Build or buy an existing home

Custom-fit

Building your own home comes with a greater level of control. You can work with a designer or your builder and decide what sort of layout you'd like, depending on the size of your family and how you want to use the space. Keep in mind that each estate and building company will have guidelines or templates to work from. The further you stray from that, the more it will cost you.

Built for tomorrow

Home building has come a long way. A new house will be built with energy efficiency in mind. Whether that's the layout of the rooms to encourage better airflow, LED lights throughout the house, or simply the materials used. These extra steps won't just help the environment but your wallet as well.

Incentives

If you're a first homebuyer building a home, you may be eligible for a first home owner grant. Builders and land developers may have their own incentives on top of that. However, it's important not to get too caught up in short-term savings. Focus on the house itself and consider what you can genuinely afford.

Costs and timeframe

You may end up paying more to build your own home in WA than to buy an established house, especially if there are supply or trade cost pressures. It'll also take you a lot longer to get into your home than if you were to buy established.

Location, location

New homes are often built in new land releases. Be sure to check amenities and infrastructure. What's in place now and what is still to come? Will it be easy for you to get to work? Established suburbs have infrastructure and amenities already in place.

The power of touch

Buying established gives you the ability to walk around a house that is already built. You don’t need to imagine how big a room is from house plans. This makes it very easy to picture how you will live in the house, and what doesn’t work for you.

Inspection time

Before you sign on the dotted line, you have the opportunity to get a professional building inspection. Essentially, an expert will go over the house with a fine-tooth comb to find any structural faults that might cost you further down the track. This is more than a money saving tip, it's an investment into the safety of your family.

Location, location, renovation

If you decide to build your home, you're limited to the availability of land in the areas you want to live. This may result in a sacrifice of preferred location, or an added pressure to pay more for the spot you want. Buying established broadens your search considerably. You may also have the opportunity to renovate the home if you'd like to make a few adjustments.

Speed up the process

The process of buying an established home is more streamlined than building a home. You'll have fewer decisions to make and hopefully less stress. 

It's not all positive

The negatives for buying established are really found in the positives for building. You won't have the ability to customise your home from the get-go and will need to make a more conscious effort to ensure that it's energy efficient for the future. With older homes, you can run into problems with internal things like plumbing and electrical systems, more maintenance and higher energy bills. Fixing these essential aspects of your home can present significant costs.

When it comes to the big question, buying or building, there isn't  an easy answer.

• Take the time to think of your current financial and family situation.
• You may find it useful to create a list of what are your must-haves and deal breakers, and what is a wish-list so you can prioritise what you need.

Keystart recommends that you seek your own independent financial advice prior to making any decisions about your financial needs. Any examples given are provided for illustrative purposes only.