For many first homebuyers, deciding to build can be an exciting opportunity to create a home of your own but navigating finance, government grants, home design and construction for the first time can be overwhelming.
That situation is what Step 1 Homes by Plunkett Homes is designed to support, offering a streamlined building process specifically engineered towards people making their first foray into homeownership.
Step 1 Homes General Manager Michael Vermey said simplifying the journey was central to the builder’s approach.
“Step 1 Homes was created just for first homebuyers with the aim of making it easier to get on the property ladder,” he said.
“Our streamlined process makes homebuilding a lot simpler, which also attracts investors.”
During the first stage of this process – the pre-construction phase – Step 1 Homes helps clients assess their financial position and the options available to them.
This includes understanding what government initiatives and schemes they may be eligible for.
Ensuring expert financial guidance is close at hand, Step 1 Homes works closely with mortgage broker Central Lending Solutions (CLS), which is located under the same roof at Osborne Park.
Mr Vermey said CLS specialised in the first homebuyer market and guided clients through construction finance, deposits, lender comparisons and grants in straightforward terms, so buyers understood what was possible and what happened next.
“With the help of the in-house CLS team, we’ll walk you through all the available grants, including the First Home Owner Grant, in which eligible first homebuyers may receive a one-off payment of $10,000 towards a new residential home,” he said.
Other support measures include the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, which enables buyers to enter homeownership with a smaller deposit and no lenders mortgage insurance.
You could also be eligible for Help to Buy – a shared equity scheme where the Federal Government contributes up to 40 per cent towards the purchase price of a property.
“We check which grants and concessions you qualify for based on your budget and your build,” Mr Vermey said.
“We explain the paperwork each one needs and when it is due, and keep things moving so your paperwork lines up with your build timeline.”
Step 1 Homes will then assist clients in finding and securing their preferred block of land, after which clients choose from one of 16 standard home designs and finalise colour selections before their home goes to site.
“If you’ve already purchased a block of land, that’s great – we can help you choose the design that best suits your block and your lifestyle,” Mr Vermey said.
“We have a range of designs, including 6m-wide two-storey townhouses, to suit blocks from 6-15m wide.
“We’ll work with you to select the perfect design to suit your budget, lifestyle and location.”
Step 1 Homes’ builds suit most popular lot typologies in new estates throughout the Perth metropolitan area and the Peel region, with sister company WA Country Builders delivering its residences across the Greater Perth, Mid West, South West and Great Southern regions.
Facade styles include heritage, retro, modern and coastal – each with their own distinct character.
Two, three and four-bedroom configurations are available, offering open-plan living and a selection of standard inclusions.
“You will have lighting, security and comfort features with smart finishes from the get-go, including stone composite benchtops to the kitchen, hobless showers, 3.5-kilowatt solar, a tri-lock entry door, mitred tiling to wet areas and more,” Mr Vermey said.
“Popular upgrades include overhead cupboards to the kitchen, high ceilings and an electrical upgrade package.”
According to Mr Vermey, once your slab goes down, Step 1 Homes’ 12-month Build-Time Guarantee applies to the construction stage.
“You get a committed schedule from slab down to handover, so you know exactly what’s happening and when,” he said.
“We offer a range of building methods alongside traditional double brick, which can also help to streamline and speed up construction.”
While buying an established home has its advantages, Mr Vermey said building could give first homebuyers greater control over the end result.
“When you build your dwelling, you have control over the choice of design and selections, unlike when buying established,” he said.
“This means you get the house you really want – one suiting your location and lifestyle perfectly.”
When building, you are also covered by a structural warranty and maintenance period post-handover, which can help keep unexpected costs after moving in lower.
Step 1 Homes makes building your first home simple, guiding every step. Backed by Plunkett Homes’ 120-plus years of experience, take your journey with confidence.
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