First home buyers & first time builders

Choosing, financing and building your first home

A practical guide for first home buyers

Building your first home in Queensland should feel achievable and rewarding. At Plantation Homes we are committed to making the journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether you're building solo, as a couple, a young or growing family or even entering the market later in life, our team of experts is here to help guide you every step of the way.

We’ve created this guide as a resource to help first home buyers take the first step into home ownership and make confident, well-informed decisions along the way.

Building your first home with Plantation Homes

With more than 20 years’ experience building homes across Queensland, Plantation Homes is a trusted choice for first home buyers looking for quality designs, practical inclusions and a smoother building experience.

Created for first home buyers, the Plantation Homes Q Collection offers affordable home designs without compromising on quality, space or functionality. With family friendly floorplans, generous inclusions and a choice of single and double storey designs, Q Collection homes are designed to help first home buyers get into the market faster.

We’re focused on making the journey into home ownership clearer and more accessible, with upfront and transparent pricing, easy inclusion packs, upgrades and guidance throughout the process.

Turn 'maybe one day' into move-in day

The Q collection maximises space and functionality without compromising on style or comfort. Choose from cleverly designed floorplans for 10m, 12.5m and 14m lot widths from a leading first home builder and take advantage of our exclusive streamlined process to get you building your new home faster.

✓ Transparent pricing, upfront

Our pricing includes colour selections, fixtures and fittings, so you’ll know exactly what you're paying from the very beginning. No hidden costs. No surprises.

✓ Build with confidence

With just $5,000 required to get started when you finance through our partner Loan Studio - and a 12-month price lock with our future best price guarantee - you can step into your new home with confidence and certainty.

✓ Start building in 12 weeks

Our streamlined process means your new home could start construction in as little as 12 weeks from deposit, helping you move in sooner. The 12 week timeframe is only available for registered greenfield sites and fixed site costs.

✓ Smart choices, no compromises

Personalising your home is simple. Choose from curated interior and exterior colour palettes selected by our design experts so your home looks and feels complete, without the stress of endless decisions.

✓ Made for first home buyers

Crafted for modern living on compact lots, this range offers smart floorplans, energy-efficient design, and unbeatable value, perfect for your first step into home ownership.

Why build your first home with Plantation Homes?

You’re our priority

We will look after you from start to finish — and for many years after. As simple as it sounds, our philosophy is all about you.

50-year structural guarantee

Our 50-year structural guarantee goes well beyond industry standards, giving you long-term peace of mind that your home is built to last.

Honest & transparent process

We’re upfront about pricing, inclusions, upgrades and timelines, so you can build your dream home with clarity and certainty from day one.

Designed for Queensland living

Our floorplans are made for real Queensland lifestyles, with light-filled spaces, indoor-outdoor flow and flexible zones for growing families.

Build with confidence

Backed by the $10 billion, 330-year legacy of the Sumitomo Forestry Group*, we have the strength and stability to deliver your home, no matter what.

Experience you can trust

With over 25 years of building new homes in Queensland, we bring expert craftsmanship, award-winning design and a passion for innovation.

Packed with value

With better inclusions as standard, you get more of what you need at no extra cost. Plus, we include an interior designer who is not paid a commission to upgrade.

Financing your first home

Budgeting and saving

Before you start building, it’s important to understand how much you can comfortably afford — both upfront and ongoing. Speaking with a bank or broker early will give you clearer insight into what’s achievable based on your personal circumstances and what steps you need to take to strengthen your financial position. When planning your budget, don’t forget to factor in a deposit, as well as extras like furnishings, moving costs and utility connections.

Home loans and pre-approvals

As a first-time home buyer, applying for pre-approval with a lender gives you a clear picture of your borrowing power before you sign any contracts. Pre-approval also helps speed up the process when it’s time to pay a deposit or secure land. Every lender is different, so it’s worth comparing interest rates, fees, and repayment options to find the loan that suits your needs and goals.

First home buyer QLD Government grants and support

First time home buyers in Queensland may be eligible for financial incentives offered by the Queensland Government and the Australian Government, including:

• First Home Owner Grant (FHOG): A lump-sum payment toward the cost of building a new home.
• 5% Deposit Scheme: Allows you to buy with as little as 5% deposit, without paying lender's mortgage insurance.
• First home (new home) concession: Reduced or waived transfer duty on eligible new homes and land.
• Boost to Buy: A shared-equity home ownership scheme that helps eligible first-home buyers purchase a property with a minimum 2% deposit. The government contributes up to 30% for new homes with a value up to $1 million.

These programs can make a big difference to your deposit or total build cost. We’ll help you understand what you qualify for and how to apply.

Working with a finance specialist

When it comes to home finance, expert advice can be a game-changer. If you’re a QLD first home buyer, we recommend talking to our partners at Loan Studio about your borrowing capacity, comparing loan products and assisting with grant paperwork. We can connect you with trusted partners who work closely with first home buyers and understand the ins and outs of the building process.

Understanding construction loans

Unlike a traditional home loan, a construction loan releases funds in stages as your home progresses through each phase, such as base, frame, enclosed, fix and completion. This staged approach means you only pay interest on the funds drawn down at each point. It’s a flexible loan type designed specifically for new builds. Once the home is complete, the loan will revert to principal and interest repayments more like a typical mortgage.