Can I afford an AUSMAR Home?
People embark on the adventure of buying a block and ask this question all the time. We believe that realistic budgeting and professional guidance is the key. Whilst we recommend talking to your financial institution first, or a broker, as the first step - our belief is quite simple. If you can afford to rent a home, you can afford to build a home.
How long does it take to build a home?
This is very dependent on each building scenario. On average, a standard AUSMAR home build can take anywhere from 5 to 12 months, sometimes longer depending on the complexity of the design, site and inclusions.
Getting approval from the council to build can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, again depending on the specifics of your site, objections from neighbours, and environmental concerns. Weather can also impact the timeframe. Each build is unique in its own right.
Where do AUSMAR build?
We build homes for hundreds of families each year starting from the North of Gympie, Sunshine Coast, and down to North Brisbane and everywhere in between.
What is the process of building a home?
We have an easy to follow 8-step process outlined for our standard homes here, be sure to take a read!
Do you offer home loans?
AUSMAR do not offer financial services, however, we partner with a number of local trusted Mortgage Brokers who can certainly assist you through this process. Please let us know if you are interested and we can send through our recommendations for professionals in your area.
Will AUSMAR look after council approvals for me?
Yes - this is all included within your home building contract. We have a dedicated team who look after all council and covenant submissions. Your build is in great hands.
How long does council approval take?
Getting approval from the council to build can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the specifics of your site, objections from neighbours, and environmental concerns.+
What is included in a standard plan?
You can view or download our inclusions brochures online outlining all of our standard inclusions for every home design. You can also book a tour of our Design Studio to see everything first hand.
Do you recommend steel or timber frames?
Both timber and steel frames offer unique benefits when building a new home. Timber is a natural, renewable resource that can provide excellent insulation.
We proudly offer Frames made from TRUECORE® steel in all our standard home plans, are known for their strength, durability, and resistance to termites and fire. Ultimately, the best choice for your home will depend on your specific needs and preferences. You can learn more about the benefits of both timber and steel frames online.
Where are the AUSMAR Homes display locations?
We currently have three display homes located in two different locations across the Sunshine Coast. You can find our Sunshine Coast displays located at Palmview and Baringa.
Do you offer Knock Down Rebuilds?
Yes, we do. We can guide you through the process of a knockdown rebuild. You will need to engage a third-party contractor to organise the removal or demolition of the existing build. There are companies we can highly recommend to organise this efficiently and with a possibility for making a profit. To help make your journey smoother, we've created a comprehensive guide that covers everything from demolition to design. Discover the possibilities and learn how to bring your dream home to life on the foundations of your existing property. Read more here.
How much does demolition cost?
This is all dependent on the third-party provider, your home and how much demolition is required. It is best to get in touch with the demolition experts who can provide a site assessment and detailed quote for your home.
Do you offer custom homes?
Yes, we do. From small country cottages, award-winning sustainable eco-friendly homes, duplexes, triple level homes and acreage homes. Our full-time in-house designers consult thoroughly with you to make your dreams come to life. There’s no home too small, too big, or too unique for the custom team at AUSMAR.
Do I need to order soil testing and how much does it cost?
There is no need to get your hands dirty! Soil tests, contour surveys, and engineering are included in the preliminary fees at the beginning of your building journey. Leave it up to our experts who can provide you will all of the documentation and results.
Can you help me find land?
Yes of course. Ask one of our friendly team on 1800 AUSMAR or send us an enquiry. We can recommend certain estates within your preferred area or set you up with a house and land package.
What is the first step to building with AUSMAR?
Get in touch here or visit a display home to organise your FREE consultation with our AUSMAR Consultants. They can guide you through the journey of building your home and ensuring you’re on the right path to achieving your dreams.
Will you inspect my land prior to purchase?
We would welcome the opportunity to meet you onsite to work through your build requirements. We understand these are not familiar waters to be treading for most, so please reach out to your New Home Consultant to organise a time to get together.
Why is a double-storey so much more expensive?
The material cost and labour time to construct a double-storey home dictate the price for this floor plan. Each home is significantly different from the next, so it is important to talk to your New Home Consultant on which design best suits your lifestyle, needs and budget.
Can I visit my site during construction?
You can visit your construction site any time you like, as long as you're accompanied by one of our Construction Supervisors. This policy is for safety reasons and your own protection.
Who is my contact person during my build journey?
From your initial enquiry right through to signing your contract, you'll have a dedicated New Home Consultant by your side, working closely with our team and supported by one of our Pre-Construction Client Liaison Officers. Once building approval is granted, you'll be introduced to your Construction Client Liaison Officer and Construction Supervisor who will oversee every aspect of your build until the exciting day you receive the keys to your new home.
Can plans be modified?
All AUSMAR homes come with certain inclusions as standard, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make adjustments. All of our existing home designs (excluding First Series) are customisable (within reason) to suit your needs. We make minor alterations to existing designs free of charge, so getting what you want has never been easier. It is important to understand making changes can delay your build journey.
What is land orientation?
Land orientation is the position of your home on a block of land. The best orientation is for the rear of the property to face north or northwest. This will allow the main family living area, the alfresco area and the back yard to be north facing and make the most of the natural sun during all four seasons.
How do I set a budget for my first home?
If you get in touch with your preferred mortgage broker they will be able to assess your financial situation and set you up on a savings plan suitable for your lifestyle and income. There are different rules of thumb where you shouldn't spend more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing-related costs.
Disclaimer: This is a general guideline and may not be suitable for everyone. It's important to seek professional financial advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
What grants and incentives do first home buyers get?
The Queensland Government’s First Home Owner Grant is currently up to $30,000 for eligible applicants. This increased amount applies to contracts signed between 30 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. To qualify for the Queensland Government’s First Home Owner Grant, you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident aged 18 years or older, have not owned a property in Australia before, and intent to live in the new home as your main residence. The combined total value of the house and land must be under $750,000. For more information, visit the Queensland Government’s website:
https://qro.qld.gov.au/property-concessions-grants/first-home-grant/
How do I get a home loan?
There are two common options for applying for a home loan. This is either through your preferred financial institution or through a mortgage broker. If you would like a recommendation for a contact within your local area, please feel free to get in touch via 1800 AUSMAR or fill out the enquiry form.
Does building new save money?
Yes, it does! When you consider renting versus building. The number one perk for building a new home is paying off your own mortgage and not someone else’s. Investing in your future can yield a better return on investment than renting. Not to mention, when you choose to build you can also select energy-efficient products that will also reduce the running costs for a home. This means your cost of living can drop, creating more savings for you!
Disclaimer: This is a general guideline and may not be suitable for everyone. It's important to seek professional financial advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
Is building a new home better than buying established?
Building a new home offers a range of advantages over buying an established one. Here are a few key reasons why building new might be the better choice:
- Customisation: When you build new, you have the freedom to design a home that perfectly matches your lifestyle, needs, and tastes. You can choose everything from the floor plan and finishes to the fixtures and appliances.
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Modern comforts and technology: New homes are built with the latest technologies and building codes, offering greater energy efficiency, improved insulation, and modern conveniences that may not be present in older homes.
- Lower maintenance: Everything in a new home is brand new, so you can expect fewer repairs and maintenance costs in the initial years compared to an older home.
- Warranty: New homes come with warranties on construction and appliances, providing peace of mind and protection against unexpected issues.
- Energy efficiency: New homes are built with energy efficiency in mind, often including features like solar panels, insulation, and efficient appliances, which can lead to lower energy bills.
Ultimately, the decision to build new or buy established depends on your individual priorities and circumstances. However, the benefits of building new often outweigh the convenience of buying an existing property, especially if you're looking for a home that truly reflects your vision and offers modern comforts and peace of mind.
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