Cost to Build

• How To Buy An Investment Property
  According to the ATO, over 2 million Australians own at least one investment property as part of their portfolio. This stream of investment is popular due to its low barrier to entry and reliable return on investment in comparison to other investment opportunities. But for first-time investors, it can be difficult to determine if property... Read more »...Read more
• Stamp Duty Explained
  The path to homeownership is paved with many new concepts and processes. Stamp duty is just one of these many costs that’s exclusive to home buying, and represents a tax placed on property transfers.   Whether you’re buying your home or building anew, the land purchase makes stamp duty an unavoidable cost to pay. Whilst it... Read more »...Read more
• Guide to Self-Managed Super Funds
  Self-managed superfunds offer Australians the unique opportunity to privately run their superfunds. With traditional superfunds, super is managed by specific organisations and trusts whereas SMSFs puts that responsibility onto the individual.   But why self-manage? SMSFs offer a wider range of investment options and lets you invest your super into property to increase your funds for... Read more »...Read more
• Cost of Knockdown Rebuild 
  With a knockdown rebuild, you have the opportunity to achieve a new home while maintaining your location. From the demolition of your current structure to the creation of a stunning new home, we’re here to help you understand the unique cost of a knockdown rebuild so you can make a fresh start on the land... Read more »...Read more
• Home Guarantee Scheme 2023 Explained
  The 2023/2024 federal budget has made new changes to the existing schemes and processes for financing a home across Australia. As the housing market stays a volatile place, especially for first time home buyers, these programs seek to help Australians enter the market and become homeowners.   As of July 2023, the recent series of changes... Read more »...Read more
• Home Loan Pre-Approval: What Lenders Are Looking For
  Buying a home is one of life’s most exciting and anxious times and for most, it’s a once in a lifetime experience. As experts in homes, G.J. Gardner Homes knows how essential it is to have a clear understanding of all the relevant jargon to make informed decisions whilst on this journey.  We’re here to... Read more »...Read more
• Conveyancers Explained
  The journey of buying a home may be exciting, but it usually isn’t short and simple. Home- buyers need the support and guidance of lawyers, brokers, land sales or real estate agents and bankers to complete the purchase. One professional to get familiar with as a home buyer is a conveyancer. As experts in transferring... Read more »...Read more
• What does Labor’s election victory mean for homebuyers?
  In May this year, we witnessed the introduction of a Labor government into the Australian parliament. With the housing market front of mind throughout the 2022 election, this new era is set to impact home buying and building throughout Australia. The Labor government is set to include expansions to existing home buyer schemes as well... Read more »...Read more
• Interest Rate Increase: What It Means for Home Buyers?
  As had been widely predicted, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced a major increase in interest rates. After an all-time low, this increase marks a new experience for homebuyers in 2022. Changes to interest rates are a major influence on property cycles, as access to home loans and repayment are directly impacted.  As... Read more »...Read more
• How Much Does it Cost to Build a Home in Australia?
  If you’re looking to build a home in Australia – it would be ideal to have a guaranteed cost so you can begin budgeting and navigating the needed finances. But, as many will know, many factors are at play when trying to calculate the final cost of building a home that ascertaining a figure so... Read more »...Read more
• 2022- 2023 Federal Budget Changes
  With the handing down of the 2022 2023 budget, the federal government has once again allotted stimulus to supporting homeownership. This budget arrives in the wake of the pandemic, expanding prior homeownership programs and ultimately marking the end of some.  Home Guarantee Scheme First introduced in the 2017-18 federal budget, Home Guarantee Scheme is intended... Read more »...Read more
• Construction Loans Australia: What are they, and how do they work?
  Looking to build your dream home in Australia? If so, it is essential to understand the specific loans that can help you on your home building journey. What Is A Construction Loan? Construction home loans are a specific form of home loan intended for people commencing a new home build or undertaking major renovations instead... Read more »...Read more
• How Much Should it Cost to Customise a Standard Plan?
  If you’ve been browsing home designs online or visiting display homes, you will probably find yourself liking a bit of this and a bit of that—a bedroom from one display home and a bathroom from another. As an individual you have the right to change your plans to suit you and you shouldn’t be penalised... Read more »...Read more
• The 2021 Federal Budget – What does it mean for home builders?
  First home buyers, downsizers and single parents were among some of the winners of the 2021 Federal Budget. Treasurer Frydenberg’s Federal Budget 2021-22 commits to “supporting construction jobs” and includes multiple grants and schemes aimed at “helping more Australians realise their goal of homeownership”. In his speech to parliament, the Treasurer stated that while last... Read more »...Read more
• Things To Know About Builder Promotions And Offers
  If you’re doing research on building a new home, you’ll know that many builders offer promotions and giveaways. You may have seen offers for “free” rooms, “bonus” appliances, $x in value, and even buy now pay later arrangements. These types of promotions can be both exciting and tempting, but the truth is, they are mostly... Read more »...Read more
• The Hidden Costs of Building a New Home
  Building a new home is a great adventure. It should be a fun, enjoyable and stress-free process. After all, this is a time when your dreams come true. You’re building your future and life is good. Unfortunately, the hidden costs of building a house can potentially jeopardise these dreams and your future happiness. As a... Read more »...Read more
• Beyond Square Metres: Accurately Estimating The Cost Of A Home
  If you’re going through the process of costing up a new home build, you’ll know that there is no shortage of opinions and recommendations on almost every aspect of the process. But beyond the complexities of choosing the ideal location, organising financing, and making design decisions, estimating how much it costs to build a house... Read more »...Read more
• A Guide To Downsizer Contributions Into Super
  What are downsizer contributions? Downsizer contributions are voluntary superannuation contributions that have been targeted towards older Australians looking to downsize from their long-term family home.  They can help you significantly increase the account balance of your superannuation account, as they provide the opportunity for tax-free payments that can total up to $300k per person. Why... Read more »...Read more
• How Much Will Landscaping Your New Home Cost?
  As Australians, we’re lovers of the great outdoors. There aren’t many better ways to spend time in the sunshine and fresh air than in your very own slice of paradise—your front or back yard. A well-designed and neatly landscaped outdoor space can offer much more than just a private outdoor sanctuary. Your outdoor spaces can... Read more »...Read more
• Get These Three Reports Before Signing a Contract
  There are three key reports that every new home builder should order before committing to a builder’s contract. Soil test Site survey and levels Detailed property report It’s so important to know what you’re getting into before you start building, and these reports will give you incredible detail about the characteristics of your block. Most... Read more »...Read more
• The Average Costs to Build a 4 Bedroom House Explained
  This post sets the record straight and makes it easier to outline the average costs to build a 4 bedroom house in Australia....Read more
• Stamp Duty on New Homes – What to Expect
  If you’re building or buying a new home, there’s a good chance you’ll need to pay stamp duty. If you’re not familiar with the term, stamp duty (also called transfer duty) it is a tax that Australian state and territory governments levy on property purchases. In this post, we explore the general ins and outs... Read more »...Read more
• Saving For A House Deposit – Hints and Tips to Help You Save
  Forget the quips about avoiding smashed avo – we’ll show you how to start saving for a house deposit....Read more
• The Cost of Building a New Home in Melbourne
  So you want to build a home in Melbourne, but you’re not sure how much it will cost? We’ve got you covered. Here, we outline the cost of building a new home in Melbourne – with a few must-know tips to get your budget sorted....Read more
• How to Save your House Deposit
  If you’ve long dreamed of owning your own home but feel overwhelmed how to save your house deposit – you’re not alone. The good news is that some savvy tips and tricks can help you pull together a deposit in less time than you think. Read on to discover the best ways to save your... Read more »...Read more
• How To Subdivide Your Property for Maximum Profit
  In recent years, the price of Australian property has skyrocketed. If you’re lucky enough to have a big backyard, your land could be ripe for subdivision. This post outlines how to subdivide your property, and what you need to know to potentially make a profit. What is a subdivision? Subdivision means dividing your property into... Read more »...Read more