By Radel Cabrera, Founder & CEO, Core Group International
House and land packages and established homes solve the same problem: owning a home in South East Queensland: but they move the risk to different places. An established home locks in the price today but carries the condition of a 20- to 40-year-old building. A fixed-price house and land package carries the build risk but fixes the cost before construction starts. This article compares the real numbers.
What is a house and land package?
A house and land package bundles the land purchase and the build into one fixed-price contract. Instead of buying an existing home, you choose a block in a growth corridor and a builder-matched design, with the price fixed before construction starts. Core Group International delivers these across South East Queensland under the Build Smart System.
House and land vs established: the comparison
| Factor | Established home | House & land package |
|---|---|---|
| Price certainty | Fixed at purchase | Fixed before construction |
| Stamp duty | On full purchase price | On land only (often lower) |
| First Home Owner Grant | May not apply | Often applies to new builds |
| Condition / maintenance | Varies with age | New, under builder warranty |
| Timeline | Settlement ~30–90 days | Build ~6–9 months |
| Energy efficiency | Older standards | Current standards + solar option |
Where the real numbers land
The biggest financial difference is stamp duty and grants. On an established home you pay transfer duty on the full purchase price. On a house and land package, duty is generally assessed on the land component, which can be materially lower. New builds in Queensland may also qualify for the First Home Owner Grant and, for first home buyers, stamp duty concessions.
When each option makes sense
Established suits buyers who need to move in weeks, want a mature garden or established street, or are buying in areas with little new land. House and land suits buyers who want price certainty, a new energy-efficient home, and are happy to wait for the build: especially first home buyers who can stack grant and duty concessions.
How to decide
- Get your borrowing capacity assessed first: the number drives everything.
- Compare the total cost of ownership, not just the sticker price (duty, grants, maintenance, energy).
- Map your timeline against a build schedule if you're considering house and land.
- Get a fixed-price position before you commit to either path.
If you're weighing the two, book a free assessment with Core Group International and we'll run the numbers for your situation.