First Home Guarantee incentive for new builds for first home buyers

Normally, home buyers need a deposit of 20% of the property value to get a home loan, and those with a smaller deposit may require Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) but from 1st October 2025 the Albanese Government brings forward the start date of the First Home Guarantee. This is a game-changer for those seeking a home loan for a first home build.

Under the First Home Guarantee Scheme, Housing Australia provides a guarantee to the lender, so home buyers only need a 2% or 5% deposit (depending on the type of Guarantee). This will help home buyers to buy a home sooner, with lower upfront costs. Key eligibility criteria includes:

• a taxable income at or below $125,000 for individuals or a combined $200,000 for joint applicants 
• you must be a first home buyer or have not owned a property in Australia in the last 10 years (applies to both in a joint application)
• you must buy or build a home to live in (investment properties are not eligible)

Explore the three different Guarantees on the Home Guarantee Comparisons Table or check your eligibility through the Housing Australia website using their Eligibility Tool.

If you’re in NSW, there’s more…

To help you build your first home you may also be entitled to apply for the NSW Government’s First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) – a $10,000 grant available when you buy or build your first new home. 

This grant is not applicable for established houses, unless:

• most of the home was removed or replaced
• the seller, builder or a tenant has not lived in the home prior to, during or after renovations
• it is the first time the home has been sold since completion of renovations.

Your first new home can be a house, townhouse, apartment, unit or similar that is newly built, purchased off the plan or substantially renovated.

There are conditions for eligibility including:

• you must be a first home buyer as a person, not as a company or trust; 
• you or your spouse, partner or co-purchaser must not have previously owned a home before 1 July 2000; 
• the purchase price of a new home must not exceed $600,000
• whether you’re a owner builder or you choose a Comprehensive home building contract, the property value (house and land) must not exceed $750,000
• you or your spouse must not have previously received a First Home Owner Grant in Australia. So too if you owned a home or other residential property in Australia, either jointly or separately, before 1 July 2000

Why it makes sense to build your first home

While it can seem monumental to build your first home now is the perfect time to consider this option. With these government incentives available, the years of paying rent while saving for that deposit are reduced and funds can be funnelled straight into mortgage repayments. Upfront costs are also decreased with waived mortgage lenders insurance. Remember, your new home doesn’t have to be a three bedroom house. A townhouse or unit can be a great entry into the housing market.

Good news for investors

While investors are not eligible to apply for the Australian Government 5% deposit scheme, the good news is that there will be an increased number of buyers seeking house and land packages up to $750,000 and homes up to the value of $600,000. Savvy investors and developers will be also looking to build duplexes and multi-unit dwellings to offer eager first home buyers. With housing affordability a major issue, a variety of dwellings are in demand.

Choosing a new home builder

Whatever your property development plan you need a new home builder who has the experience and expertise to give you strong confidence in undertaking a new build. With the belief that great design should be affordable for everyone Valley Homes offers an economical range of designs suitable for the investors or first home buyer. These can be built off the plan or customised to best suit your block.

Whether you’re a first home buyer or investor these incentives provide a unique opportunity to build a new home in NSW. Valley Homes is ready when you are. Call us today.

Colours to reflect the theme

For further inspiration to build upon the notion of a safe and cosy home, the Taubmans Colour Forecast has pitched four palettes to provide a backdrop of comfort while still offering a splash of colour. Each palette encourages different styles and unexpected colour combinations allowing your individuality to shine through.

‘Composure’ is all about rest and relaxation. Perfectly described as “soft yet fun, sophisticated without being clinical.” Think light earthy tones paired with natural stone and timbers of different shades.

The ‘Grounded’ palette includes warm olive greens and dusty blues. This scheme invites you to imagine ‘an escape at home’ and sits well with the biophilic trends of recent years, to “bring a sense of nature into your space” further enhancing indoor-outdoor living. 

The third palette, ‘Centred’, is all about ensuring a state of calm with soothing variations of white and cream. It offers the perfect antidote to our busy lifestyles allowing you to create a haven of tranquillity.

‘Euphoric’ is the fourth palette and encourages the big bold statement while still contributing to the cosiness of your home. Inspired by the maximalism trend, the Euphoric range is about boldness in colours, patterns and textures.

Sustainable greens

Another area in which functionality and sustainability can flourish is landscape and garden design. 

The big trends  here are edible gardens – from large herb pots to vertical gardens for growing salads and micro herbs.

Drought proof plants, hardy natives and pollinators to encourage native bees are also popular garden approaches for the year ahead.

A home builder to support your vision

Ultimately, whatever inspires your new building design, you want it to reflect your own personal taste so that you can truly feel at home. Which is precisely why it’s important to select a builder capable of offering custom home design to suit your specific needs and desires. Hunter Valley builder, Valley Homes, has been designing and constructing homes from Port Stephens to Newcastle with their expertise and craftsmanship achieved from over 50 years in the industry. If you can dream it, Valley Homes can build it – call us today find out how.

Big sky dreaming: the beauty of building on acreage

At number four, this article’s popularity confirmed people’s desire to reconnect with nature. We headed inland to the Hunter Valley, in beautiful Regional New South Wales, looking at townships from Singleton to Maitland. We explored the many reasons to build an acreage home in this area and why it could suit anyone from the early retiree seeking a tree-change to the growing family looking for the benefits of a rural lifestyle. 

As a Hunter Valley builder,Valley Homes is a respected acreage builder. Not only has our design team created a great range of acreage house plans but we’ve had many satisfying collaborations with customers creating the dream home that they’ve longed for. Whether it’s country style or contemporary the Valley Homes team can customise our acreage house plans so that your new home construction is uniquely yours.

Over the holiday break, take a drive through the Hunter Valley, enjoy the serenity — and keep an eye out for that ideal block of land.

And our #1 story of the year is…

Shoreline Villas: Where Lifestyle Meets Demand

Appealing to those keen to build an investment property or make a lifestyle change our number one article celebrates the Tea Gardens community and beautiful environment confirming it’s a great place to live as well as an area of growth. 

Valley Homes was the chosen Port Stephens builder of property developer, Sheargold for their multi unit development, Shoreline Villas and they’ve proven to be a winning team with  

Shoreline Villas set to be entered into the next HIA Awards – under the Multiple Dwelling Category. 

Sales uptake on these homes confirmed that there’s a demand for more Port Stephens  developments and Valley Homes is ready to collaborate with like minded property developers.

Holiday dreaming

Take time out to imagine the possibilities – whether it’s a new home build or investment property plan for 2024 – get in touch, we’d love to help build those dreams into a reality.

As we wind down to Christmas we want to say a huge thank you for reading and building with us this year, wishing you a happy and peaceful festive season and beyond!

Image Source:
https://houseinspectaustralia.com.au/locations/lake-macquarie/ 
https://www.fnaltitude.com.au/buy/real-estate/1716529/32-1-portland-drive-cameron-park-nsw-2285

When less is more

Smaller blocks of land are obviously more affordable and there are plenty of benefits to starting small especially when you’re new to the property market. Long term maintenance is reduced and so too heating and cooling costs.

Smaller blocks of land benefit from clever design to make the most of the space but that doesn’t have to come at a huge cost. In line with our belief that great design should be affordable for everyone, Valley Homes came up with the Urban Series. Whether you’re a first-time builder or an investor, off the plan can reduce the stress of design by offering a complete package. What’s more, the Urban Series maximises space and creates a relaxed flow throughout each design while providing an abundance of choices.  

Partner with the right builder 

Whether you’re looking for a Lake Macquarie builder or you’re investigating construction companies in  Newcastle, Port Stephens and the Hunter Valley, the company with over 50 years experience in the building industry is Valley Homes. From off the plan to custom home design Valley Homes offers house designs and costs to meet the budgets of both investors and residential builders. 

Contact us to find out more today.

Why move away from the suburb you love for more space?

You originally bought your home because you liked the area, perhaps because it was centrally located or close to great schools. These days the little weatherboard house feels too cramped now that the kids and all their friends are bigger. Or perhaps you’ve always wanted a studio space for that creative project or an office space for the new business. The bottom line is: you need extra space. Buying a bigger block of land means a move to a different suburb which also means paying stamp duty, real estate fees and potentially still needing to do some basic renovation to make the new place home. Could a knockdown rebuild be the answer? Stay in the neighbourhood you love and make the most of your block of land. By doing a KDRB you’re not restricted by the original floor plan and an effective design can make better use of your space.

A knockdown rebuild is a great opportunity to reposition your house on your block of land to take advantage of the northern light for greater sunlight on solar panels and to incorporate a solar passive design.

Where to start?

When considering a KDRB it’s important to factor in the costs for everything from the demolition of your existing property to the design and build. Don’t get overwhelmed! Valley Homes is the Hunter Valley and Newcastle construction company that can help you understand all the ins and outs of a knockdown rebuild. We’ll provide the complete picture including knowledge of council regulations and zoning, as well as full transparency on the cost to knockdown and rebuild with no hidden extras.

Contact us to find out more – with over 50 years of experience in the construction industry Valley Homes provides the best service when it comes to a knockdown rebuild.

Small villages with big vistas

Under the wide Hunter Valley skies it’s possible to find the perfect location to build an acreage home in the rolling hills between Singleton and Maitland. The villages of Paterson and Vacy, Branxton and Greta are also essential hubs for the local communities. These are all worth exploring to find a vacant block of land to build your dream home in a picturesque setting with all the benefits of small town community to enjoy.

As you drive closer to Maitland you’ll find outer areas like Lochinvar & Louth Park provide a rural acreage feel with the ease and convenience of close proximity to a big town. 

Build an acreage home to meet your needs

Taking the time to imagine your rural lifestyle is important when considering acreage house plans. For some people it’s all about the view, making the most of the best aspect with big windows to let in sunlight and beautiful vistas. For others, a priority is the double or triple garage and space for ‘big toy’ storage or to house a workshop.

You’ll want to enjoy having plenty of room to host friends and family and have the option of both indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces. You need to envisage the aesthetics as well. Do you imagine yourself living in a contemporary or country style home? 

With all these questions to answer you’ll be researching house builders in the Hunter Valley who know how to listen to your ideas and make the most of your particular block of land and the surrounding landscape.

The experienced and recommended acreage builder

Whatever you envision for your rural dream home, Hunter Valley builder, Valley Homes, can help you build an acreage home that meets your every requirement. The positive reviews from satisfied customers say it all. Call us today to speak with the team about our acreage house plans.

Incentives to help address the rental crisis

In response to the current pressures felt by those renters struggling with housing affordability, the budget brought relief with a 15% increase in Commonwealth Rent Assistance. Support for renters also serves to raise investor’s confidence in the build-to-rent sector.

Compared to other countries, the build-to-rent market in Australia is relatively small and new. Overall, the current size of the sector is estimated to be just 0.2% of the total value of the residential housing sector. To stimulate growth in this area, one of the tax breaks for property investors included in the Budget was the increase to the capital works tax deduction or depreciation rate from 2.5 per cent to 4 per cent per year. There was also an increase in the after-tax returns for newly constructed build‑to‑rent developments. 

As reported in the Property Tribune, Mike Zorbas, Chief Executive, Property Council of Australia, feels that the budget has provided a powerful win for good public policy.

“Levelling the tax playing field for build-to-rent projects is a significant one and will allow a welcome new asset class to grow into its full potential across Australia, unlocking up to 150,000 new homes and relieving pressure in the rental market over the next decade.”

Reasons to be optimistic

It’s hard not to agree with the positive sentiment expressed in API magazine by Bobby Haeri, Co-Director of The Investors Agency.

“All these announcements are pro-property investing and it’s promising to see that the government has acknowledged the importance of property investors in this country. I believe with over 350,000 people entering the country annually over the next couple of years and interest rates at or near their peak, we will see a promising few years in the property sector within Australia.”

With the demand for build-to-rent houses, alongside various incentives and tax breaks for property investors, plus changes to stamp duty provided by the NSW government, the opportunity is there to invest and be a part of the solution to the housing shortage Australia faces. 

Wondering where to start? Valley Homes can provide the experience and expertise to help you build an investment property whether you’re planning a single dwelling or a multi unit development. We’ll make your investment property dream a reality which in turn will become somebody’s home.

* New tax cuts could deliver 150,000 new build-to-rent apartments, by Rowan Crosby, The Property Tribune, 2/5/2023

There are plenty of construction companies and house builders that can offer new home construction but if you’re looking for something more, whether it’s  a heritage home build, an industrial style home or a custom home design, it’s best to find a home builder in Maitland that can offer years of experience and a diverse portfolio.

Whatever your vision, Maitland home builder, Valley Homes, has a team of designers and builders with the expertise and vision to transform your plans and ideas into reality. We work with local retailers to provide the perfect products for your custom home design and to ensure your dream home build is everything you envisaged and more. Contact us today.

Your home makes a very distinctive first impression and you’ve clearly veered away from the classic heritage home build found in the area. What was the inspiration behind combining traditional with industrial elements? 

We envisioned an industrial style home. Prior to designing our home, we had stayed in some stunning places, which contained the architecture and colour that we liked, in Melbourne and Sydney and it was then that we gathered some ideas. We had fun putting together different materials to enhance the look we were after. The love of recycled timber gave us inspiration to include bridge beams from the 1800’s. Our son Zachary used his industrial skills to cut the heavy industrial brackets for these timber bridge beams.

This style flows through into the house and you’ve managed to blend contemporary and country with the large homestead kitchen table, a variety of warm-toned timbers, leather lounges chairs and ottomans in complementary colours into the heart of the home. This open-planned living area looks like a welcoming space to relax. It must make for great family gatherings! In what ways has your vision become a reality?

We chose Taubmans Roman Rule for our exterior, and carried this from the outside in. We used this colour to complement our timber furniture. Our antique table was discovered in Orange and restored by David and his father. This table allows our family to gather in this perfect cosy space.

You’ve made your alfresco area all the more enjoyable by installing an Escea outdoor fireplace. Can you describe the ways in which you use the outdoor entertaining space and how you make the most of the view?

The alfresco area is boarded by our bar and woodfire barbeque/fireplace. The barbeque/fireplace was David’s 50th birthday gift as he has an interest in cooking over wood. The old timber railway sleeper mantelpiece and fireplace surround add to our country themed style. We absolutely love entertaining in this space with family and friends. We adore our property’s view – the sunsets, the farmyards and wildlife are stunning! This view can be seen from many of our home’s spaces including our front door.

The bedrooms evoke country comfort with the iron bed frames, rustic pieces such as the rocking chair and repurposed sewing machine. Are these heirlooms or are you enthusiastic seekers of antiques and second-hand treasures?

Many of our key pieces of furniture are family heirlooms. All pieces have been restored with love by David’s father, Richard. We feel that our industrial style and colours chosen compliment our most loved treasures and bring that country warmth to life.

The Bathrooms and laundry have contemporary clean lines – how did you select your tiles and cabinetry?

We wanted to cleverly design our home’s spaces to allow consistent colour and texture to flow as well as keeping to our industrial clean design. The recommended tile supplier, Amber Tiles and kitchen supplier, Valley Kitchens had the perfect products for our home and vision.

Tell us about your experience working with Maitland builder, Valley Homes in custom designing and building your own home.

Building a custom design home with Valley Homes allowed us to tailor design our dreams. Valley Homes’ willingness to incorporate five different exterior materials was perfect for making our home stand out-giving it ‘wow’ factor. The design team took on our plans and ideas and made them achievable. Our supervisor Brad’s attention to detail was noteworthy. We love our beautiful home and hope to make many memories with our family and friends. Thanks to the Valley Homes team!

There are plenty of construction companies and house builders that can offer new home construction but if you’re looking for something more, whether it’s  a heritage home build, an industrial style home or a custom home design, it’s best to find a home builder in Maitland that can offer years of experience and a diverse portfolio.

Whatever your vision, Maitland home builder, Valley Homes, has a team of designers and builders with the expertise and vision to transform your plans and ideas into reality. We work with local retailers to provide the perfect products for your custom home design and to ensure your dream home build is everything you envisaged and more. Contact us today.

When it comes to great house design ask any architect or savvy house builder in the Hunter Valley for the three words most often spoken on the topic and they’ll tell you: affordable, adaptable and sustainable. With interest rates on the rise and the continued demand for eco-wise approaches to design and building practices, home builders are seeking out affordable architecture to deliver both practical and creative design solutions. 

Design suited to the Australian Climate

The sustainable home builder is aware that effective architectural design must harness the best of the Australian climate as well as the specific challenges it presents. In a region that experiences an average of eight hours of sunlight a day, the Hunter Valley builder can take full advantage of that solar energy with the use of passive design principles. Effective design that incorporates sunlight in the winter months can contribute to reduction in heating costs.

Passive design principles factor in the orientation of the house on the block of land, making best use of the northern aspect. This can be particularly advantageous in winter months. Wherever the sun falls on a thermal mass, be it concrete or tiled flooring, the heat will be absorbed during the day and radiate that warmth long after the sun has disappeared. 

Likewise, reducing the impact of the sun in the summer months through adequate shading with the use of deep eaves or verandah, will lessen the reliance on air-conditioning and its expense.

Quality insulation and glazing are also core to passive design principles in order to keep in the warmth in winter and cool in summer. To maintain a comfortable living environment, adequate airflow is also an important aspect of effective design. 

Flexible home design that has it all!

Offering architecturally inspired designs at an affordable price, The Valley Series allows homeowners to tailor the best aspects of flexible home design to suit their needs. These Hunter Valley house designs are perfect for both the first time buyer or the investor, whether you’re looking for a modern or heritage styled home that includes favourite contemporary features. The secret of the Valley Series is the mix and match home design with a range of modern and heritage front and rear façades.

Heritage appeal

For some home owners the heritage style perfectly fits their vision of a classic Hunter Valley house design. The Valley Series has five pitched roof front and rear façades that would blend with the character of an older suburb or simply satisfy the desire for the Hamptons look.

A popular destination for wealthy New Yorkers, The Hamptons district of Long Island in the USA, is the source of inspiration for this ever-popular style. Hamptons is all about indoor/outdoor living and features large windows that fill the home with light. With the Valley Series it’s possible to capture the classic Hamptons style by choosing a front and rear façade with a pitched roof veranda and weatherboard effect. Painting the fascia and timber posts white will finesse the look. It’s a timeless style that comes across as effortless and charming. 

Modern lines

The Valley Series also offers contemporary designs with modern front and rear façades that include the skillion roof and covered outdoor area. These stylish designs provide a real contrast to the traditional pitched or gabled roofline. Some homeowners keen to install solar panels also have a preference for this style.

With all of the Valley Series floor plans you will find the best in modular home design including an open plan kitchen with generous living area utilising passive design principles.

There are a variety of layouts to satisfy every homeowner from ‘The Compact’, to fit the smaller block and budget to ‘The Connoisseur’ with its generous sized kitchen and servery while ‘The Executive’ is perfect for those looking to work from home.

The biophilic design principles of bringing the outside in and incorporating nature inspired elements  to contribute to health and well being have been applied to the Valley Series not only with use of natural light but also the inclusion of an alfresco area in each design. ‘The Sanctuary’ has the added bonus of private courtyard off the master bedroom, in which an abundance of plants could be cultivated to create a personal oasis of tranquility.

‘The Entertainer’ also has a private courtyard as well as a media room while ‘The Classic’ simply provides all you could want in a four bedroom home.

The house builder in the Hunter Valley to offer the complete service 

Investors and buyers seeking  affordable architecture that allow use of passive design principles suited to the Australian climate need look no further than the Valley Series. And who better to build it than Valley Homes, the Hunter Valley builder with over 50 years experience in the construction industry. We keep the business of homebuilding simple and guide you all the way from design to build.

When you think of Port Stephens it’s likely you’ll picture its pristine waters, national parks, dolphins, water sports and whale watching cruises. It’s the perfect spot to holiday, retire or enjoy a day trip. Why stop there? The Port Stephens Council has prioritised adequate supply of new housing for its anticipated growth which also makes it a great place for property development. 

With land prices at a premium in Newcastle, Port Stephens is less than an hour up the road and has some great locations for multi unit investment property. But the exciting news is that the options for property development extend well beyond Nelson Bay!

A Vision for the Region

Councils from Newcastle and Port Stephens all the way up to the Midcoast are preparing for population growth. The Hunter Regional Plan 2041 focuses on ‘making great places with more everyday uses close to home, supported by the right sequencing of development and infrastructure to ensure sustainable growth.’ All of NSW local government councils were required to develop a local strategic planning statement (LSPS) setting out the 20-year vision for land use in their local area, including the special character and values that are to be preserved, and how change will be managed into the future.

Of particular interest to investors and construction companies are these two key points of the plan:

1. A focus on 15-minute mixed-use neighbourhoods.
2. A preference for infill development rather than greenfield development, where we plan for housing densities that align with how a neighbourhood functions and the type of public transport available, and establish flexible land uses to allow communities to evolve. 

The 15-minute mixed use neighbourhoods are designed to be convenient locations for living and investing where a mix of things can happen closer to your home so that everyday needs like schools, shops, cafes and businesses could be only 15 minutes away with a walk or bike ride, or by car in more rural areas. The Port Stephens Council recognises that infill housing creates more compact neighbourhoods and supports local businesses. It also contributes to the sustainability of the area by helping reduce the urban sprawl. Reassuringly for investors, construction companies and home builders, Port Stephens Council has made amendments to developing controls and monitoring of supply to increase the proportion of infill housing.

Port Stephens attracts not only those seeking a sea or tree-change but also ‘regional returners’, those that grew up in the area. Knowing that it’s also perfect for future residents looking for more affordable housing suited to their needs and their budget, the savvy builder would be wise to keep an eye open for property development opportunities in the Port Stephens area, including smaller places like Tea Gardens. Port Stephens Council infill housing study identified the areas offering the most infill housing opportunities were: Raymond Terrace, Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay and Corlette. Other possibilities for selected types of infill housing were Anna Bay, the Tilligerry Peninsula, Karuah and Medowie.

Also of interest to home builders, Port Stephens Council have identified many blocks of land in Raymond Terrace that have potential to provide additional small-scale housing development such as duplex, triplex and dual occupancy. Construction companies will be happy to hear that the Council has been reaching out to landowners in Raymond Terrace to promote the potential for additional residential development.

You bring the vision and we’ll build it

So on this note of optimism, we hope our ideas bring you the inspiration to make 2023 the year to fulfill your property dreams. Whether it’s to build a new home or an investment development, call the team at Valley Homes – we’re here to help make it happen.