House and land packages have become one of the most popular ways to buy property in Perth and it’s not hard to see why. The promise of a brand-new home, a fixed price, and potentially minimal deposit sounds compelling. But the reality is more nuanced than the brochure.
This guide cuts through the marketing to give you the real picture: what house and land packages in Perth actually cost in 2026, the genuine advantages, the downsides builders won’t tell you, and the red flags to watch before you sign anything.
What Is a House and Land Package?
A house and land package is exactly what it sounds like a block of land and a newly constructed home sold (and usually financed) together. There are two main types:
Turnkey Packages
The home is fully completed before settlement. You pay once, and the house is ready to move into. These are the simplest to understand but often carry a premium for the convenience. What’s included in ‘turnkey’ varies enormously between builders; some include landscaping, floor coverings, and window treatments, while others define turnkey very narrowly.
Land and Construction Packages
You purchase the land first, then enter into a separate building contract. Settlement occurs on the land, and construction is funded in progress payments as each stage of the build is completed. This is more common with custom home builds and gives you more flexibility in design, but it requires careful cash flow planning especially around the interest you’ll pay during construction.
Real Costs: What Perth Buyers Are Actually Paying in 2026
The headline price on a house and land package is rarely the final price. Here’s a clearer picture of what to expect:
Base Package Price
Entry-level house and land packages in Perth’s growth corridors areas like Alkimos, Brabham, Byford, and Baldivis typically start from around $480,000 to $550,000 for a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home on a 300-350sqm block. More established or well-connected areas will push that north of $600,000.
Site Costs
Site costs are one of the biggest surprises for buyers. These are charges the builder applies based on the specific soil conditions, slope, and services availability on your block. They can range from $5,000 to $30,000+ depending on the land. Some builders include a site cost allowance in their quote; many don’t. Always ask for a soil test before signing.
Upgrade Costs
The display home you inspect is rarely the base specification. Floor coverings, kitchen stone benchtops, ducted air conditioning, higher ceilings, extra power points these are almost always upgrades. Buyers frequently add $15,000 to $40,000 in upgrades beyond the base package price. Some upgrades are cosmetic; others (like insulation and glazing) affect long-term liveability.
Landscaping
Unless you’re buying a true turnkey package, the land around the home will be bare dirt at handover. Front and rear landscaping typically costs $10,000 to $25,000 depending on size. Some packages include a front landscaping allowance; rear is almost always excluded.
Connection Fees and Levies
Many new estates include developer levies, infrastructure contributions, or water service connection fees that add several thousand dollars to your costs. These are sometimes listed in the fine print of the land contract but overlooked.
| The Property Plug view: A package advertised at $499,000 might realistically cost $560,000–$580,000 by the time you account for site costs, upgrades, landscaping, and connections. Always ask your broker or building consultant to model the full cost before you sign. |
Pros of House and Land Packages in Perth
1. Access to Government Grants
New builds are eligible for the $10,000 First Home Owner Grant and, in many cases, better stamp duty outcomes because you’re assessed on the land value at settlement rather than the completed home value. Combine this with the First Home Guarantee and you can significantly reduce your upfront costs. Our government grants service helps buyers claim every dollar they’re entitled to.
2. Low Deposit Pathways
House and land packages are well-suited to low deposit home builds. Keystart accepts as little as 2% deposit on eligible new builds. The First Home Guarantee allows 5% without LMI. When the total package price is structured correctly, the upfront cash requirement can be remarkably low sometimes under $25,000 all in.
3. Fixed Price (Usually)
Reputable builders offer fixed-price contracts, meaning the cost of construction is locked in before you break ground. In a market where material and labour costs have been volatile, this provides meaningful protection against budget blowouts.
4. Brand New Lower Maintenance Costs
A new home built to modern standards typically means no immediate repair costs, energy-efficient appliances, modern insulation, and full builder warranties. You’re not buying someone else’s deferred maintenance.
5. Ability to Customise
Unlike buying established, you have influence over layout, finishes, and orientation. With a custom home build, you can design a home that suits your lifestyle not the previous owner’s.
Cons of House and Land Packages in Perth
1. The True Cost Is Often Hidden
As detailed above, the sticker price frequently understates the real cost once site costs, upgrades, and landscaping are included. Buyers who don’t do their homework can find themselves stretched beyond budget.
2. Land in Growth Corridors Means Long Commutes
The most affordable packages are typically located 35–60 minutes from the Perth CBD. For families dependent on one car or where both partners commute, this affects daily quality of life. Factor in fuel, tolls, and time not just the mortgage.
3. Construction Timelines
Perth’s building industry has experienced significant delays in recent years due to labour shortages and supply chain disruptions. New builds routinely take 12–18 months from slab to handover. During this time, if you’re renting, you’re paying rent and covering the interest on your land loan simultaneously.
4. Builder Quality Varies Enormously
Not all builders are equal. Volume builders can deliver excellent value but may cut corners on inclusions or communication. Some have gone into administration mid-build in recent years, leaving buyers in limbo. Working with someone who can compare builders independently rather than going direct dramatically reduces this risk.
5. Limited Negotiating Power as an Individual
When you walk into a display village alone, the sales consultant works for the builder. They’re incentivised to sell the package at maximum margin. A building broker who represents you can negotiate better inclusions, flag risks in the contract, and ensure you’re comparing like-for-like across multiple builders.
What to Watch Out For Before You Sign
Here are the specific red flags that catch buyers off guard:
- Vague site cost estimates ‘Approximate site costs of $5,000–$15,000’ is not a fixed price. Demand a soil test and a firm site cost figure before signing the building contract.
- Display home specs vs base specs: Ask the builder to itemise exactly what is and isn’t included in the quoted price. Walk through the inclusions list line by line.
- Progress payment structures: Understand when payments are due and ensure your finance is structured to cover each draw-down without triggering penalties.
- Sunset clauses: Some land contracts include clauses that allow the developer to extend settlement indefinitely. Understand what protections you have if the land title is delayed.
- Builder warranties: WA law requires a structural warranty of 6 years and a non-structural warranty of 2 years on new builds. Understand how to make a claim if things go wrong.
- Land title timing: If the land isn’t titled yet, your FHOG payment and stamp duty assessment timing will be affected. Make sure your settlement dates are realistic.
If you’re not sure what to look for, our team can walk through a contract with you before you commit. Check out how we help buyers compare builders with confidence it’s part of how we protect buyers at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are house and land packages cheaper than buying established in Perth?
It depends on the location and the specific package. In Perth’s outer growth corridors, new house and land packages are often more affordable than comparable established properties in inner suburbs but you need to factor in the full cost including site costs, upgrades, and landscaping. In some areas, the gap is much smaller than buyers expect. Our team regularly helps clients compare building vs buying to find the right path for their situation.
Can I use a house and land package with a Keystart loan?
Yes. Keystart is one of the most commonly used lenders for house and land packages among first home buyers in Perth. With a minimum 2% deposit and no LMI, it’s designed exactly for buyers who are building new. Income and property price caps apply, and not every estate will fall within Keystart’s eligible areas, so it’s worth getting a finance assessment before you set your heart on a particular block.
How long does it take to build a house and land package in Perth?
From signing the building contract to handover, most house and land package builds in Perth currently take between 12 and 18 months. This includes the time from signing to slab, frame, lock-up, fit-out, and practical completion. Delays can occur due to council approvals, weather, and subcontractor availability. Always build a buffer into your rental or living arrangements rather than assuming the minimum timeframe.
What happens if my builder goes bust mid-build?
This is a legitimate concern given the number of builder insolvencies in WA and nationally in recent years. In WA, new homes are covered by Home Indemnity Insurance (HII), which provides some protection if a builder becomes insolvent, dies, or disappears. The coverage amount and process have limitations, which is why choosing a financially stable, vetted builder matters enormously. The Property Plug maintains a network of pre-vetted builders and can help you assess risk before you commit.
Do I need a building broker for a house and land package?
You’re not legally required to use one but the buyers who don’t are navigating the process alone, against a builder’s sales team. A building broker represents your interests: checking contracts, comparing builders, coordinating finance and grants, and being your single point of contact throughout the build. The service is free to buyers because the broker is remunerated by the builder so there’s no financial reason not to use one.
| Thinking About a House & Land Package in Perth?Before you visit a display village, talk to us. We’ll help you understand the real costs, identify suitable land, match you with vetted builders, and maximise your grant entitlements all in one place. Book your free strategy call → or call us on 0483 965 555 |