Cover image: an illustration of a new home, with a portrait of Edgar Natolo.

A new home package may look complete in the brochure, but the written inclusions tell the real story. Edgar Natolo learned that through his own property purchase.

He had to organise and pay for a driveway, fencing, landscaping and a television antenna. The package included basic grass at the front of the home, but not at the back.

Edgar’s advice to buyers is to request a written list of everything included and excluded, then budget for the work they will need to arrange themselves. The details vary from one package to another. A display home or marketing image should never replace a close reading of the contract.

Look beyond the property boundary

Edgar also asks buyers to consider how much development is still planned around a new home. In an estate with land yet to be released, or an apartment precinct with more projects coming, future buyers may have a choice of similar new properties. That supply can influence resale conditions, although no single factor determines future prices.

These are questions to ask before committing, alongside the total purchase cost and any first home buyer assistance you may qualify for.

Read the full Queensland first home buyer guide for Edgar’s comments and the current Queensland grant and transfer duty rules.