The Australian property market has been shifting rapidly, and buyers—both first home buyers and investors—are struggling to keep up. Every week, I receive calls from clients who are frustrated after months of searching for the right home. They tell me they’ve attended countless open homes, spoken with multiple agents, and even increased their budget, but still, they have no success in finding the “perfect” existing property.
The reality is simple: it only makes it hard if you are only after existing property.
In today’s environment, focusing solely on completed homes is not just limiting your options—it’s costing you time, money, and opportunities. Let’s break down why that is, and why home and land packages are currently a much better choice for both buyers and investors.
Why the Focus on Existing Property Creates Roadblocks
When I present great home and land package options to buyers, many of them immediately shift the conversation back to existing houses. They usually give me two reasons:
“We are paying rent and want to move into our own home immediately.”
“We are investing and want to start earning rent immediately.”
Both reasons sound logical at first glance. After all, no one wants to keep renting if they can own, and investors naturally want cash flow as soon as possible. But let’s look deeper.
The market conditions are not favourable for these expectations. Sellers know there is more demand than supply, so they are asking very high prices. This pushes existing homes well out of reach for many buyers, especially first home buyers who want to stay within government incentives. For investors, the issue is different: the yields are shrinking because they are paying too much upfront for existing properties that need renovations or upgrades—and yet they cannot claim the same level of depreciation as they could on a brand-new home.
Investment and Property: Understanding the Market Reality
The Brisbane market is a perfect example. The average property price is already over a million dollars and still climbing every day. Properties that hit the market are sold quickly, often at higher-than-expected prices. Buyers who keep chasing existing property are caught in a cycle of disappointment—missing out repeatedly or stretching themselves financially.
This is where reality and expectations collide. Most buyers know the market is tight. They are aware of high demand and limited listings. Yet, many still cling to the hope that they’ll stumble across the “perfect” existing property at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, this is not likely to happen any time soon.
The Advantages of Home and Land Packages
Instead of wasting months in a stressful search, home and land packages give buyers and investors the chance to move forward with clarity. Here’s why they make more sense right now:
1. Transfer Duty Savings
For first home buyers, transfer duty is exempt when purchasing new homes. This is a huge financial relief that doesn’t apply when buying an existing property. Investors also benefit because they only pay transfer duty on the land portion, not the house itself. That’s a direct saving from day one.
2. Depreciation Benefits for Investors
With new builds, investors can claim depreciation on both the building and the fittings. This significantly reduces taxable income and maximises return on investment. In contrast, depreciation on older, existing properties is very limited or sometimes not available at all.
3. Fixed Pricing and Modern Designs
Home and land packages allow buyers to lock in today’s pricing, even if construction takes time. With property prices rising daily, this alone can save tens of thousands. On top of that, buyers get the benefit of modern layouts, energy-efficient appliances, and compliance with the latest building codes—all things that usually cost extra in existing homes.
4. Customisation and Lifestyle
New homes give you the ability to choose layouts, finishes, and designs to match your lifestyle. Existing homes, on the other hand, usually require compromises—or expensive renovations—to meet your needs.
5. Strong Rental Demand
Investors often worry about delays in generating rental income. However, new properties are in high demand from tenants because they offer modern living, lower utility bills, and fewer maintenance issues. In many cases, tenants are willing to pay a premium for these advantages.
Investment and Property: The Cost of Waiting
Let’s be honest. Every day you wait to make a decision, the market moves further out of reach. Prices continue to rise, and the property you could have secured today will cost more tomorrow. Waiting for the “perfect” existing home is not a strategy—it’s a gamble, and in today’s conditions, it’s one where the odds are stacked against you.
Think about it this way:
The time spent attending open homes could have been used to finalise a new build.
The rent you’re paying while waiting is money that could have gone into your own mortgage.
The equity growth from a property you bought today is lost if you wait another six months.
In property, the biggest cost is often the opportunity cost.
Why Clients Keep Coming Back to Home and Land
Despite their initial hesitation, most clients eventually accept that a home and land package is the smarter option. Once they weigh the savings, tax benefits, and growth potential, the choice becomes clearer. What I see most often is this: buyers who start out sceptical end up grateful they made the move.
It’s not about giving up on owning your dream home or building your investment portfolio. It’s about understanding how the current market works and making a decision that positions you for success.
Investment and Property: A Smarter Way Forward
The message is simple: it only makes it hard if you are only after existing property.
If you open yourself up to the opportunities in home and land packages, you immediately widen your options. Instead of chasing overpriced, highly competitive listings, you’re securing a property at today’s value, locking in government incentives, and setting yourself up for strong growth.
As an advisor, my sincere recommendation to both buyers and investors is this: don’t waste another six months chasing something that may never happen. The market is not slowing down. Prices are not dropping. Demand is not easing.
Now is the right time to act.
Next Steps: Explore Your Options
If you are serious about buying, whether for your first home or as an investment, take the next step today. I have a range of great home and land packages available right now that may suit your budget and lifestyle.
Look through the options I have attached, and if something catches your eye, reach out to me directly. If nothing seems like the perfect fit, tell me what you are looking for. I will work with you to find a home and land package that suits your goals—whether it’s to move into your own home or to grow your investment portfolio.
The longer you wait, the harder it gets. Don’t let the dream of owning or investing in property slip away just because you’re chasing an existing property that may never come at the right price.
Final Thoughts
In the world of investment and property, success comes from adapting to the market and making informed choices. Today, the smart move is to secure a home and land package. It provides better value, better benefits, and better long-term growth than trying to fight the tide of competition for existing homes.
The opportunity is here now—make the decision that sets you up for tomorrow.
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