Choosing a home and land package is a big decision — especially on the Gold Coast, where rapid growth and rising demand are pushing housing affordability to its limits.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, in 2019-20 about 58% of low-income households renting privately in Australia spent more than 30% of their income on housing costs, putting them in what is called “housing stress.”
In a region like the Gold Coast, where more than 40% of renters were found in rental stress in recent ABS data, that statistic underscores how important it is to make a wise choice when buying a home and land package.
Here are key considerations to help you select a package that delivers value, comfort, and peace of mind.
1. Define Your Budget Realistically
Before you do anything else, work out what you can realistically afford. This means accounting not just for the land cost and building contract, but also stamp duty, utility connections, landscaping, and council fees. Because land prices on the Gold Coast have been rising steeply, land component alone can represent a large part of cost. Make sure you leave room for contingencies.
2. Location, Infrastructure & Amenities
The location of the land is possibly the most critical factor. On the Gold Coast, look at proximity to:
- Transport links (roads, public transport)
- Schools, shopping centres, medical services
- Future infrastructure projects (roadworks, public transport expansions)
Even if the package is more affordable farther out, lacking infrastructure can add hidden costs (commuting, utility setup) and reduce resale value.
3. Reputation & Reliability of Builder & Developer
When reviewing Gold Coast home and land packages, it’s important to remember that contracts are often divided between the land developer and the builder, or sometimes offered as a bundled deal through the developer working with contractors. Be sure to check:
- Builder licenses, past projects, and customer feedback
- Developer reputation and whether they finish what they promise
- What warranties are included (structural, defects, etc.)
Ask for display home visits, spoken references, online reviews — don’t rely just on marketing.
4. Land Size, Orientation & Restrictions
Not all blocks of land are equal. On the Gold Coast:
- Block size and shape affect not just house footprint but outdoor usability
- Orientation to sunlight, wind, and views matters for comfort and energy efficiency
- Zoning, covenants, and building height restrictions can affect what you can build and how you can use the land
5. Contract Terms & Hidden Costs
Read the fine print. What you see in the brochure might not include everything.
- Check whether siteworks (clearing, leveling), fences, driveways, landscaping, or connections to utilities are included or extra
- When does the build happen? Is the land already titled or will you wait?
- Are there staged payments? How much is due before completion?
6. Long Term Value & Resale Potential
Even if you plan to live in the home long-term, circumstances change. Choose a package that:
- Is in a growth corridor or close to expanding services
- Has design appeal, versatility, and finishes that hold up over time
- Offers good landscaping, street appeal, and consistent quality
A home and land package on the Gold Coast can be a smart route to home ownership — offering newer builds, often fixed-price contracts, and sometimes savings on stamps or taxes for land-only components.
But the stakes are high: with housing stress affecting large numbers of residents, making informed choices is essential.
By carefully assessing budget, location, builder stability, land quality, and contract details, you’ll be far more likely to secure a home and land package that truly suits your lifestyle now — and resale value later.
