If you’re a renter starting to explore the idea of buying your first home, you’ve probably come across the term house and land package more than once. But while these packages sound convenient (and they are), many people are left scratching their heads wondering: how exactly is the total price calculated?

At Stop Renting Perth, we’re all about taking the confusion out of the homebuilding journey. Whether you’re planning ahead or ready to build now, understanding how house and land package pricing works is a great place to start.

What is included in a house and land package price?

Let’s start with the basics. A house and land package is exactly what it sounds like: a deal that includes both the block of land and the construction of a brand-new home. But how that final number is calculated can vary based on several moving parts.

Here’s what typically makes up the cost:

• The land itself (including location, size, and any site costs)
• The base home design (this is your standard layout and inclusions)
• Upgrades or customisations (like higher ceilings, air conditioning, or larger alfresco areas)
• Site works and soil testing
• Government fees and charges
• Inclusions (what’s already part of the package: flooring, appliances)

When we offer fixed-price packages here at Stop Renting Perth, it means all of the above is wrapped up into one number with no nasty surprises mid-build.

Land cost: what are you really paying for?

The land component is often the first thing calculated, and it can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors:

• Location: A block in Baldivis will be priced differently from one in Henley Brook.
• Size of the lot: A 300m² block will obviously cost less than a 600m² one.
• Orientation and shape: Some blocks are irregularly shaped, which can affect the design options (and price).

It’s also important to consider site costs. These cover the work needed to prepare your block for building, such as levelling the ground, managing drainage, and connecting to utilities like water, power, and sewage.

In some cases, especially with sloped or rocky land, these costs can add up quickly. That’s why a proper soil test is a must, and something we handle as part of our process.

House design: base prices and beyond

The next piece of the puzzle is the home design itself. Each package will have a base design: the blueprint with a standard set of inclusions. This might include:

• A standard ceiling height
• Basic tile splashback
• Basic tile or carpet flooring
• Standard light fittings and fixtures

But what if you want to make your home feel a little more… you? That’s where upgrades come in.

Want a modern kitchen with a splash of luxury? Prefer hybrid flooring instead of carpet? Keen on adding a theatre room or larger garage? These are all customisable (and very doable with our design team), but each choice can add to the overall price. The key is knowing what’s essential for your lifestyle, and what’s a ‘nice-to-have’.

Fixed price vs variable pricing

At Stop Renting Perth, we offer fixed-price packages to help buyers avoid the unexpected. This means your contract includes all the essentials, land, build, site costs, and inclusions, all for one price.

Some builders or developers advertise lower prices upfront, but be wary. These base prices might not include site works, council approvals, or even driveways. You could end up paying $20K–$40K more than you planned if you’re not careful.

With us, what you see is what you get. No hidden costs. No surprise invoices halfway through the build. Just a clear roadmap to get you from renting to owning.

Government fees and grants

Another part of the pricing puzzle is government-related costs. These can include:

• Stamp duty on the land (not on the house build: one of the big advantages of building new!)
• Council approvals and application fees
• Title transfer costs

The good news? If you’re a first-home buyer in Western Australia, you may be eligible for the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG), which provides a one-off payment of $10,000 for new builds. Additionally, you might benefit from stamp duty concessions:

• For homes: No stamp duty is payable on properties valued up to $450,000. Concessional rates apply for homes valued between $450,001 and $600,000.
• For vacant land: No stamp duty is payable on land valued up to $350,000. Concessional rates apply for land valued between $350,001 and $450,000.

These concessions can significantly reduce the upfront costs associated with purchasing your first home in WA.

And don’t worry — we won’t leave you to figure this out alone. Our team will guide you through what you’re eligible for, how to apply, and how these grants can help reduce your total upfront cost.

What about turnkey packages?

A question we get asked all the time: Is the house move-in ready?

With our turnkey packages, yes, your home is ready from day one. That means:

• Landscaping and fencing, depending on land developer
• Flooring, blinds, and internal paint
• Appliances and fixtures

It’s everything you need to move in and get on with life. No juggling trades, no hidden expenses, no weekends lost running between hardware stores.

Can I really afford it?

If you’re renting now, we hear this question a lot, and it’s completely valid in this current economic climate.

The short answer is: probably. We’ve helped hundreds of Perth renters break out of the rental cycle and into homeownership. Our process takes into account your financial situation, grant eligibility, and borrowing power, and we tailor a solution that works for you.

Even if you don’t have a big deposit saved, there are finance pathways available, and we’ll help you explore them, including options through low-deposit lenders.

Get in on the ground floor

Understanding how house and land package costs are calculated is the first step toward making confident decisions. While the total price includes a number of components (land, house design, site works, upgrades, and government fees), the real value comes in knowing exactly what you’re getting.

At Stop Renting Perth, we offer transparent, fixed-price packages across Perth’s best suburbs. Our goal is simple: to help you stop renting and start living in a home that’s truly yours.

Ready to chat? Book a free consultation and let’s walk through the numbers together. No pressure, just honest answers and real solutions.