What Is a House and Land Package?
12 October 2026

For many buyers, building a brand new home from scratch can feel more complicated than buying an established property. From finding the right block of land, choosing a builder, to settling on the design of your home and managing the construction process. However, house and land packages at The Hills Of Carmel simplify the process by combining the purchase of a block of land with a new home designed specifically for that block.

This article breaks down the basics of house and land packages to help you understand whether the process is right for you.

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A house and land package combines the purchase of a vacant block of land with a brand-new build.

These kinds of packages usually involve:

Purchasing a block of land;

Selecting a home design that suits the block;

Entering into separate or coordinated contracts for the land and construction of the house, depending on the arrangement;

While house and land packages are marketed as a single package, the buyer typically purchases the land and the house as two separate components;

House and land packages can be a great option for buyers looking for a new build without having to source a block and start the home-building process from scratch.

What’s usually included in a house and land package?

While house and land packages typically include a new build and a vacant block, the specific inclusions vary by builder and package.

Potential inclusions may include:

Home design;

Basic landscaping;

Standard fixtures and finishes;

Site works;

Before entering into a contract for a house and land package, it’s important to check exactly what is and isn’t included. Depending on the inclusions, you might find that the advertised package price isn’t necessarily the final cost if upgrades or additional site costs apply.

How Does a House and Land Package Work?

Select your block of land

Buyers select a block based on factors such as location, size, orientation, budget and the type of home they want to build. In some instances, buyers may prefer to buy land in Box Hill and explore their building options separately.

Choose a home design

Once the buyer has selected a vacant plot, they choose a home design that works for the land and their lifestyle, including the number of bedrooms, layout and key features.e.
Buyers who want a more streamlined option may also consider turnkey homes, which can reduce some of the decisions and additional work involved in preparing a new home for move-in.

Finalise the details and contracts

The land purchase and construction of the home may involve separate contracts and timelines. As the buyer, it’s essential to understand the terms, inclusions, costs and conditions before signing on the dotted line.

Settle on the land and start building

Once the relevant contracts and approvals are in place, the land purchase and construction process can begin. However, the exact sequence and timing will depend on the development, builder and contract arrangements.

What are the Benefits of Buying a House and Land Package?

Choosing a house and land package offers several advantages that might make it a good option for you.

A new home designed for modern living

Buyers have the opportunity to choose a home with contemporary layouts, features and finishes rather than renovating an existing property.

More choice over your home

Depending on the package and builder, buyers may have some flexibility around the home design, façade, colours, finishes and upgrades.

A staged payment structure

House and land packages commonly involve separate arrangements for the land and construction, which means payments may occur at different stages. In a typical arrangement, the buyer settles on the land separately, while construction payments are made progressively in line with agreed building milestones.

This can differ from a completed spec or turnkey home, where the property is generally purchased as a completed home and payment is made in accordance with the settlement terms. The exact payment structure will depend on the builder, contracts and finance arrangements, so buyers should confirm the timing and amounts required before proceeding.

A brand-new community and location

House and land packages are typically offered in new developments. Some buyers find the opportunity to join a growing community appealing, thanks to new infrastructure, homes and amenities.
Interested in discovering the lifestyle on offer at The Hills of Carmel in Box Hill? Our guide for families moving to Box Hill offers a snapshot of the relaxed lifestyle, modern amenities and local gems you could enjoy.

Can you Buy a Low Deposit House and Land Package?

There are certainly opportunities to purchase house and land packages with a low deposit, but don’t assume that every house and land package requires the same deposit. Because of the staged nature of the purchase, the timing of required funds may be affected.

Ultimately, the required deposit depends on several factors, including the lender, loan type, your financial circumstances, and the separate land and construction arrangements.

With so many different factors at play, it helps to speak with a lender or mortgage broker about:

Your available deposit;

Loan eligibility;

Construction loans and progress payments;

Government schemes or assistance you may be eligible for

Do You Pay Stamp Duty on House and Land pPackages?

In NSW, transfer duty treatment for a house and land package can vary depending on how the transaction is structured, the timing of the purchase and the purchaser’s individual circumstances. If you’re planning to buy land in NSW and build a new home, it’s important to understand how the land purchase and construction arrangements are structured before proceeding.

Different rules, exemptions or concessions may apply, so the amount of duty payable should be confirmed for the specific transaction. For current information and eligibility requirements, refer to the Revenue NSW website and seek advice relevant to your circumstances where appropriate.

If you’re exploring your options, you can also browse house and land opportunities at The Hills of Carmel to learn more about available land and new-home options.

Are House and Land Packages Worth it?

House and land packages can be worth it for the right buyer, but it depends on your priorities, budget and circumstances. 

If you’re trying to decide whether a house and land package is right for you, it’s important to consider a range of factors, including:

The total cost of the land, build and any upgrades;

What’s included in the advertised package price;

The location and future plans for the community;

Construction timelines;

The size and characteristics of the block;

The level of flexibility over the home design;

Your financing and deposit arrangements;

Are House and Land Packages a Good Investment?

Whether a house and land package is a good investment depends on factors such as:

Location and local demand;

The quality and suitability of the home;

Land value and future development in the area;

Purchase and construction costs;

Holding costs;

Rental demand, if purchasing as an investment property;

The investor’s long-term strategy

Investing in property is a significant financial decision, so it’s essential to do your due diligence as a buyer. As with any property purchase, buyers should consider the total costs and their own financial and long-term goals rather than relying on potential capital growth or rental returns.

    Find Your New Home at The Hills of Carmel

    A house and land package can be a practical way to buy land and build a brand-new home, but it’s important to understand the costs, contracts, inclusions and buying process before making a decision.

    Whether you’re buying your first home, looking for more space for your family or exploring a new place to build, choosing the right location and home is an important part of the journey. Explore the house and land opportunities at The Hills of Carmel and discover what life in Box Hill could look like for you.

    Ready to Take the First Step at The Hills of Carmel?

    Your first home is more than just a purchase – it’s the beginning of a new chapter. With the right guidance, government support and a welcoming community, that chapter can start sooner than you think.

    At The Hills of Carmel, we’re proud to support first home buyers with thoughtfully designed homes, connected neighbourhood spaces and a community built for long-term living.

    Visit our Sales Centre or get in touch with our team today to explore available homes and learn how your first home journey can begin at The Hills of Carmel.