Building for the first time
We can help you build the perfect home for you and your family, or for your next investment.
Being a first time builder shouldn’t be overwhelming
Building your first home is a big step, and it’s completely normal to feel a bit unsure. There are contracts to read, approvals to organise, plus decisions around floor plans, and inclusions. Then there's all the talk about timelines, site works, progress payments and even Lender’s Mortgage Insurance. It’s a lot.
But it doesn’t have to feel that way. With the right builder by your side, the whole building journey can feel simple, guided and even enjoyable.
At Metricon, we’ve helped thousands of first-time home buyers across Australia become proud home owners. We know the process inside out, and we’re here to support you through every milestone, from the soil test to handover. So, if you're ready to break out of the rent trap and start planning your brand new home, you’re in the right place.
Why build a new home?
- Building a new home means you get exactly what you want and how you want it. No compromises on the layout of the home, or interior finishes and fixtures, so you get the perfect home for your family and lifestyle
- You can choose from a wide and wonderful range of home sites in purpose-planned estates with lakes, walkways, parks, and close to schools, shops and amenities, or build on your own block of land
- You can avoid potential problems with renovating an older home, due to hidden faults or unexpected issues
- Want to know how much you can save on stamp duty? Use our Stamp Duty Calculator.
- You could save money while your new home is being built: payments are staggered throughout the process so you don’t have to come up with all the money up front
- If you’re a first home buyer you may be eligible for grants from federal and state governments and also additional stamp duty savings. Find out about the First Home Owner Grant (PDF, 191kb)
- You also save money buying a new home, because you only pay stamp duty on the cost of the land, not the building (unlike an established home)
- Plus a new Metricon home comes with a lifetime structural guarantee# to give you peace of mind.
What are the steps to building a new home?
Not sure where to start? You’re not alone. The building process can seem like a maze, especially for first time home builders, but we break it down into manageable steps:
1. Finance and borrowing capacity
Chat with our new home advisors and finance partners to understand your home loan options. This is a good time to check your eligibility for the First Home Owner Grant or any stamp duty concessions.
2. Choose your land
You’ll need a block of land to suit your lifestyle and preferred house design. We can help you find the right house and land package to get you moving faster.
3. Pick your home design and inclusions
This is where things get exciting. Browse our range of award-winning home designs to find one that suits how you live. Our team at Studio M can also help you choose the right interiors and finishes to make your home truly yours.
4. Sign your contract
Once your selections and floor plan are locked in, you’ll receive a fixed price contract, giving you peace of mind with no hidden surprises.
5. Approvals and site works
We organise soil tests, site surveys and permits to get your building site ready.
6. Construction begins
You’ll hit key build milestones like base, frame, lock-up and final. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way.
7. Handover and move-in
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. We'll give you the keys to your new house so you can move in right away.
Setting a realistic budget for your first home
One of the biggest concerns for first-time home builders is cost. That’s why setting a realistic budget upfront is key.
The total cost of building your own home can depend on your block of land, site conditions, selected home design and any upgrades. On top of that, you’ll need to factor in additional costs, such as landscaping, driveways, and interior design items like lighting or furniture.
Metricon offers a wide range of affordable house and land packages with floor plans to suit all budgets. We also provide fixed price contracts, so you won’t get caught out by unexpected expenses later.
And if you’re still working out your finances, our finance partners can help you understand your borrowing capacity and loan options. They’ll also check if you’re eligible for government grants for first home buyers. You can even use our online cost calculators to get a quick estimate.
Choosing a home design that fits your life
Your new home should reflect the way you live now, and into the future. So, when choosing a home design, think about how much space you need, where you spend the most time, and how your lifestyle might change.
Do you love entertaining? Look for open-plan living with seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Need more storage? Consider floor plans with walk-in robes or extra cupboards. Growing family? Choose a design with multiple living areas or flexible spaces.
Metricon has house designs to suit all blocks and budgets, with single-storey and double-storey options available. And we've got heaps of interior design selections, so choosing finishes and facades is simple and enjoyable, not overwhelming.
The questions you should always ask before signing
Here are some important things to ask our new home advisors before you commit:
- What’s included in the base price?
- What are the standard inclusions, and what counts as an upgrade?
- How much are site works likely to cost for my block?
- What are the progress payments and timeframes?
- What support do you provide throughout the process?
- Can I visit display homes or completed projects?
Our team is always happy to guide you and make sure you feel confident before moving forward.
Take the first step to home ownership
There’s nothing like walking through a display home to spark ideas for your dream home. So, if you're thinking about building for the first time, come visit a Metricon display village near you. You can also speak with our new home advisors to chat about home designs, house and land packages and what’s possible based on your budget.
We’ll walk you through every step, so you feel informed and supported from the first chat to the final handover.
FAQs
1. Do I need a home loan pre-approval before speaking with a builder?
It helps, but it’s not essential. Talking to a mortgage broker early on can give you a clearer idea of your borrowing capacity.
2. What should first-time builders know before starting a construction project?
Understand your budget, timeframes, site conditions and what’s included in your build. It’s also important to ask about upgrades and additional costs.
3. What should I consider when choosing a builder for the first time?
Look for experience, transparency, customer support and clear fixed pricing. Choose a builder who will walk with you from day one, like Metricon.
4. How do standard inclusions differ from upgrades?
Standard inclusions are the features included in the base price. Upgrades are optional extras that come at an additional cost.
5. What grants are available for first time builders?
You may be eligible for the first home owner grant and stamp duty discounts, depending on your state. Our finance partners can help you apply
Useful tips
First Time Builder Tips
Head over to our blog to find out everything you need to know about building your first home. Everything from checklists to what the process is.
FAQs
Still have questions about building your home? Check out the answers to our most commonly asked questions.
First Time Builder Events
Join us at our First Time Builder Events and learn about every step along the way to building your dream home.
Why our customers love where they live
"I love my new home. The layout is so simple and it feels so spacious."
Calculators
Calculate everything from your buying power, to how much you can borrow, to what stamp duty you may need to pay.