Buying a home in Brisbane is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, and right now the choice between a house and land package and an established property matters more than ever.
Home prices across Southeast Queensland have risen sharply over the past few years, and, at the same time, the Queensland Government has stacked the incentives in favour of new construction.
So which path is actually right for you? At OJ Pippin Homes, we’ve been helping Brisbane families build their homes for over 30 years, and we’ll walk you through the real differences between house and land packages and established properties so you can make a confident decision.
What Is a House and Land Package?
A house and land package bundles the purchase of a block of land with the construction of a new home. You sign two contracts: one with the land developer, one with your builder. The land settles first, then construction begins.
Financing works in stages. You’ll use a standard mortgage for the land purchase and a construction loan for the build, with funds drawn down progressively as key milestones are reached.
What’s included in an OJ Pippin house and land package?
At OJ Pippin Homes, our packages are available across established growth corridors in Southeast Queensland, including Rochedale, Bridgeman Downs, Victoria Point, Caboolture, and surrounding areas. With us, everything is included in one price, so you won’t be surprised by hidden extras at the end. Standard inclusions include:
- Exposed aggregate driveway and path to entry
- Colorbond® roof, fascia, gutter and sectional panel-lift garage door with remotes
- 900mm stainless steel appliances, including dishwasher, oven, induction cooktop and concealed rangehood
- Blockout roller blinds to all windows and doors
- Ceiling fans throughout, LED downlights, NBN-ready and split system air conditioning
- Fly screens to all windows and doors
- Three facade options including front render and/or feature cladding
- Six-year structural warranty and 12-month defect liability period
Every lot we recommend, we’ll also inspect with you before you commit — we’ll give you an honest assessment of any site works, slope considerations or preparation required, so there are no surprises after you sign.
The financial advantages of a house and land package
The cost differences between the two options can be significant, especially in Queensland right now.
- Stamp duty: For first home buyers in Queensland, there is zero stamp duty on new homes and vacant land. For established homes, a concession applies up to $800,000, but full stamp duty kicks in above that. On a $750,000 established property, stamp duty without concession would be around $27,000.
- First Home Owner Grant: First home buyers purchasing or building a new home in Queensland are eligible for a $30,000 grant on contracts signed before 30 June 2026 (the grant reverts to $15,000 after that date). The grant is not available for established home purchases.
- Depreciation for investors: New properties attract depreciation claims on the construction cost and new fixtures, which is a meaningful tax benefit that established properties can’t match.
What to be aware of with house and land packages
House and land packages are not without trade-offs.
- Location: New estates are typically in growth corridors where infrastructure like schools and public transport takes time to establish. We choose our land carefully in corridors with planned infrastructure investment to minimise this gap, but it’s worth factoring into your decision, especially if a specific school zone is important to you.
- Construction timeline: Building a home typically takes 6–12 months from contract to handover, with council approvals adding time upfront. If you need accommodation while you wait, the holding costs of renting during construction should be built into your budget.
What’s advertised vs. what’s included: Some builders advertise low entry prices and charge for inclusions later. Our packages are fixed-price, and we’re transparent about what is and isn’t in the contract before you sign.
What Is an Established Home?
An established home is an existing property that has been previously lived in or sold as a place of residence. In Brisbane, this covers everything from recently built homes in established suburbs to older Queenslanders and character homes. Settlement on an established home is typically 30 to 90 days. If you need to move quickly or you want rental income without a construction wait, that speed is a genuine advantage.
The advantages of buying established
You can see exactly what you’re getting and walk through every room before you commit. There’s no guesswork about what the finished home will look like.
- Established infrastructure: Suburbs usually already have schools, public transport, hospitals and shopping centres operating. For families with children already in a particular school, or buyers tied to a specific employment hub, this can be a deciding factor.
- Renovation upside: Buying a property that needs work and improving it can build equity, particularly in well-located suburbs where the land itself holds long-term value.
The challenges of buying established
- Maintenance costs: Older homes can come with ageing plumbing, electrical systems and roofing. A standard rule of thumb is to budget 1–4% of the purchase price annually for maintenance, and older properties typically sit at the higher end of that range.
- Renovation budgets blow out: If you’re planning to update a property, factor in a buffer above your estimated budget. Unexpected structural issues, restricted access, or changes required during council approval can push costs well above initial quotes.
- Full stamp duty applies above $800,000: On a $900,000 established home, stamp duty in Queensland is approximately $34,350, with no concession available above that threshold for first home buyers.
No First Home Owner Grant: First home buyers purchasing established properties are not eligible for the $30,000 FHOG. The grant applies to new homes only.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Established Home vs. House and Land Package
| Established home | House and land package | |
| Stamp duty (first home buyer, QLD) | Concession on properties under $800K | Zero stamp duty on new homes, no price cap |
| First Home Owner Grant | Not eligible | $30,000 for contracts signed before 30 June 2026 (reverts to $15,000 after) |
| Customisation | Fixed. Buy as-is | Choose your floor plan, façade, finishes and inclusions |
| Maintenance costs (first 5 years) | Varies. Older homes may need work immediately | Minimal (New build with builder warranty) |
| Builder warranty | No | 6-year structural warranty, 12-month defect period |
| Move-in timeline | 30–90 days after exchange | 6–12 months from contract to completion |
| Energy efficiency | Varies by age of the property | 7-star NatHERS rating — 20–25% more efficient than 6-star |
| Infrastructure | Established schools, transport, and shops in place | Developing amenities takes time in new estates |
Which Option is Right For You?
First home buyers
The financial case for a house and land package is strongest for first home buyers. Zero stamp duty on new builds plus the First Home Owner Grant means eligible buyers could be tens of thousands better off choosing a new build over an established property.
Our packages start at accessible price points across Southeast Queensland, and we work with clients from the very first conversation through to handover. If you’re navigating the process for the first time, we’ll walk you through everything: finance, land selection, design choices and government incentive eligibility.
Growing families
A house and land package gives you something an established home usually can’t: a layout designed around how your family actually lives. Our plans include options with multiple living zones, activity rooms, study nooks, zoned bedroom layouts and generous outdoor areas – all configurable to your block and your priorities.
If you need to be within a specific school catchment, an established home in that suburb will likely be your only option. But if you have some flexibility on location, new estates in growth corridors can offer significantly more home for your money.
Investors
New properties offer depreciation benefits on construction costs and new fixtures that established properties can’t match. Modern features and energy efficiency attract quality tenants and minimise early maintenance call-outs. Builder warranties mean your holding costs in the first six years are significantly more predictable than with an older property.
That said, capital growth depends heavily on location. We select land in corridors with genuine infrastructure investment planned, not just outer fringe lots. Speak to our team about which current estates we’d back for long-term growth.
Buyers on a tight budget
Fixed-price certainty is one of the most underrated aspects of a house and land package. You know your total cost before you sign. No renovation surprises. No unexpected maintenance in the first years. Government incentives for new builds can also reduce the upfront cash required significantly.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Whether you’re weighing up your first purchase, looking to invest, or just trying to understand what’s realistic for your budget, we’re happy to talk through your situation without any pressure.
Over the last 30 years, we’ve built more than 1,000 homes across Southeast Queensland, and we take the same approach with every client: transparent pricing, honest advice about what’s achievable, and a team that stays with you from the first conversation to handing over the keys.
Explore our current packages or get in touch with our team to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a house and land package cheaper than buying an existing home in Brisbane?
It depends on the suburb and price point, but for first home buyers the total cost of a house and land package is often lower when you factor in government incentives.
How long does it take to build a house and land package?
From signing contracts, most of our builds are completed within 6–12 months, depending on design complexity, council approval timelines and site conditions. We keep you updated at every milestone and are transparent about expected timeframes from day one.
Can I customise a house and land package?
Yes. You’ll choose your floor plan from our extensive range of designs, select your facade, and make finish selections across the kitchen, bathrooms, flooring and more. We also offer full custom design and plan modifications for buyers who want something more bespoke. Our design team works with you to make sure your selections fit your budget and your block.
