When looking to buy a new home, one of the options available to many buyers is a house and land package.

These packages are typically offered by developers and home builders, providing a simplified process for owning a new home.

However, potential buyers often wonder about the customisation options available with these packages.

Let's explore whether you can customise a house and land package and what this might entail.

Understanding House and Land Packages

A house and land package is a bundled deal where you purchase the land and the construction of the home together. This approach has become popular because it can be cost-effective and less stressful than buying land and building a home separately.

These packages often come with a range of pre-designed homes you can choose from, each varying in size, style, and price.

Standard Inclusions and Pre-Set Designs

House and land packages usually come with a set of standard inclusions, such as basic landscaping, a driveway, a kitchen with standard appliances, and bathroom fixtures.

The designs are pre-set, which means that they have been pre-approved by local councils and fit within the developer's construction plans.

This streamlines the process, often making it quicker and simpler than starting from scratch.

The inclusions differ with each builder, for example more luxury builders (like Novus) offer a more high end home, with better finishes and inclusions than builders aimed at helping young first homebuyers.

Customisation Options

The level of customisation available in a house and land package can vary significantly from one builder or developer to another.

Some offer a range of modifications you can make to the floor plan, such as:

• Altering room sizes
• Changing the layout of the kitchen or bathrooms
• Adding additional features like a home office or alfresco dining area
• Choosing fixtures, finishes, and colour schemes

Upgrades and Extras

Beyond structural changes, many builders provide a range of upgrades and extras that can be included for an additional cost. These might include:

• Higher-end appliances
• Premium flooring or benchtop materials
• Smart home technology
• Enhanced outdoor living spaces

Limitations to Customisation

While customisation is possible, there are usually limitations. These can be due to:

• Local zoning laws and building regulations
• The developer's design parameters
• The need to maintain a consistent streetscape within the development
• Budget constraints

Considerations When Customising

If you decide to customise your house and land package, here are some considerations to keep in mind:

• Budget: Customisations can add up quickly, so it's essential to have a clear budget and prioritise the changes that are most important to you.
• Resale Value: Consider whether your customisations will appeal to future buyers or if they're too personalised.
• Timeframe: Customisations can lead to longer building times. Ensure you're comfortable with the potential delay.
• Warranty and Guarantees: Understand how customisations might affect your builder's warranty or any service guarantees.

The Bottom Line

Customising a house and land package is certainly possible, but the extent to which you can make changes will depend on a number of factors, including the developer's policies, local regulations, and your budget.

It's important to communicate clearly with your builder about your vision for the home and to understand any additional costs or time implications that your customisations might entail.

Ultimately, the ability to customise can give you a home that fits your lifestyle and preferences while still enjoying the benefits of a package deal.

Be sure to do thorough research and choose a builder who is willing to work with you to make your dream home a reality.