How house and land packages work
A house and land package pairs a block of land with a home design from a builder, sold together as one advertised price. Here is how the whole thing works, step by step, in plain English.
What is a house and land package?
A house and land package combines two things: a specific block of land (usually in a new estate) and a home design the builder has already checked will fit that block — the setbacks, the driveway, the orientation. You see one price for the combination, which makes packages far easier to compare than pricing land and a custom build separately.
Packages suit buyers who want a brand-new home without managing two separate purchases blind. The design work, siting and pricing have been done before the package is advertised.
Do I sign one contract or two?
Usually two, and this surprises many first-time buyers. You buy the land under a land contract with the land owner or developer, and you sign a separate building contract with the builder for the home. The advertised package price is the two added together.
Because the house does not exist yet when you buy, stamp duty is often calculated on the land portion only — one of the financial attractions of buying new. The exact rules and any first-home concessions differ by state, so confirm the numbers for your situation with your conveyancer or solicitor.
Registered vs unregistered land — what's the difference?
Registered land has its title issued by the state government: settlement can proceed and building can start sooner. Unregistered land is still being developed — you can secure the block now, but settlement and construction wait until the title registers.
Every package card on RESBID shows this — either “Registered” or an estimated registration date like “Reg. Apr 2026” — so you know upfront which kind you are looking at.
The steps, start to finish
- Browse and compare. Shortlist packages by suburb, price, bedrooms and land size — every live package is listed here in the same format, so comparisons are like for like.
- Enquire with the builder. Your enquiry goes straight to the builder who priced the package — no agents in between.
- Sort your finance. Most buyers use a construction loan for the build portion: the lender releases money in stages as construction hits milestones. A broker or lender can pre-approve you before you commit.
- Sign the two contracts — land and build — with your conveyancer or solicitor reviewing both.
- Land settles (once registered), then construction starts and progresses through the standard stages — slab, frame, lock-up, fit-out, completion.
- Handover. Final inspection, keys, move in.
Questions worth asking any builder
- Is the price fixed once contracts are signed, and until when is it valid?
- Are site costs included, or estimated and subject to change?
- Exactly which inclusions are in this price — and what is an upgrade?
- Is the land registered? If not, what is the expected registration date?
- What are the build timeline and the builder's warranty terms?
This guide is general information only, not financial or legal advice. Contract structures, stamp duty and grants vary by state and change over time — always confirm your numbers with your conveyancer, solicitor or lender.
Next: What house and land packages cost →
Or see it in practice: browse live packages →