Interested in building a custom home at The Hills of Carmel’s masterplanned community? Land buyers can purchase a plot and choose their own builder, as long as they meet development requirements and obtain the relevant approvals. This pathway offers greater flexibility, letting you compare builders, floor plans, specifications, and finishes so you can build a home you’re 100% happy with. This opens up more choices for land buyers. Your land. Your builder. Your future home, done your way. Here’s how it works.

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Why Buy Land and Choose Your Own Builder?

Unsure whether buying land and choosing your own builder be the right move for you?

Choosing your own builder gives you the freedom to compare home designs, inclusions and service, helping you find the right fit for your needs, lifestyle and vision. It’s also an opportunity to select a team whose communication and approach make you feel confident throughout the build.

Explore different home designs to find a layout that best suits your needs. Whether you’re after additional bedrooms, a home office, flexible living areas, or outdoor entertaining, some builders may be able to accommodate your requests, where others aren’t. This can be especially useful if you expect your family to grow in the coming years.

Building a new home is a huge investment, but comparing several builders also lets you compare quotes, including site costs, upgrades, and exclusions, before committing to a build and signing the contract.

Finally, choosing your own builder may unlock design flexibility that isn’t always possible with package deals. Explore suitable floor plans and facades within development guidelines.

While buying land separately and choosing your own builder can offer several advantages, it isn’t necessarily cheaper than a standard house and land package.

What’s Usually Included
in a House and Land Package?

At The Hills of Carmel, you can purchase land and use your own builder to bring your dream home to life. However, you must ensure your plans comply with the community’s Design Guidelines, which have been developed to keep the neighbourhood beautiful, cohesive, and built to a high standard for years to come.

Under the Design Guidelines, the Developer must approve all plans before you lodge them with The Hills Shire Council or any other appropriate consent authority. Refer to the Design Guidelines for details on specific requirements for house size, roof type, eaves, garages, driveways, fences, and landscaping.

The developer approval process is designed to review whether a proposed home aligns with the estate’s Building Envelope Plans, 88B Instrument (design guidelines) and any applicable estate restrictions. It is an important step in maintaining the vision and character of the community.

While developer approval confirms compliance with estate-specific requirements, it is separate from council, CDC and private certification approvals. Purchasers, builders and their consultants are responsible for ensuring the design satisfies all relevant statutory requirements and for obtaining any approvals required for construction.

Find the Right Block for Your Home Design

Different blocks offer unique opportunities. With land lots ranging from 250m² to 450m², there are options for first home buyers, growing families, and property investors. While total land area is important, it’s also essential to consider frontage, depth, orientation, setbacks, and the building envelope when choosing a block for your future home. 

The table below provides a few design possibilities based on three different lot sizes. These options shouldn’t be mistaken for approved design outcomes.

Design considerations to explore with your builder

250–300 m²

Compact layouts and space-efficient double-storey designs.

300–350 m²

Single- or double-storey options, depending on frontage and the building envelope.

350–450 m²

Potential for a broader range of layouts and outdoor areas, subject to lot constraints and approvals.

Find the Right Block for Your Home Design

Explore available land

Before you can start building, you need to secure your block. Explore the land lots currently available at The Hills of Carmel, comparing price, dimensions, orientation, and estate location. It’s also worth checking the registration status and expected settlement to get an idea of when you can start breaking ground.

Discuss your preferred lot

Once you’ve found a lot you’re interested in, do your research so you understand what you’re signing up for. Ask the sales team about the purchase process, contract requirements, and any conditions that could affect your future home.

Choose your builder

From here, you can start the process of finding a builder to construct your custom home. Share the lot plan and development guidelines, and discuss suitable designs. Your builder should be licensed, experienced, and financially sound. You may also want to review homes they’ve recently completed and read customer testimonials.

Review the complete proposal

Compare inclusions, exclusions, site costs, finance arrangements, and indicative construction timeframes before deciding.

Obtain approvals

After settling on your builder of choice, complete the developer design approval and applicable statutory approvals before construction begins.

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Land Only vs House and Land Packages

The best pathway often depends on how much choice and coordination you’d like during the design and building process.

Buying land and choosing a builder

Select and compare suitable builders.

Explore designs suited to your chosen lot.

Compare separate land and building costs.

Coordinate land and building decisions.

Tailor specifications within applicable requirements.

Choosing a house and land package

Builder is generally specified in the package.

Start with a design paired with a particular block.

Review advertised package pricing and inclusions.

Follow a more guided selection process.

Customisation varies between builders and packages.

At The Hills of Carmel, we offer options for both building pathways. Choose from our available land lots or explore our house and land packages if you’d like us to help manage the process for you. If you’d prefer to purchase a brand-new, professionally-finished home, our curated release of 8 turnkey homes in Carmel One could be for you. Constructed by Rawson Homes, one of NSW’s most trusted residential builders, this limited release will be move in ready and won’t last long.

Choosing your own builder gives you flexibility and the chance to create a custom home that suits your individual needs. Secure your plot in a thoughtfully designed masterplanned community and engage your own builder to bring your vision to life. 

With a range of blocks to choose from, you can find the right fit for your family, lifestyle and vision for your future home.

Can I choose my own builder at The Hills of Carmel?

Yes, you can choose your own builder at The Hills of Carmel, but your plans must comply with the community’s Design Guidelines. 

Can I build a double-storey home on a 250 m² block?

While you may be able to build a double-storey home on a 250 m² block, suitability depends on the individual lot, proposed design, planning controls and development guidelines.

What should I check before choosing a builder for my land?

Before engaging a builder, check their licensing, relevant experience, quote inclusions and exclusions, site costs, timeframes and contract terms, as well as lot suitability.

Can I visit The Hills of Carmel before choosing a block?

Absolutely. We encourage interested buyers to explore our available land lots to ensure they meet their requirements. Register your interest or call 1800 227 635 to arrange an inspection.