Buying a home in Sydney has never felt more challenging.
Prices are high, land is limited and the process can feel confusing for both first time buyers and those already in the market.
This is why house and land packages have become a popular pathway for people who want an affordable new home without facing the complexity of a custom build.
What a House and Land Package Really Means
A house and land package is made up of two components.
One covers the purchase of the land and the other covers the construction of the home. Buyers select a block, then choose a home design that suits that block’s size, shape and requirements.
Unlike an existing home, this approach gives buyers a fresh start with a new build that meets modern standards. Many packages also offer fixed pricing and set inclusions, which helps create more certainty during the planning process.
For first home buyers and investors, this can make the path to building feel far more achievable.
See current Marella house and land opportunities
What Buyers Should Understand Before They Commit
From a construction point of view, the match between the home design and the land is one of the most important factors.
Joel Thomas, Marella’s Construction Manager explains, “Buyers should understand how the home design and the block work together. Not every design suits every block, so it is important to check things like site levels, setbacks and orientation early. When the land and design are well matched the build runs smoother and the finished home works better for the long run.”
Hidden Factors Buyers Often Overlook
When buying land, it is easy to focus on price and location. While these matter, there are technical elements that can significantly change the cost and complexity of a build.
Joel says,
“People often focus on price and location but they miss the practical details like fall on the land, site access or soil classification. These have a big impact on site costs and whether a design will actually work. Getting proper advice from a quality builder can save you time, money and stress. We are always happy to check land before someone commits. We can look at certificates or contracts and give a quick overview so buyers know what they are dealing with.”
These details can affect footing design, excavation requirements, retaining walls, drainage solutions and overall site preparation costs. Having a builder review the land before signing a contract is one of the simplest ways to avoid costly surprises.
Common Misconceptions About House and Land Packages
Because house and land packages are marketed as a simpler path to home ownership, buyers sometimes assume all packages are the same. This is not the case.
Joel explains, “One big misconception is thinking all house and land packages are the same. They are not. A good builder will tailor the design and the finishes to suit the block and the client. Another misconception is that cheaper always means better value. Sometimes a low price means missing inclusions or low grade materials that cost you more later.”
This is why inclusions matter. Some builders list low base prices but leave out key items like flooring, driveways or air conditioning. The initial number may look appealing, but the final cost can rise quickly once the essentials are added.
What First Home Buyers Should Look for in a Package
Before buying a house and land package, first home buyers should ask for a complete list of inclusions and ensure they understand exactly what they are paying for.
Joel advises, “My biggest advice is to ask for a full list of inclusions and make sure it covers everything from flooring to landscaping to appliances. A genuine turnkey home should be ready to move into the day you get the keys with no surprises and no hidden extras. Air conditioning is standard in our homes but some builders do not include it and buyers only find out later when it becomes an extra cost.”
See what is included in every Marella home.
The Marella Homes Advantage
Marella Homes supports buyers through the entire house and land journey by offering designs created for real living, clear and consistent inclusions and a streamlined building process shaped by industry experience.
Our curated exterior and interior colour schemes remove the overwhelm of countless choices and create a cohesive look across the whole home.
With open communication, land assessments and transparent pricing, Marella guides buyers through each decision with clarity.
