
Natural light can make rooms feel larger and enhance your overall well-being. Nobody enjoys living in a dark space! From reducing the need to turn on lights during the day to ensuring that the kids’ bedrooms avoid the harsh heat of the afternoon sun, the orientation of your block is an important factor to consider.
A Quality Land Developer
When placing a deposit on land, it’s crucial to ensure you’re getting value for your investment. If there are shops, parks, and other facilities proposed for your estate, you want to be confident that they will actually be delivered. Many developers have abandoned such plans to prioritise more sellable blocks, which can lead to disappointment.
Timely delivery is also essential and without it, how can you effectively plan your move in dates or leasing agreements? The good news is that experienced builders like Senka Homes have established relationships with reputable developers and can guide you in the right direction.
Land Title Dates
When land is titled, it signifies that it is officially ready to begin the building process. At this stage, the land has been subdivided into individual blocks, and essential infrastructure such as roads, gas, and power are in place.
Title dates can vary significantly ranging from immediate availability to a year or more. Some buyers take advantage of a longer title timeframe, as it allows them to secure the land at a fixed price while continuing to save for their home. Others prefer a quicker title date so they can move into their new home as soon as possible.
Included amenities
Are schools, shops, parks, and shared exercise spaces included in your chosen estate? These amenities are not only vital for your lifestyle but can also significantly impact your long term property value and future rental yields.
If the amenities you desire aren’t available within your estate, consider whether they are close enough to meet your needs and goals.
Finding the right floorplan and why it is important
It’s important to remember that home and land packages offer just one of the many options available for your new home. If you love the location of an estate but find the floorplan doesn’t quite suit your needs, or if you’ve already found your ideal design and need a block that complements it, your New Homes Consultant is here to help.
Home and land packages serve as valuable conversation starters, enabling us to understand your specific needs and aspirations. This insight allows us to find the perfect package tailored to your lifestyle.
While there are guidelines regarding floorplan modifications, we recognise that each customer has unique preferences and needs, and we pride ourselves on our flexibility.
Our home and land packages in Victoria feature industry leading standard inclusions, with a focus on high quality suppliers and trades. We offer fixed, upfront, and transparent pricing, along with a variety of optional upgrades, allowing you to personalise your new home to match your individual style and preferences.
Are Home and Land Packages Turnkey?
When considering home and land packages, a common question arises: Are they turnkey? The answer is nuanced and depends on the specific package and builder.
Turnkey home and land packages typically mean that the home is complete and ready for you to move in, with all the finishing touches done. This often includes landscaping, fencing, and sometimes even furnishings. However, not all home and land packages fall into this category.
Some packages may offer a house that is partially completed, leaving room for you to customise or finish certain elements according to your preferences. This can be a great option if you’re looking for a more personalised touch in your new home.
Before choosing a home and land package, it’s crucial to clarify what “turnkey” means in the context of the specific offering. Always discuss with your New Homes Consultant to understand the details of what is included and how much work, if any, will remain for you after the purchase.
In conclusion, whether a home and land package is turnkey will vary by the builder and the package itself. Ensuring clear communication and understanding the inclusions will help you make the best decision for your new home journey.
How to secure your home and land package in Melbourne with Senka Homes
For personalised guidance and expert advice, contact one of our home and land experts at Senka Homes today!