18th November 2024 | 24m 25s
Should you attend a colour appointment or pick from predetermined colour boards? In this episode, we give an overview of each option, explain the pros and cons of each, and finish with our recommendation to you.
11th November 2024 | 959
Gas connection fees are increasing substantially. In this episode we explain when the new gas connection fees are coming and how much they’ll be. We also talk about what other utility costs that are not included in your contract to be mindful of when budgeting for your new home.
4th November 2024 | 20m 41s
This is the must-listen episode for every home buyer! We’re tackling one of the biggest questions in the industry: Will I get my deposit back if I decide to cancel? In this episode, we break down the answer and dive deep into what a Preliminary Works Agreement really entails, what’s covered in your Preliminary Fee, what work is completed as part of that fee, and whether it’s beneficial to pay this fee to multiple builders.
28th October 2024 | 22m 16s
In this no BS episode, we reveal some of the leading examples where people lose literally thousands of dollars as a result of their hesitation. We hope it helps you avoid the same mistakes so many others have made before you.
21st October 2024 | 23m 25s
If you’re on the lookout for a block of land, tune in because this episode will help you understand the difference between a land rebate compared to a land discount. We explain what they are, the pros and cons of each and also outline which one might be better for you and why.
7th October 2024 | 17m 43s
In this episode, we dive into everything you need to know about purchasing land. Discover the best strategies for buying land, the different purchasing options available, and where you can find the best deals right now. We’ll also uncover the biggest mistakes people make when buying land and share valuable tips to help you make smarter investment decisions.
30th September 2024 | 18m 36s
In this episode, we dive into how to properly care for your home’s slab foundation to avoid costly movement issues down the road. We discuss the most common foundation problems, early warning signs to look out for, and how soil and climate conditions play a role in foundation health. Learn about water management, vegetation control, and the importance of seasonal maintenance. Plus we share essential preventative measures and guide you on where to seek professional help if needed.
23rd September 2024 | 16m 42s
Ever wondered how the orientation of your home affects its comfort and energy efficiency? In this episode we explore why the direction your living areas face is crucial. Discover how to find the north point and the benefits of positioning your living areas to maximize natural light. We’ll also explain how an engineering plan can help you design a floor plan that works with your block’s orientation, plus a quick tip to help you determine the best layout for your home.
16th September 2024 | 51m 56s | Guest(s): Ben Stewart
Meet Ben… he’s built 8 homes… and in this episode he shares his top tips, biggest lessons, common mistakes, what took him by surprise, where the opportunities are now, and much more. Don’t miss it!
9th September 2024 | 55m 48s | Guest(s): Ben Stewart
This level of market update would normally cost you money, but we’re bringing it to you for free. Join us as we welcome Ben Stewart from Core Projects, who takes you through some amazing insights into the current market conditions, peak pricing, land supply, the 70:30 ratio, housing targets, when to buy and much more.
2nd September 2024 | 20m 08s
Wondering which cooling option to choose for your new build? No probs, grab a coffee and listen in as we take you through the top 5 cooling options from cheapest to most expensive.
26th August 2024 | 18m 19s
Budget constraints can be a challenge when securing finance for your new home. In this episode, we share our top 10 recommendations for items you might consider removing from your building quote to ease the approval process. We'll also explore the pros and cons of completing these items after handover, helping you make informed decisions while staying on budget.
19th August 2024 | 45m 05s | Guest(s): John Gilroy
Join us as we chat with John Gilroy about Dubai's booming property market. Learn why investors are flocking to this dynamic city and what Australian investors can gain from global strategies. Get key insights into maximizing returns in international markets
12th August 2024 | 32m 38s
In this episode we dive into the popular investment model of co-living. We explain what it is, how it works, what it includes, how it is addressing critical housing issues, and much more. Don't miss this chance to gain essential insights to help you decide if co-living is the right choice for your next property investment.
5th August 2024 | 23m 22s
In this episode we share our top 5 tips to help you prepare for your colour selection appointment so you can enjoy (not stress about) the experience and make more confident decisions on the day.
29th July 2024 | 24m 12s
Site costs are a key component to your building quote, and can be very confusing as they vary from builder to builder. In this episode we explain what fixed site costs are, how they work and we list the top 5 reasons fixed site costs may be varied or changed by a builder.
22nd July 2024 | 24m 05s
Please listen to this episode BEFORE you buy a block of land. We cover the main components of site costs, the common misconceptions and oversights, and finish with our top 3 tips for you to use before buying a block of land.
15th July 2024 | 20m 37s
In this episode, we dive into the true meaning of "turnkey inclusions" and address how some builders misuse the term to attract buyers. We explain what genuine turnkey inclusions really are, and also explore which buyer types are likely to benefit most from turnkey inclusions. On the flip side, we also discuss why some might prefer a "home only" solution instead. Tune in to gain a clear understanding of turnkey inclusions and make an informed decision for your new home.
8th July 2024 | 14m 32s
In this episode, we discuss crucial tips to avoid electrical plan errors in your new home. Listen in to learn about height, location and number of GPOs (powerpoints), along with checking switch locations, adding two-way switches, and planning for downlights and external lighting as well.
1st July 2024 | 18m 18s
In this episode we share the top 10 tips for building a new home interstate. We cover essential topics such as conducting thorough research, visiting the area, understanding local infrastructure, ensuring legal compliance, and more. Whether you're considering a move or an investment, this episode provides valuable insights to help you navigate the complexities of building in a new state.
24th June 2024 | 37m 23s
In this episode, we explore the current state of the building industry. We begin by recapping what the industry has been through, then we move to how it sits today - discussing consumer confidence and current build time frames amongst other topics. And to finish off, we provide the top 3 positives boosting the industry and the top 3 challenges that still linger.
17th June 2024 | 20m 10s
Insurance premiums are going up, but it is not all doom and gloom like the media reports. Join us as we reveal the increase amount and put it into perspective for you. We also share an emotional plea to the media to stop scaring people and offending those of us who have worked so hard to get some confidence back into our industry these past 2 years.
10th June 2024 | 29m 15s | Guest(s): Theo Mavratzakis
Investors, 70% of you are missing out on these savings. Join us as we welcome the very excited Theo Mavratzakis from Tax Depreciation Australia who explains all things tax depreciation - what it is, how it works, how much it costs, how much it can save you and the list goes on. Don’t miss this episode.
3rd June 2024 | 23m 18s
Here’s a must watch/listen episode for first home buyers. We share the biggest mistake made by first home buyers along with outlining some of the key steps you can take to benefit from getting yourself into property sooner rather than later.
27th May 2024 | 18m 33s
In this episode we briefly explain what livable housing is… and we present the core elements that will change the way home designs look in a simple format as a result of the new regulations.
20th May 2024 | 22m 27s
If you’re buying in an estate, you can expect a few items to be added to your building quote to comply with the requirements outlined by that estate. In this episode we share (and explain) the 5 of the most common estate requirements to look out for.
13th May 2024 | 36m 49s
Listen in to learn about the top 5 things that can impact your design and price as a result of the new regulations (NCC22). We share what we’ve learnt so far in relation to standard inclusions, orientation, what to expect on builder brochures, structural changes and the impact of fall on your block.
6th May 2024 | 43m 32s | Guest(s): Ryan Smits
Get some valuable insights into what buyers have been doing so far in 2024 from our special guest Ryan Smits from openlot.com.au. Learn about timeframe to purchase, great offers out there right now, factors influencing buyer decisions and even a snapshot into the top areas to buy as well. To finish off, Ryan introduces a new initiative called OpenDisplay which allows you to walk through display villages digitally from the comfort of your couch, helping you narrow down your favourites to visit from there.
29th April 2024 | 24m 28s
In this episode we cover the top 10 reasons you should build new instead of buy second hand.
22nd April 2024 | 20m 55s
We all need fencing, but how does it actually work? In this episode we explain what half-share fencing means, what the fencing process is, how to work out what type of fencing is required, and we finish with a couple of tips to help you better prepare for your own block when that time comes around.
15th April 2024 | 14m 37s
In this episode we explain what Bushfire Attack Level or “BAL” means. Tune in as we cover the different BAL ratings, how to find if your block is in a BAL zone, what the rough costs are and what you get for those costs as a result.
8th April 2024 | 29m 04s
In this episode, we help outline what a nomination lot is, how it works, the main benefits and the risks associated well. We finish with a simple 4 step process for you to take if considering a nomination lot yourself.
1st April 2024 | 50m 26s | Guest(s): Justine Kitchen, Cally Gooch
You MUST engage a reliable conveyancer BEFORE signing a land contract. In this episode we are joined by 2 leading conveyancers from Fastrack Conveyancing who provide a wealth of information, tips and insights to you - which will save you time and money, but also give you more peace of mind when purchasing land. This is a must watch/listen episode for all prospective land buyers.
25th March 2024 | 17m 20s
With new regulations coming to Victoria on May 1st, 2024, this episode is all about giving you a quick summary of the changes to better equip you with some basic knowledge of the changes as you speak to new home builders. We explain what the new regulations are in relation to 7 Star energy ratings, Livable Housing requirements and the ‘Whole of Home’ assessment as well.
18th March 2024 | 30m 34s
In this episode we reveal the 3 main types of land purchases, outlining the pros and cons of each. If you’re looking to buy a block of land or house and land package be sure to tune in for great tips and insights that will ensure you make a well informed decision.
11th March 2024 | 28m 17s
Looking to build on a rural or acreage lot? Join us as we explain what rural lots are, which items to consider, how to obtain the right information and some helpful tips along the way. .
4th March 2024 | 23m 48s
In this episode we explain to you why site costs are so confusing and why they may vary from builder to builder. We explain the inclusions and exclusions, how builders price site costs and also help you understand the role an engineer plays in the process too. A short episode, but a valuable one so be sure to listen in.
26th February 2024 | 45m 33s | Guest(s): Steve Matsoukas
We’ve got a home loan expert onboard to help you understand all things finance. Everything from brokers vs banks, the best ways to achieve your saving goals and government incentives explained… right through to the ultimate question - what do interest rates look like over the coming months and ultimately is now the time to buy? Don’t miss this episode as it is jam-packed with great insights.
19th February 2024 | 21m 04s
There’s rubbish on your site pre-construction, so who is responsible for clearing it? In this episode we help you understand who is responsible for clearing a site, what is actually considered “clear” and at what point the builder takes over the responsibility of your site. Also, stick around until the end to hear a nice little giveaway for our listeners.
12th February 2024 | 24m 50s
On the 1st Jan 2024 in Victoria, new “all-electric” regulations came into effect, meaning no more gas in newly constructed homes. In this episode, we discuss these new regulations and help you navigate through some of the more common questions around the timing, how to know if you’re impacted, the items being affected and the items that will now replace the gas items.
25th December 2023 | 9m 15s
Just a quick video from us to say thank you to our viewers, listeners and our guests as we wrap up the year that was 2023.
18th December 2023 | 35m 00s
The decision has just been made to ban engineered stone benchtops in Australia. In this episode, we do our best to share what we know so far, outlining the who, what, where, when, why and how… using the information available to date. This is a MUST watch/listen for anyone looking to build or already in the process of building a new home.
11th December 2023 | 18m 19s
In this episode, we provide a quick guide to help you work out if a house design will fit on your block. We explain front setbacks, side setbacks and how to work out your backyard length, along with an insight into the different codes in Victoria and how different setbacks apply based on your lot size.
4th December 2023 | 35m 10s
We get it, no one wants to be sold to… but the reality is that there are a lot of variables when it comes to buying a house and/or land package, so it’s important for every buyer to give themselves the best chance to learn, understand and obtain the best solution for their needs. In this episode, we explain the ‘to dos’ and ‘not to dos’ when enquiring with a builder to give you the best opportunity to find the right solution for your needs.
27th November 2023 | 20m 11s
It’s common for people to spend most (if not all) of their budget on the house/land, so in this episode we outline the top 5 items that you should be budgeting for that are often outside of your building contract.
20th November 2023 | 30m 09s
Listen in as we outline 10 essential items that we have seen other buyers either miss or not understand when buying their house and/or land. This is a pivotal checklist that will save you time and money, so be sure to tune in.
13th November 2023 | 18m 35s
Did you know that there are new regulations coming to our industry in 2024 that will impact house designs and build prices substantially? In this episode, we explain the 7-star and livable housing changes that are coming, outlining the pros and the cons of each… and to wrap up, we finish with our opinions and reasons on whether you should or should not buy before these regulations come into effect.
6th November 2023 | 33m 06s
In this episode we discuss the impact of pre-site technology in the new home building industry. We discuss some examples of the technologies you can use or see today, and also share our views on display homes… and whether we think they are still vital to home buyers or are they going to be phased out?
30th October 2023 | 28m 17s
In this episode we discuss the difference between titled land (ready to build on) and untitled land (not ready to build on). We explain the definitions of each term, but also discuss the pros and cons of each option to better educate you about your options - and the ramifications - when considering a land purchase.
9th October 2023 | 26m 53s
Investors, join us we guide you through some valuable tips and insights when it comes to building an investment property. We touch on each step in the journey, having the right goal and mindset, choosing the right level of upgrades, narrowing down the best areas, the benefits of full turnkey homes and much much more.
2nd October 2023 | 38m 31s
This episode is for First Home Buyers. We begin with essential finance tips and a rundown of the current government grants available. Then, we explain how to balance location with budget, and also touch on builder discussions, deposit amounts, your needs vs wants list and much more. Don't miss out on this invaluable advice for a successful first home build!
25th September 2023 | 42m 54s
Join us as we dive into greenfield land estates and common lot types. Discover the distinctions between different lot types, sizes and even the different codes applying to blocks based on their overall size as well. We cover the meaning of site coverage and also give you valuable insights into setbacks, private open space and the impact of estate requirements.
18th September 2023 | 50m 35s | Guest(s): William Anderson
Join us as we welcome Will Anderson from RPM Real Estate to discuss the current property market. Discover RPM's role and influence in the industry, and gain insights into immigration, purchasing trends and the current state of the market. Will also shares his insights and views on the current barriers to entry from borrowing capacity through to builder confidence.
11th September 2023 | 53m 05s | Guest(s): Brian Haines
Join us in this enlightening episode as we delve into the world of energy ratings and sustainable living. We kick off by introducing AI and machine learning into energy ratings, paving the way for a greener future. Discover the ins and outs of NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) and what it takes to achieve a coveted 7-Star rating. Explore the key design elements impacted by these changes, and learn how land orientation and neighboring houses can influence your home's price. We also discuss the shift from 6-Star to 7-Star requirements, the associated costs, and the 'whole of home' perspective. Plus, we address whether now is the time to buy to avoid the new requirements and explore alternative materials for achieving higher energy ratings.
4th September 2023 | 48m 19s | Guest(s): Rory Costelloe
Join us as we dive deep into the world of land development and sustainable living with Rory Costelloe, the Founder of Villawood Properties. Hear directly from one of the industry’s pioneers, as he shares the process of buying a block of land along with outlining some of the enticing features within Villawood Estates. He also discusses the current market, interest rates and shares Villawood’s approach to environmental sustainability and the future of the land market. Finally, we finish by learning some of the essential factors for home buyers to consider when choosing a new estate… and Rory also explains their great initiative around the Care Workers Discount as well.
28th August 2023 | 32m 15s
If you’re looking for property insights and data to better educate yourself whether you’re buying established or new, this Facebook Group is for you. Join us as we introduce Atul Jhamb, the creator of the “Property Insights” group that has reached over 5000 members in less than 1 year. In the episode you will learn about the key topics and insights you can obtain from the group, what differentiates it from other groups and also a great insight from Atul himself regarding the current market as well.
21st August 2023 | 38m 20s
In this episode we discuss the impact of making design or structural changes to your floorplan. Join us as we explain why different builders have different levels of allowable changes, what some of the more acceptable (or safer) changes are vs some of the more risky ones, and we finish off with our advice to you when considering or discussing structural changes with your builder.
14th August 2023 | 31m 08s
Builder promotions are confusing, so in this episode we give you some insider insights into how promotions really work from builder to builder. You will learn about the positioning and the types of promotions and how they are ultimately designed to get you to enquire.
7th August 2023 | 39m 00s | Guest(s): Qi Chen
One of the hardest things to do is find the right estate and the right block of land… however in recent years there’s been a fantastic resource that has become available called Openlot.com.au In this episode, we meet the founder of Openlot.com.au - Qi Chen - and we discuss the main features of his website and how it will help you in your new home journey.
31st July 2023 | 50m 40s | Guest(s): Walt Collins
Today we welcome special guest Walt Collins, the host of Channel 10’s Buy to Build. Listen in as Walt shares the latest home buying trends along with identifying the most popular features of display homes. Walt also provides his insight into the current state of the building industry and finishes by providing his top tips for new home (and land) buyers.
24th July 2023 | 27m 19s
In this episode we dive into design guidelines, otherwise known as estate requirements or covenants. We help you understand what design guidelines are, provide some examples for you and also outline the reason for design guidelines along with a few tips at the end.
17th July 2023 | 56m 55s
Site costs are one of the most confusing and complex components in new home construction. In this episode we explain what site costs are, how they work, what they are made up of and ultimately help you understand why they vary between every block of land. We begin the episode with a short and sharp summary for those that want only the basics, and then we move into the more detailed explanation for those of you wanting to learn a bit more.
10th July 2023 | 17m 12s
Join us as we provide short and sharp definitions of 27 terms and acronyms used on detailed drawings and plans. This episode will help you review and understand a set of detailed drawings presented to you by your builder, ultimately assisting you with the final decision on your home design and the relevant inclusions and upgrades required as well.
3rd July 2023 | 23m 31s
In this episode, we explain some of the most commonly used terms used by builders, particularly the ones found in building quotes. This will empower you to gain the knowledge you need to navigate this crucial step with confidence and make an informed decision about your new home builder.
26th June 2023 | 23m 28s
Our goal here is to help you better understand some of the language surrounding your exciting new home building venture. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of common land terms, empowering you with the knowledge to navigate your home building journey with confidence and ease.
19th June 2023 | 45m 50s
In this episode we sit down with Dean who is about to build his 3rd home. Join us as Dean shares his key learnings and lessons throughout the whole process, including common mistakes, unexpected surprises and also managing a budget against your wishlist. And to finish it off, Dean provides his top 5 tips for building a new home… so don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge from a seasoned home building customer.
12th June 2023 | 27m 17s
Join us as we explain all-things facades, helping you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the perfect facade for your home. We discuss whether investing in an upgraded facade is truly worth it and we shed light on any potential restrictions and considerations to keep in mind when choosing your facade. We outline a key material to avoid, plus we cover the impact of block widths on facade outcomes, and finally we share two essential tips to help you better visualise / choose the right facade for your home.
5th June 2023 | 21m 45s
Join us as we uncover how builders determine their base price and what exactly it includes. Additionally, we'll highlight four essential factors to consider when selecting a builder and we finish off with a helpful list of common inclusion items to look out for.
29th May 2023 | 32m 56s
In this episode, we provide a summary to you outlining and explaining the most common items found in building quotes. We also share some insights into what makes up a good building quote and finish off with 4 common mistakes we see homebuyers make during the quoting process.
22nd May 2023 | 35m 29s
In this episode, we outline 4 key steps to take to give yourself the best chance at getting the best building quotes for your circumstances and your budget. We also round up the episode with our top 3 preparation tips for those ready to start talking with builders about building quotes right now.
15th May 2023 | 25m 37s
We dive right in by explaining exactly what a house and land package is, as well as providing an outline of the actual items usually included in the price as well. We share our answer about house and land packages being exclusive and also leave you with our top tips on what to do and what not to do regarding house and land packages when you’re at that stage.
8th May 2023 | 24m 20s
Not only do we answer the question - Should you buy your house or land first? …but we also reveal some important factors to consider when buying along with outlining our top 5 tips for those ready to start the process of securing their very own house and land package.
1st May 2023 | 35m 08s
We reveal some insider insights and share our top tips to help you navigate your way through display villages (and initial builder discussions) more effectively. We cover a range of topics such as the real purpose behind display homes, what questions to ask, when to stop looking at display homes and start talking to builders… and we even share an alternative model to display homes worth considering as well.
24th April 2023 | 39m 08s
Today we talk about the main regulation changes related to energy rating and livable housing, proposed to be coming in 2023 (well, at the time of recording this). Using the information that is available to date, we explain the reasons for the changes, the benefits of the changes, and most notably the significant price impact and design impact that these changes will have on buyers after the regulations are implemented.
17th April 2023 | 54m 04s
We discuss and acknowledge Porter Davis heading into liquidation, but with respect to those involved, our focus shifts to providing valuable insights to those who are considering buying right now. We give you a genuine insight into how builders’ pricing really works, explaining how the last 2 years has impacted builders… and ultimately clients, trades and suppliers as well. We explain the cause and effect of material shortages, delays and price increases and we also share some genuine reasons as to why you could consider purchasing now rather than waiting.
12th April 2023 | 43m 14s | Guest(s): Mark Polatkesen
Today we are joined by Mark Polatkesen - the Founder and Managing Director of Mortgage Domayne. Mark is one of Australia’s leading finance brokers and has settled over 1.5 billion dollars in loans during his career so far. In this episode, you’ll learn about all-things finance when it comes to new home construction. We cover a range of topics around finance brokers vs going direct to banks, interest rates, inflation, what affects borrowing capacity and ultimately find out whether Mark thinks now is a good time to buy including his top 3 tips to finish off the episode.
12th April 2023 | 12m 38s
In episode one, you get to meet us - Darren and Colin - your hosts of the Home Building Hub podcast. We share a bit about our experience, why we’re doing this podcast, and most importantly how this podcast will help better educate listeners about new home building so they can avoid costly mistakes when choosing their preferred home builder.