Asking specific questions about timelines, unexpected costs, and inclusions will help you avoid surprises and ensure your dream home meets your expectations.
When meeting with reputable builders like WOW Homes, it’s important to come prepared with a list of essential questions to address your concerns. Your builder should be able to clearly explain their process, provide detailed information about warranties, and outline exactly what is included in your quoted price. This transparency builds trust and gives you confidence in your choice.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- Prepare specific questions about costs, timelines and inclusions to avoid surprises during your home building journey.
- Choose a home builder who communicates clearly and provides detailed information about warranties and building processes.
- Request a comprehensive breakdown of what is and isn’t included in your quoted price to ensure your budget aligns with expectations.
Building your first home in Perth involves unique considerations related to local regulations, market conditions, and available support programs. Asking the right questions early in the process can save you time, money and potential disappointment.
1. Am I Eligible for Any Government Grants?
Western Australia offers several financial assistance programs for first home buyers. The First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) provides $10,000 for eligible applicants purchasing or building their first home. This grant applies to new homes valued up to $750,000 in most areas and up to $1 million in designated higher-cost regions.
You might also qualify for stamp duty concessions through the First Home Owner Rate (FHOR) of duty, potentially saving you thousands. This applies to properties valued up to $530,000 with partial concessions available up to $430,000.
Don’t overlook the Federal Government’s First Home Guarantee scheme, which allows eligible first home buyers to purchase with as little as 5% deposit without paying Lenders Mortgage Insurance.
Ask us about these options and whether they can help with the application process, as timing and eligibility requirements are critical.
2. Does WOW Homes Offer Any Promotions for First Home Buyers?
Absolutely! WOW Homes is dedicated to assisting first-time home buyers in Western Australia with a variety of promotions designed to make homeownership more attainable:
- Triple the Grant™: Eligible buyers can receive the standard $10,000 First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) plus an additional $20,000 from WOW Homes, totaling $30,000 towards your new home.
- House and Land Packages from $520: WOW Homes offers affordable house and land packages across Perth, starting from just $520,000.
- Zero Savings Program: For those concerned about savings, WOW Homes provides Zero Savings House & Land Packages and Home Loans, allowing you to begin your journey with as little as $1,500.
- Quick Build Times: With a streamlined five-step construction process, WOW Homes ensures timely completion of your home without compromising quality.
- Good Looker Elevation Range: Enhance your home’s curb appeal with stylish elevation designs included in select packages.
- Refer a Friend: Share the experience! Refer a friend to WOW Homes and receive a $2,000 cash bonus upon their successful home purchase.
These promotions are tailored to provide exceptional value and support throughout your home-building journey. For more details and to determine your eligibility, visit our promotions page or contact our team directly.
3. What Kind of Deposit is Required?
Most home builders in WA, including WOW Homes, typically require a deposit between 5-20% of the total build cost.
At WOW Homes, we offer options that can make homeownership more accessible, especially for first-time buyers. We provide low-deposit home loan options, allowing eligible buyers to start with as little as $1,500. This initiative is designed to alleviate the common barrier of saving for a substantial deposit, enabling you to embark on your homeownership journey sooner.
Your deposit structure is usually broken into stages. You might pay an initial amount to secure your lot and building contract, with the remainder paid at key construction milestones.
Ask about deposit protection insurance, which safeguards your funds if the builder cannot complete the project. This provides important financial security during the building process.
If you’re struggling with the deposit, discuss whether the builder offers any assistance programs or can recommend financial products designed specifically for first home buyers with limited savings.
4. Which Suburbs in Perth Have Land Available in My Budget?
Perth’s expanding metropolitan area offers varying land options across different price points. Emerging suburbs in Perth’s north like Alkimos, Eglinton and Yanchep offer affordable blocks with new infrastructure and community amenities being developed.
In Perth’s south, areas such as Baldivis, Wellard and Byford provide good value with established services already in place. These areas typically offer blocks ranging from $180,000 to $250,000 depending on size and location.
Eastern growth corridors including Brabham, Dayton and Ellenbrook continue to expand with diverse lot sizes at competitive prices, generally between $200,000 and $300,000.
Ask us about our house and land packages in these areas, as we may have secured lots at pre-negotiated prices that aren’t available to the general public.
Consider future development plans for areas you’re interested in. Some more affordable locations may increase in value as infrastructure improves, making them smart long-term investments.
5. Can I Still Build if I Have Bad Credit?
Building with less-than-perfect credit is challenging but not impossible in WA. Some specialist lenders work specifically with borrowers who have credit issues, though interest rates may be higher.
We can often refer you to mortgage brokers who specialise in finding solutions for clients with credit problems. These professionals can access lenders that mainstream banks might not consider.
Consider addressing credit issues before applying. Even six months of demonstrated good financial behaviour can improve your chances of approval.
You might explore having a guarantor—typically a parent or close relative—who can use their property as additional security for your loan. This reduces the lender’s risk and increases your chances of approval.
Some buyers with credit challenges opt for a rent-to-own arrangement or similar alternative financing methods.
6. What Are My Options If I Don't Have Any Savings?
Several pathways exist for WA residents hoping to build without substantial savings. Family guarantee loans allow parents or relatives to use equity in their home as security instead of a cash deposit, potentially covering up to 100% of your costs.
Embarking on the journey to homeownership without substantial savings is a common concern, but at WOW Homes, we offer tailored solutions to help you overcome this hurdle:
- Zero Savings House and Land Packages: Designed specifically for individuals with minimal savings, these packages enable you to start your home-building journey with as little as $1,500. This approach allows you to bypass the traditional requirement of a large deposit, making homeownership more accessible.
- Low Deposit Home Loans: We understand that saving for a significant deposit while managing rent and other expenses can be challenging. Our low deposit home loan options require minimal upfront savings, enabling you to move forward with building your new home sooner.
- Keystart Home Loans: As a government initiative in Western Australia, Keystart provides low deposit home loans to eligible individuals, reducing the initial financial burden. Our finance specialists can guide you through the eligibility criteria and application process to determine if this option aligns with your circumstances.
- First Home Owner Grant (FHOG): As previously mentioned, eligible first-time home buyers may receive a $10,000 grant from the government. WOW Homes enhances this benefit with our ‘Triple the Grant™’ promotion, offering an additional $20,000, bringing the total assistance to $30,000. This substantial boost can significantly offset the costs associated with building your new house.
- Finance Specialists: Our team is dedicated to assisting you in navigating the financial aspects of homeownership. If some savings are necessary, our finance specialists will work with you to create a detailed savings plan, ensuring you’re on the path to owning your new home as soon as possible.
At WOW Homes, we recognise that each individual’s financial situation is unique. Our experienced consultants approach your circumstances with understanding and optimism, striving to find the best pathway to make your dream of homeownership a reality.
For personalised advice and to explore the options best suited to your needs, please contact our team directly.
7. How Will My Repayments Work?
During construction, most lenders offer interest-only payments on the amounts progressively drawn down as building stages complete. This keeps your payments lower while building is underway.
Once construction finishes, your loan typically converts to principal and interest repayments. Ask your lender about the estimated monthly amount so you can budget accordingly.
Many first home buyers in WA choose to make fortnightly rather than monthly repayments. This strategy results in one extra monthly payment per year, potentially saving thousands in interest over the life of your loan.
Consider asking about offset accounts, which allow your savings to reduce the interest calculated on your loan. This feature can significantly decrease your total interest costs.
WOW Homes can help connect you with mortgage brokers who specialise in construction loans. These professionals can explain payment schedules, compare loan features from different lenders, and ensure you understand exactly what to expect throughout.
8. How Long Will My Build Take?
At WOW Homes, the average build time for a standard single-story home typically ranges from 9 to 12 months, starting from the first brick being laid to the final handover of keys. This timeframe is influenced by various factors, including council approvals, weather conditions, material availability, and the complexity of your home design. While WOW Homes strives to keep builds on schedule, unexpected delays can sometimes occur due to external factors.
If you choose a more customised floor plan or specific finishes that require longer lead times, this may extend the build process. However, WOW Homes is committed to ensuring an efficient and high-quality build, which is why we have implemented our quick build strategy designed to complete homes as quickly as possible without compromising on craftsmanship.
For a more accurate timeline based on your selected home design and block of land, it’s best to speak directly with our team. We will provide regular updates throughout the construction process, ensuring transparency and keeping you informed at every stage.
9. How Can I Make the Most of My Land?
Maximising your land’s potential comes down to smart home design and strategic planning. WOW Homes offers a wide selection of designs that cater to various block sizes, whether you’re working with a narrow lot, a corner block, or a larger family-sized parcel. Their experienced team can help you choose a layout that maximises indoor space, enhances natural light, and creates functional outdoor living areas.
Some key factors to consider when planning your build include:
- Orientation: Positioning your home for natural light and energy efficiency.
- Outdoor space: Incorporating alfresco areas, gardens, or courtyards.
- Storage & layout: Optimising storage solutions and open-plan living for better flow.
WOW Homes works with you to design a home that suits your lifestyle, budget, and long-term needs, ensuring that you get the best value from your land investment.
10. How Much Can I Customise or Change the Floor Plan?
WOW Homes understands that every homeowner has unique needs, which is why they offer a degree of flexibility in modifying home designs. While some structural elements remain fixed for engineering and efficiency reasons, you’ll have plenty of options to personalise your home—from selecting interior finishes and colour schemes to adjusting layouts where possible.
Common customisation options include:
- Upgrades and inclusions: Choosing premium flooring, stone benchtops, or high-end appliances.
- Facade designs: Selecting from different external styles to match your aesthetic.
During your consultation, the WOW Homes team will walk you through available modifications, ensuring that your home is tailored to your vision while staying within budget. Whether you’re after small tweaks or bigger changes, they’ll help you find the best solution to bring your dream home to life.
Build Your Dream Home With WOW Homes!
Building your first home should be an exciting journey, not a stressful one. WOW Homes makes the process simple with expert guidance, flexible finance options, and quality home designs. From grants to exclusive promotions, we help you get the best value.
Ready to start? Contact us today and take the first step toward your dream first home!