QLD First Home Buyers Toolkit by sekisuihouseau

FIRST HOME BUYERS TOOLKIT

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PREPARE FOR BUILDING YOUR FIRST HOME.

TIPS ON CHOOSING YOUR NEW HOME DESIGN. COLOUR SCHEME AND STYLING TIPS FOR YOUR NEW HOME. ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S YOUR TIME TO BUILD CHECKLIST GETTING YOUR FINANCES IN ORDER.

BUILDING A NEW HOME IS AN EXCITING TIME THIS GUIDE WILL HELP YOU MAKE CONFIDENT DECISIONS ABOUT ENTERING THE PROPERTY MARKET AND CREATING A HOME YOU’RE HAPPY TO CALL YOUR OWN.

Please note: The information contained in this publication is provided on the basis that it is only a general outline intended for the guidance of potential purchasers. Whilst all descriptions, information, images and diagrams are given in good faith and are believed to be correct at the time of publication, Sekisui House Construction (Australia) Pty Limited, Sekisui House Services (QLD) Pty Limited and any of their related corporations or associates including any of their offices, employees and agents (collectively “SH”) make no representation or warranties of whatsoever nature as to the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any descriptors, information, images and diagrams contained in this publication, or that it is suitable for your intended use. To the extent permitted by law, SH will have no liability for any statements, opinions, information or matters (express or implied) arising out of, contained in or derived from, or from any omission from or failure to correct, any information contained in this publication. Photography and illustrations in this brochure should be used as a guide only. Photographs and illustrations may feature specification upgrades, design options, decorator items and alternate façades which are not included in the base price. Images may also include features not supplied by Sekisui House including without limitation furniture and décor. House designs pictured may not be available in all states. Purchasers should inform and assure themselves by inspection, independent advice or as otherwise necessary prior to purchase.

GETTING STARTED 01. WHY BUILD NEW 03. ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S YOUR TIME TO BUILD CHECKLIST 05. HOW TO BE A FIRST HOME BUYER 09. GOVERNMENT GRANTS 11. CHOOSING YOUR HOME DESIGN 15. CHOOSING YOUR LAND 19. CHOOSING YOUR COLOUR SCHEMES 21. YOUR BUILDING PARTNER 23. NEW HOME OPTIONS 24. GUIDE TO BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION.

WHY BUILD NEW IT’S SURPRISING TO KNOW THAT MANY PEOPLE THINK BUILDING THEIR OWN HOME IS OUT OF THEIR REACH. And that buying and renovating existing properties is an easier and more affordable option. This is not usually the case! The fact is - building your own home is more affordable now than ever. When you build from scratch, you get the home you want, in the location you have chosen, at the price you want to pay.

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C HOICE When you build, you have the luxury of choosing the ideal size home for your family, the fixtures and fittings you desire, the colour scheme and materials that suit your style, and as an added bonus – you don’t have to change a thing once you move in! It’s your new home designed the way you want it.

E ASY MAINTENANCE There are no worn out appliances or tired looking rooms; everything is how you want it to be.

SUSTAINABILITY New homes lead the way in sustainability and reducing ongoing running costs. They tend to be more energy efficient than everyday established residences, thanks to better design that acknowledges passive solar design. In addition, many materials used in new home construction are now made using recycled products, or manufactured using LEAN production methods. Sustainability goes beyond environmental consideration when building a new home. It’s also about envisaging the long term usage of the home. The idea that homes grow with you as generations do, is the core concept behind flexible floor plans that are more responsive to changing needs, and if required, renovating is made easier down the track.

VALUE FOR MONEY Before you build, it’s a good idea to find out what Government grants might be available, such as a First Home Owner Grant or even stamp duty concessions. If you’re building as an investment, new homes tend to be quite an attractive option for tenants and depreciation allowances may apply. Talk to your finance professional to find out more.

L OCATION Own your new home in burgeoning community of your choice, close to the schools you like, public transport and convenient shopping centres. You get to choose the surroundings that appeal to you most, and you’ll often find a new home in a new suburb will be filled with like-minded people, with similar lifestyles.

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IT’S YOUR TIME TO BUILD

BEFORE EMBARKING ON YOUR HOME BUILDING JOURNEY, IT’S IMPORTANT TO BE PREPARED AND UNDERSTAND THE BASICS.

HAVE A VISION Organise your finances and start with a budget.

Decide on your basic home requirements; how many bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas do you need? Have a view on how long you expect to live in the home and how your family’s needs might evolve over time. Think about where you want to live and what land is available around that area.

UNDERSTAND THE BASICS C onsider the potential orientation of your home when evaluating what land to buy.

C hoose a builder with versatile designs. Your home needs to suit your individual requirements and what will work best on your land. O rganise your affairs for the full length of the build, and find out how long it will take. C onsider landscaping in your budget and speak to your builder about your requirements up-front. Have your builder explain, in detail, the build process from start to finish.

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CONSIDER THE DETAIL Have a list of mandatories and nice to haves, and know where you can compromise if necessary.

Learn about the inclusions your builder offers and make your choices before you build. T hink about what furniture, fixtures and fittings you want or will be taking into the home before deciding on your design. C onsider how the home will serve your needs in the future. Is the layout flexible enough? T hink about your preferred design aesthetics. Understand what options you have in terms of facades and materials.

GET PEACE OF MIND Ensure your builder has the correct licenses and provides structural guarantees.

M ake sure your builder has a well-defined, clear process and that you have constant communication throughout the build. A sk your builder about the support you will receive once you’ve moved in. Find out about the required energy rating and whether or not your builder meets this as a standard item.

NEXT STEPS These steps are a simple starting point to help you prepare for building your dream home. The most important step is to start with a vision. Contact one of our New Home Consultants today and we can help you articulate what you hope to achieve and talk through how we can help.

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HOW TO BE A FIRST HOME BUYER

WHILE MANY FIRST HOME BUYERS MIGHT FEEL THWARTED BY ESCALATING PROPERTY PRICES IN SOME CAPITALS, PLENTY ARE STILL TAKING THE PLUNGE, SPURRED BY LOW INTEREST RATES AND THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN DREAM OF OWNING YOUR OWN PIECE OF TURF. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics*, first time buyers currently account for 18.3% of total owner occupied housing loans. So just how do you get into the market when affordability is an issue? While not easy, for most the keys are sacrifice and compromise. Here are Australian Home Mortgages tips to help first home buyers make a move.

SAVING FOR A DEPOSIT

SAFETY IN NUMBERS

There is no time like the present to start stashing your cash for a deposit. The longer you put it off, the harder it can be to develop good savings habits.

With property affordability slipping, many first home buyers are pitching in with friends or family to close the gap. Buddying up can reduce the financial burden and may mean you can afford a better quality property with greater growth potential than if you bought solo.

Unless you win the lottery, inherit or receive some other windfall, chances are you will need to make sacrifices to save. This may mean finding cheaper rent or moving back in with parents, while making some tough choices about how you spend your disposable income. Start with a budget. Make an honest appraisal of all your living expenses and decide where you can cut back. Once you know how much you can actually save, set up a direct deposit from your pay into a separate savings account with no card access. That way you won’t be tempted by ATM withdrawals or EFTPOS purchases. It may not be easy but it will be satisfying to watch your nest egg grow, knowing your homemade lunches and big nights in will eventually reap financial rewards.

But it’s not a move you should make lightly. Even if buying your first property with family, seek legal advice and ensure each party understands their financial and legal obligations. Discuss what would happen if one of you was unable to cover their share of the mortgage and whether you each need to take out income protection insurance to mitigate against this risk. You should also contemplate scenarios such as one of you wanting to sell or move out sooner than planned. If you do buy a property on your own, you can still offset some of the costs by renting a room. Again, make sure you obtain legal advice and have a proper tenancy agreement in place. You should also secure financial advice around potential tax implications.

Most lenders require at least a 10 per cent deposit. You will also need to cover the cost of lenders’ mortgage insurance (LMI) if you need to borrow more than 80 per cent of the property’s value. The insurance covers the lender (not you) should you default on the loan and the property has to be sold at a loss. Make sure you also have enough saved to pay for stamp duty and conveyancing or legal fees associated with the purchase of the property.

Source: Haven, by AFG & Australian Home Mortgage *http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/5609.0 Main%20Features2November%202018?opendocument&tabname =Summary&prodno=5609.0&issue=November%202018&num=&view= Housing Finance, Australia, November 2018

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TIP!

TAKING ON A MORTGAGE It’s a big commitment and many may find it daunting, so it helps to consider your home loan as paying off an asset, rather than paying dead money on rent. If you budgeted successfully to secure a deposit, chances are you will transition smoothly to managing your mortgage. Your lender can help you determine whether you take on a fully variable or fixed interest rate, or split your loan between the two.

Did you know that records of paying rent accounts for genuine savings on your application with some lenders? Talk to your financier for detials.

A fixed rate provides certainty, which can mean additional peace of mind for first home buyers, while a variable rate allows you to save should interest rates drop. On the flip side, you pay more with a variable loan if rates rise. A split loan is a bit of an each way bet, which suits many newbies while they settle into life with a mortgage. With interest rates at record lows, first home buyers should be banking on and budgeting for rates rising. If you’re nudging the edge of your affordability from the outset, chances are you will struggle at the first rate hike. Build a buffer and budget for repayments at about two per cent higher than the current rate to ensure you can sustain any increases. One of the best ways to prepare for interest increases is to inject additional savings into your mortgage. Talk to your financier about loans with a redraw facility, which allow you to make extra payments and redraw them if needed. If rates remain the same, leave the money where it is and reap the reward of shortening your loan and/or paying less interest.

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FINANCING FAQ’S Source: Haven, by AFG & Australian Home Mortgage

HOW MUCH DO I NEED FOR A DEPOSIT? Usually between 5% – 10% of the value of a property, which you pay when signing a Contract of Sale.

HOW OFTEN DO I MAKE HOME LOAN REPAYMENTS — WEEKLY, FORTNIGHTLY OR MONTHLY? Most lenders offer flexible repayment options to suit your pay cycle. Aim for weekly or fortnightly repayments, instead of monthly, as you will make more payments in a year, which will shave dollars and time off your loan.

WHAT FEES/COSTS SHOULD I BUDGET FOR? There are a number of fees involved when buying a property. To avoid any surprises, the list below sets out the usual costs: Stamp duty This is the big one. All other costs are relatively small by comparison. Stamp duty rates vary between state and territory governments and also depend on the value of the property you buy. You may also have to pay stamp duty on the mortgage itself. Stamp duty concessions can apply for first home buyers. Visit the Office of State Revenue in your state or territory for details.

Lender costs Most lenders charge establishment fees to help cover the costs of their own valuation as well as administration fees. Allow about $600 to $800. M oving costs Don’t forget to factor in the cost of a removalist if you plan on using one. M ortgage Insurance costs If you borrow more than 80% of the purchase price of the property, you’ll also need to pay Lender Mortgage Insurance. You may also choose to take out Mortgage Protection Insurance. If you buy a strata title, regular strata fees are payable. O ngoing costs You will need to include council and water rates along with regular loan repayments. It is important to also take out building insurance and contents insurance. Your lender will probably require a minimum sum insured for the building to cover the loan, but make sure you actually take out enough building insurance to cover what it would cost if you had to rebuild. Legal/conveyancing fees Generally around $1,000 – $1,500, these fees cover all the legal rigour around your property purchase, including title searches.

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CALCULATING YOUR BUDGET

TIP! Stamp Duty Concessions apply for First Home & First Home vacant land buyers. To find out your total Stamp Duty charge, visit the Office of State Revenue in your state or territory for details.

START THINKING ABOUT YOUR BUDGET

HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE

MONTHLY PAYMENTS

Rent Pay TV subscriptions Broadband Mobile phone Home phone Gym membership Car – registration / insurance / fuel Public transport costs Road tolls and parking Clothing Groceries Entertainment Utilities – gas / electricity Insurance – house / contents / life Council rates Water Child care Extra curricular activities eg. dancing, singing, tuition Private health insurance School fees Credit card interest & repayments Wellbeing – medical, dental, hair & beauty

For a complete budget planner, visit https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/tools-and-resources/calculators-and-apps/budget-planner

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GOVERNMENT GRANTS

DID YOU KNOW YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR A GOVERNMENT FUNDED GRANT WITH THE PURCHASE OF YOUR FIRST NEW HOME? This is a great opportunity to get yourself into the property market, as well as getting you into your first home sooner.

USUALLY, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE IF YOU: Are a permanent resident or citizen of Australia Have never received the grant or owned residential property Meet the minimum age set by your state or territory A re interested in buying or building a new home as an individual (not a company or trust) W ill live in the residence for the minimum time determined by your state or territory (the grant is not available on investment properties)

In most circumstances, the grant should be paid to your home lender and applied directly to your home loan at the time of settlement. If you are building a home, the grant will be paid on the first draw down of funds when applying through a bank or lending institution. It is best to verify exact payment times with your home lender or bank. For further details and clarification on the grants available, contact the Office of Revenue in your state.

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QUEENSLAND FIRST HOME OWNERS’ GRANT The Queensland First Home Owerns’ Grant is a state government initiative to help first home owners get into their new first home sooner. Those who meet the eligibility criteria will receive $15,000 towards buying or building their new home, unit or townhouse with a value of less than $750,000. To be eligible for the grant: You must be at least 18 years of age. Y ou must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident (or applying with someone who is). You or your spouse must not have previously owned property in Australia that you lived in. You must be buying or building a brand new home. The value of the home including the land is less than $750,000. Y ou must move into the new home as your principal place of residence within 1 year of the completed transaction and live there continuously for 6 months. For further information and eligibility criteria, visit https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/buying-owning-home/financial-help-concessions/ qld-first-home-grant

TRANSFER DUTY CONCESSIONS ALSO APPLY FOR FIRST HOME BUYERS AND OWNER OCCUPIERS. VISIT WWW.QLD. GOV.AU TO FIND OUT MORE.

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TIPS ON CHOOSING YOUR HOME DESIGN A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING YOUR HOME DESIGN.

NUMBER OF BEDROOMS As well as catering for family members, consider how often you have guests to stay and if you need extra space for hobbies - i.e. a music room, library or home theatre. A home with bedrooms close to the principal suite is great for when you have small children. However if you have teenagers, you may want a little extra distance between living quarters. Bedrooms that surround the main bathroom with a separate toilet can be handy for busy families or when hosting guests.

WHAT MATTERS TO YOU? Start out by making a list of ‘needs’ and ‘wants’, so you can ensure your home is right for you.

YOUR LIVING SPACE If you have young children, several different living zones can be ideal. It’s important to have somewhere close to the kitchen and main living area where children can play within sight. With teenagers, a private retreat for study or relaxation may be preferred. If you’re an avid cook or entertainer, you’ll need a generous kitchen area. An open plan layout can help integrate the kitchen with the rest of the living area and create the ultimate entertaining space.

LAYOUT OF YOUR HOME Visualise how you’d like to live your life and the type of environment you’d like to create. You may prefer a more formal layout with an impressive entry, a hallway and separate rooms, each with a specific purpose. Or, you may decide to choose a bright, airy, open plan layout. Take note of how a particular design could be adapted as your family grows or your needs change.

THINK ABOUT THE HOME YOU’RE LIVING IN NOW What do you like and what would you change?

LEVEL OF PRIVACY Consider how the home, rooms and outdoors are screened from neighbours, driveways and the street.

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SUSTAINABILITY Sustainable homes provide greater comfort all year round, significant cost savings, and are better for our environment. This can be achieved by the specification of certain items such as insulation, whirlybirds and eave vents, but also through the design of the home and how it relates to the surrounding environment (passive solar design). Sustainable also means lowering your ongoing maintenance costs by ensuring your home is built with long-lasting, durable materials, and adapting to your changing needs such as the inclusion of multi-purpose living spaces.

NOTES

OUTDOORS Consider whether you want a spacious and landscaped backyard for pets to run around in, with plenty of space to install a pool, or a smaller space that can be paved and requires minimal maintenance. Adding an outdoor deck or alfresco area can create an indoor-outdoor living environment that’s great for entertaining or supervising children playing outside.

INCLUSIONS The base price of your home covers a range of stylish, contemporary inclusions. Many builders also offer upgrades. Should you choose to upgrade to a higher level of inclusions, you’ll need to consider how much you’d like to spend.

CHECK WITH YOUR BUILDER IF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE INCLUDED IN THE PRICE YOU’VE BEEN QUOTED. Council approval fees, connections to services, legally required construction extras (for example scaffolding, security fencing), energy rating compliance.

YOUR NEEDS Think about what you’ll miss in your current home, and what you’re looking forward to in your new home. Sometimes it’s small things like power points being near appliances, and sometimes it’s big things like having more room for your favourite hobby or an extended garage.

CURB APPEAL How your home looks from the street creates a first impression. Choose a façade that suits your budget and personal style. Be aware that some façade treatments may be subject to council or development requirements. Speak with your New Home Consultant regarding your options.

LAND If you’ve selected your block of land first, this will guide your selection on house size, orientation and layout.

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BETTER LIVING CHECKLIST THOUGHT-STARTERS TO HELP CHOOSE THE IDEAL HOME DESIGN.

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LIVING NATURALLY

DOES THE POSITION AND PLACEMENT OF WINDOWS IN THE HOUSE ALLOW FOR ADEQUATE NATURAL LIGHT?

The way your home interacts with the surrounding environment will directly affect your family’s health, wealth and happiness. Your home should make the most of natural light and airflow for heating and cooling and should transition seamlessly from internal to external living spaces.

ARE WINDOWS AND DOORS POSITIONED TO CREATE AIRFLOW PATHS THROUGHOUT THE HOME?

FUNCTIONAL LIVING The layout of your home should consider your family’s natural movements and needs. Creating dedicated living areas away from bedrooms and the laundry provides harmonious living spaces whilst maximising efficiency and minimising noise disruptions.

ARE WHIRLYBIRDS USED TO REDUCE A BUILD UP OF HEAT IN THE ROOF SPACE? IS A SEAMLESS TRANSITION CREATED BETWEEN INDOOR AND OUTDOOR LIVING THROUGH A CONNECTED OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING SPACE?

IS THE KITCHEN CENTRALLY LOCATED TO PROMOTE FAMILY TIME? HAS FUNCTIONALITY BEEN CONSIDERED IN THE LAYOUT OF YOUR FLOOR PLAN? HOW MUCH TIME WILL YOU SPEND MOVING BETWEEN THE LAUNDRY AND THE CLOSET? HAVE CHILDREN’S ZONES BEEN CREATED TO ENCOURAGE PLAY, STUDY AND INTERACTION WITH PARENTS? HAS ZONING BEEN CONSIDERED TO CREATE SEPARATION BETWEEN BEDROOMS AND LIVING AREAS FOR PRIVACY AND TO REDUCE UNWANTED NOISE? HAVE WALKWAYS, DOORS AND OPENINGS BEEN POSITIONED TO REDUCE CONGESTION?

USABLE SPACE Making the most out of the space you have is essential. On paper, the floor area may look good, but how much of that space are you actually going to use? Are there enough smart storage solutions to keep your home tidy and hazard free?

HAVE HALLWAYS AND VOIDS BEEN MINIMISED TO CREATE MORE USABLE SPACE? ARE ADEQUATE STORAGE SOLUTIONS INCLUDED IN YOUR DESIGN? HAVE YOU CHECKED IF IT’S ENOUGH? DOES YOUR HOME INCLUDE A CLOAK ROOM NEAR THE FRONT DOOR TO STORE SHOES, SCHOOL BAGS, COATS AND SPORTING EQUIPMENT?

SMART INCLUSIONS

ARE LIGHT SWITCHES AND DOOR HANDLES PLACED IN PRACTICAL LOCATIONS FOR ALL MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY?

It’s often the little things that make the biggest difference to comfort and livability. Intuitive positioning of light switches and flush transitions between floor levels and wet areas throughout will ensure your family feel at home from the moment they step inside.

DOES YOUR HOME INCLUDE ADEQUATE THERMAL INSULATION? IS ROOF SARKING INCLUDED IN YOUR HOME TO HELP REDUCE RADIANT HEAT AND PROVIDE PHYSICAL PROTECTION AGAINST THE ELEMENTS - SUCH AS SEVERE STORMS AND BURNING EMBERS GENERATED FROM BUSHFIRES? ARE FLOOR LEVELS FLUSH THROUGHOUT YOUR HOME AND BETWEEN ROOMS TO REDUCE TRIPPING HAZARDS?

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MOVING INTO THE RIGHT NEIGHBOURHOOD CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE. FOR OVER 50 YEARS SEKISUI HOUSE HAS BEEN BUILDING HEALTHY, HAPPY AND THRIVING COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE WORLD. When considering where to build your new home, it’s essential to have all the facts for all of your options. What kind of lifestyle do you and your family want? Do you want to be close to the beach, or do you need to be within walking distance to the shops? To make an informed choice on location, you should consider the following factors:

COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND AMENITIES How does your family like to spend their free time together? Having a range of community facilities and amenities on your doorstep can make life both easier and more enjoyable for everyone. Access to communal parklands, sports fields and cycle tracks are great for both kids and adults alike, while shared barbecue facilities and picnic areas can bring neighbours together on the weekend. Make sure you know what kind of amenities are in the local vicinity that suit your family’s needs for today, and potentially a few years down the line.

TIPS ON CHOOSING YOUR LAND

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SHOPPING AND LEISURE Where are the shops? Shopping is a regular part of our busy schedules and knowing what’s available and where is an important consideration when choosing a place to live. What kind of shops do you visit on a daily basis? Do you love spending time in shopping centres? Where’s the cinema and bowling alley? Think about how your family functions and know what’s available and what might be planned in your desired location.

EDUCATION, CHILDCARE AND HEALTHCARE SERVICES Being close to good schools and childcare facilities is essential if you have, or are planning to have children. For all members of the family, having access to a range of healthcare services is also vital. Know what options exist in the locations you are considering and how you can access them.

TRANSPORT AND CONNECTIVITY Understanding what transport options exist in your preferred area is crucial. Excellent roads and public transport options may mean you can live a little further from urban centres if that’s your preference. Alternatively, close proximity to train stations, bus stops and walkable amenities may suit your family’s needs better. Assess the options and make sure you choose a location that fits!

ONCE YOU’VE DECIDED ON THE AREA YOU WANT TO LIVE IN, YOU’LL NEED TO FIND SOME SUITABLE LAND. COUNCIL REGULATIONS & ESTATE COVENANT Council regulations and requirements exist to ensure the overall safety and happiness of the community. These regulations may affect what you can build in a certain area, so it’s best to approach your local council directly. Your New Home Consultant can also help. Some developments also have a set of design guidelines called a ‘Building Covenant’ to ensure a certain standard of home is built. This can further affect what you can build in a development. However, covenants also protect your investment, as you can be sure other homes in the area will be built to a similar standard. Your New Home Consultant will guide and help you to ensure you have a good understanding of these requirements, and that your new home complies with relevant regulations.

DIMENSIONS The most important aspect to take note of is the width of the block. Homes are designed to a certain width, but can sometimes be lengthened or shortened. Ensure your ideal home will fit on the block you choose. Likewise, it’s important to find out if there are any building envelopes, easements or causeways, as these may affect where your home can be built on the block. The sales consultant selling the land should be able to tell you this, and provide the necessary documentation for your builder.

ORIENTATION Ideally, you want to build a home with the living areas including alfresco facing north, north-east so you can make the most of the sun and create a more energy efficient home. It’s best to choose a block that will allow your chosen home design to do this. However, if the block isn’t ideally oriented, home designs can compensate to a certain extent.

SITE COSTS Site costs include the costs associated with preparing your land for building, and include levelling the land, building foundations or footings and retaining walls. These costs are affected by the amount the land has to be levelled, and by the quality of the soil. All of these things are assessed and estimated as part of your home buying process. However, it’s a good idea to find out as much as you can about the land early on in the process. Having a block with a slope that needs to be levelled can add to the site costs quite significantly. The presence of rocks on a block may not always be obvious and can result in additional costs during construction. If you have a battleaxe, block where there is an existing home, or third party land between the road and your new home site, there may be additional costs when accessing your land to build.

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TIP: If you’re moving into a new community, ask about the infrastructure that is yet to be delivered.

SOIL The soil on a block of land is classified by geotechnical engineers according to a recognised Australian standard. Classifications range from stable sites through to blocks of land where there are expected to be varying degrees of surface movement over the life of a building and depending on the classification, can add significant costs to the build. As soil classification relates to the reactivity of soil to moisture change, all issues with soil movement are water-related - either too much in times of high water volumes or too little in times of drought.

BUILD ACCESS Sites that are difficult to access may attract additional costs due to extra deliveries, manual handling of materials and clean-up of the block. Traffic control may also be needed. Acreage sites will possibly incur additional costs for remote site charges, or ensuring roads have all weather access.

VEGETATION Vegetation on the block may have a significant impact on the build costs and home design - especially if there are protected trees which cannot be removed. Removing trees and other vegetation needs to be considered carefully to ensure roots are properly removed before construction. If you’re building in a bush fire zone, additional costs may be required to comply with requirements.

WIND CLASSIFICATION As Australia has varying climatic conditions, it is important to consider the wind rating on a property as it may result in additional construction costs. In the early stages of the home building process, your builder should commission a report that confirms the wind rating.

If you have purchased a block of land, the following information will assist your New Home Consultant in helping you find the ideal home design and anticipated costs. Current rates notice Details of your land A block plan (survey) Details of any applicable covenants for your homesite

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NEED HELP CHOOSING A BLOCK OF LAND? Take a look at our house and land packages where we’ve done the hard work for you and matched our home designs with the perfect block of land. Call 13 74 22 or visit www.sekisuihouse.com.au

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TIPS FOR CHOOSING A COLOUR SCHEME

Your choice of paint colour can be influenced by the furniture placed in the room, so if you have some existing furniture – use this as inspiration and select a complementary colour scheme.

ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING PARTS OF THE BUILDING PROCESS IS SELECTING YOUR COLOURS! It’s never too early to be prepared so start gathering photos, magazine clippings, and get pinning on Pinterest. You can also take inspiration from décor and soft furnishings.

BOLD VS. TIMELESS INTERIORS A neutral colour palette featuring complementary earthy tones will be relatively timeless and easily pair with your existing furniture. Opting for colourful homewares and matching soft furnishings to create a flowing colour scheme throughout your home will allow you to update it as you please, without the fuss of having to repaint. Neutral colours also make small rooms appear larger by opening up the Opting for a space and reflecting light. neutral colour scheme? Add interest However, bold feature walls with colourful or can really help to create textured vases, a certain ambiance. For a cushions and warm and cosy atmosphere; homewares. This will consider colours that have allow you to update brown and red tones, or for your colour scheme a really modern look; think whenever you choose. charcoal and grey tones. Colourful and bright feature walls are also popular in children’s bedrooms, creating a special space filled with their favourite colour. Keep in mind, these walls will usually need to be repainted if you decide to completely change the colour scheme.

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To make a room feel warm and cosy – use colours that have shades of red, warm brown or warm violet

KERB APPEAL When choosing your exterior colours, it’s a good idea to keep to three or four colours; too many can be overwhelming and too few can make your home appear flat. Ensure you take note of neighbouring homes and the environmental surrounds to assure your colours will blend in. Lighter colours are often considered traditional and have a way of making your home look larger, but if you prefer contemporary darker colours – try to choose shades from the same colour family for the trims, roof and door, to create a balanced look. Although contrasting colours can draw attention to architectural features, strong contrasts will clash and actually detract from the finer points of the home. By the same token, it’s just as important to take note of the climate and your home’s energy efficiency when selecting colours. Darker colours have a tendency to absorb more radiant energy from the sun, so will maintain heat within your home. While lighter colours are ideal for warmer climates as they help to reflect heat and keep your home cooler in summer, ultimately assisting to lower cooling costs.

WE’RE ON Start following us for design PINTEREST. inspiration - Sekisui House Australia

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For the exterior of your home, try to choose no more than four colours or tones to create aesthetic appeal.

WELCOME TO SEKISUI HOUSE SEKISUI HOUSE IS AN EXPERIENCED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY BUILDER AND DEVELOPER. FOUNDED IN JAPAN IN 1960, AND HAVING BUILT OVER TWO MILLION HOMES WORLDWIDE, SEKISUI HOUSE IS ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING COMMUNITY DEVELOPERS IN AUSTRALIA. With a design philosophy focused on the people who live in our homes, we meticulously consider every detail to make the living experience as comfortable, safe and secure as it should be. From the earliest stages of design, right through to construction and handover, Sekisui House is focused on helping to take the stress out of buying and building your new home.

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GLOBAL EXPERIENCE WITH A LOCAL HEART Sekisui House is a specialist property developer and builder. With our origins in Japan, we bring high standards of quality, design and service to Australia, delivering homes people love and communities that flourish.

FROM JAPAN TO THE WORLD

HOMES FOR LIFE

It’s our purpose to build homes with the changing world in mind. We’ve delivered over 2.4 million homes worldwide, with current projects spanning across Japan, Australia, Singapore, China, and the United States. On the back of 58 years’ experience, we continue to evolve and innovate creatively everywhere we go. And in Australia, we have great momentum - with 9,500+ homes delivered since 2009.

Our objective is to produce homes where people feel comfortable and want to live in for generations. This aim guides all our operations, including apartments. Sekisui House homes are grounded in holistic thinking, designed for a lifetime and expected to grow in character over the years, becoming an ever greater asset to their communities.

COMMUNITIES THAT FLOURISH AND THRIVE

GLOBAL THINKING, POWERED BY LOCALS While we bring the Sekisui House common values and design principles to the world, it’s the locally based teams who bring it to life every day. At each stage of a project, from product design, development management, sales, marketing and customer service, you’ll find an experienced Sekisui House staff member who is a specialist in their field.

Whether we’re developing houses, apartments or entire masterplanned communities, our thinking doesn’t just end with physical structures. We believe in the strength of community, which is why we build in growth areas to ensure their liveability and longevity. Our goal is to create beautiful spaces for families, friends and neighbours to interact, live and grow - with the infrastructure to support a better life.

Central Park - A global precedence in urban renewal, raising the bar for sustainable living. Chippendale, Sydney.

West Village - Located just 1km from Brisbane CBD, West Village is an urban village rich in culture and steeped in history. West End, Brisbane.

The Waterfront - With breathtaking views and striking architecture, St Tropez is the epitome of premium waterfront living. Wentworth Point, Sydney.

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WE’RE HERE TO BUILD A BETTER FUTURE Sekisui House is one of the world’s largest residential development companies having built over 2 million homes since the company was established in 1960. Since entering Australia, Sekisui House has made significant investments in mid-rise apartment developments as well as house and land estates across the country through a number of strategic acquisitions and joint ventures with a select number of like-minded Australian established developers.

MIL LION

DWELLINGS NOW BUILT BY SEKISUI HOUSE WORLDWIDE

16,000

PROPERTIES

EMPLOYEES WORLDWIDE - JAPAN, AUSTRALIA, SINGAPORE, CHINA & USA

20 185

CURRENT DELIVERY PIPELINE OF PROJECTS IN AUSTRALIA

24,000

BIL LION

INVESTED BY SEKISUI HOUSE IN AUSTRALIA

10,000

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BIL LION

VALUE OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN AUSTRALIA SINCE 2009

HOMES DELIVERED IN AUSTRALIA SINCE 2009

MIL LION

OVER 14 MILLION TREES PLANTED GLOBALLY SINCE 2001

STAR ENERGY RATING

With a 6 star energy rating as standard; we’re committed to environmental and social sustainability. We showcase this through the use of market leading materials that aim to improve the social, economic and residential value of our homes and communities.

2.4

MILLION HOMES 1

We’ve built homes for over 2 million families world-wide, including 10,0002 homes in Australia since 2009. This experience means our in-house designers and architects understand how families live and interact with our homes. Flexible floor plans ensure every detail has been engineered to maximise your comfort, safety and security, now and for the future.

YEARS EXPERIENCE

As an award-winning, internationally respected residential property expert, we have been providing innovative solutions and quality choices since 1960. Whether you’re after a home, land, an apartment, townhouse or a package; we’ve got something to suit all lifestyles and life stages.

1. As at 31 July 2019. 2. As at end 2018.

WE BUILD WITH THE FUTURE IN MIND Our understanding and love of humanity ensures we continue to search for better ways to deliver comfort, safety and security, and seek to continuously improve the service we offer through customer feedback. We don’t just aim to build homes that delight families and communities today; we ensure they benefit future generations too.

A LASTING EXPERIENCE When you build with us, your positive experience continues long after you move in. Following handover, our aftercare service team is here to help and ensure your home is performing as expected^.

WHY CHOOSE SEKISUI HOUSE WE PUT YOU FIRST – ALWAYS Providing the highest level of customer service is at the very core of our business. We’re with you every step of the way providing regular updates and site inspections throughout the build.

Speak to Your New Home Consultant for details.

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QUALITY ASSURANCE From meticulously clean, safe and healthy worksites to thorough inspections throughout the build process, quality is at the heart of everything we do. Your home is checked at 18 stages, with a checklist of up to 45 items, to ensure the highest quality of fittings and finishes and the long-term performance of your home.

WE’RE HERE FOR THE LONG HAUL With over 2 billion dollars invested in long-term projects across Australia, Sekisui House is here to stay. Our aim is to deliver better design, better quality, better value and better service to everyday Australians.

YOUR NEW HOME As both a home builder and community developer, Sekisui House offers a diverse range of product options in South East Queensland from homes to build to ready built homes and terraces.

HOMES TO BUILD Whether you’re looking for a low maintenance three bedroom home, multiple living spaces, single or double storey; we’ve got a design for you. With houses suitable for block sizes from 10m+, you’ll find something to suit your lifestyle, budget and block of land.

HOUSE & LAND PACKAGES We’ve done the hard work for you and matched our home designs with the perfect block of land, and combined that with an extensive range of inclusions to form a complete House and Land Package. All you need to do is choose the combination that’s right for you in the location you want to call home.

READY BUILT HOMES Ready to move in, under construction or soon to commence, our ready built homes are an efficient and effortless option to buying a brand new home – where everything is taken care of on your behalf. With no progress payments, a fixed price contract and only 5% deposit, move into a new home sooner with our ready built homes.

TERRACES Our pre-planned terrace homes are an affordable option to move into your first home. Guided by a design philosophy that focuses on family, community and low-maintenance living, the terraces come complete with everything you need to move in.

DUPLEXES Maximise your investment potential with Duplex opportunities available from Sekisui House that are either under construction now or ready to move in.

VISIT SEKISUIHOUSE.COM.AU/BUILD FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR NEW HOME SOLUTIONS.

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GUIDE TO BUILDING WITH SEKISUI HOUSE PREPARE FINANCE

Building your dream home can be one of the most memorable experiences you will have during your lifetime. It’s that big milestone reached. It’s a personalised design to meet your family’s needs. It’s a home you can call your very own. At Sekisui House, we believe in simplicity. We have designed a customer centric process that makes building your house easy and efficient.

CHOOSE YOUR DESIGN

Discuss your budget and plans for home building with your financier.

Meet with one of our New Home Consultants who will introduce you to our range of home designs.

If you already have land – provide these details to your New Home Consultant. If you’re looking for land – we have a variety of house and land packages available.

Once you have selected your design, a New Home Estimate will be prepared.

When you’re happy to proceed, you’ll sign your Home Building Agreement and pay the balance of 5%* of your deposit.

SIGNING YOUR AGREEMENT

Your new house plan will be drawn and costed to reflect any variations.

At this stage, you’ll pay an initial $2,000 deposit* to enable us to prepare your Home Building Agreement (contract).

A soil test and contour survey will be undertaken.

HOME BUILDING AGREEMENT 3

4 Your Customer Service Officer will introduce themselves to you and be your contact point throughout the build.

COMMENCE BUILDING

You’ll meet with your Colour Consultant who will help you select colours for internal and external features.

Your home will start to come to life. Your Building Supervisor and Customer Service Officer will keep you informed of the progress of your home.

Progress payments will be released by your bank at various stages*.

5 Congrats! Construction of your home is complete!

HANDOVER OF YOUR NEW HOME

Your Building Supervisor will invite you to visit your home at various stages during construction.

VISIT YOUR HOME

8 Your Building Supervisor will give you a tour of your home.

Our quality assurance program includes thorough checks at 18 stages throughout construction to ensure the highest quality fit and finish.

AFTER CARE SERVICE

In exchange for a cheque for your final payment amount, your Building Supervisor will hand over your keys.

QUALITY ASSURANCE CHECKS

Following handover, our aftercare service team is here to help and ensure your home is performing as expected^.

9 In accordance with QBCC Standards and Tolerances Guide. Speak to Your New Home Consultant for details.

^ *

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For peace of mind, your home is also covered by the QBCC 6 year, 6 month home owner’s warranty. Find out more at www.qbcc.qld.gov.au

YOUR CONSTRUCTION GUIDE A GENERAL GUIDE TO THE KEY STAGES THROUGHOUT THE CONSTRUCTION OF YOUR NEW HOME - FROM START TO FINISH.

S ITE CUT AND PAD PREPARATION

Earthworks will be carried out in preparation for the slab to be poured.

DRAINS

WATER-PROOFING

We’ll ensure all of your wet areas are waterproofed where necessary.

Insulation and internal plasterboard will be installed.

Your external doors, locks and windows will be installed at this stage. This is also referred to as the ‘Enclosed Stage’.

Your frame and truss will go up and you’ll start to see your home take shape.

ROOF

Following the installation of fascia and gutter, your roof will go on along with sarking and whirlybirds.

TILING

All tiles will be laid throughout your home at this stage.

FRAME & TRUSS

CABINETRY

LOCK UP

Formwork will be put in place and your slab poured. This stage is also referred to as ‘Base Stage’.

The installation of your kitchen will now commence, along with your stone benchtops (if applicable).

SLAB

FIX-OUT

At this stage you can expect the installation of door jambs, architraves, skirting and internal doors. This stage is also referred to as ‘Fixing’.

PLASTERBOARD

Once your site is level, plumbers will then be able to implement drainage requirements.

EXTERNAL WALL CLADDING

Sisalation and the external wall cladding (eg. Brickwork) will be installed to form the exterior of your home.

PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL ROUGH IN

Our contracted plumbers and electricians will prepare the pipe work and wiring that will eventually be linked to your toilets, taps and lights.

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PAINTING

Our contracted painters will get started on painting the interior of your home.

SCREENS, MIRRORS & ROBES

Your shower screens, mirrors and robes will start to be put in place.

MOVE IN

HANDOVER

Congratulations! Your home is now complete and following settlement, you’ll receive the keys to your brand new home.

PRE-HANDOVER INSPECTION

QUALITY ASSURANCE Throughout construction, your home is checked at 18 stages to ensure the highest quality fit and finish of all installed items. Each stage involves a checklist of up to 45 items that must be checked and approved to ensure the long term performance of your home. These checks are performed by your Building Supervisor, as well as a number of our suppliers.

This is your opportunity to inspect your home and take a tour with your Building Supervisor.

FINAL FIT

At this stage we’ll install door handles, towel rails and fit the final fittings such as toilet suite accessories.

PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL FIT OFF

Tapware, basins, light switches and light fittings are installed.

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WANT MORE INFORMATION? CHECK OUT THESE SOURCES. Government Resources First Home Owners’ Grant www.qld.gov.au/housing/ buying-owning-home/ financial-help-concessions/ qld-first-home-grant Building a Home www.qld.gov.au/housing/ building-home Queensland Building and Construction Commission www.qbcc.qld.gov.au Budget Planning www.moneysmart.gov.au Australia’s guide to environmentally sustainable homes www.yourhome.gov.au Industry Associations Master Builders Queensland www.masterbuilders.asn.au HIA Housing Local www.housinglocal.com.au Australian Home Mortgage Mortgage Calculators www.australianhomemortgage.com.au

MATT & MEL MULLER RIPLEY, QLD “When people ask about our experience building with Sekisui House, we just tell them how easy it was, from the beginning through to the end.”

BARBARA RIPLEY, QLD “I got lots of support, I never felt that I was in the dark. I felt like I was given lots of information, I was given weekly updates on what was happening, and I felt a really positive thing was that if I was told something was happening - it happened.”

PAUL & JULIE JACOBS WELL, QLD “We would definitely recommend Sekisui House. It was the easiest process that I ever imagined it could be!”

www.sekisuihouse.com.au | Call 13 74 22

The information contained in this publication is provided on the basis that it is only a general outline intended for the guidance of potential purchasers. Whilst all descriptions, information, images and diagrams are given in good faith and are believed to be correct at the time of publication, Sekisui House Construction (Australia) Pty Limited, Sekisui House Services (QLD) Pty Limited and any of their related corporations or associates including any of their offices, employees and agents (collectively “SH”) make no representation or warranties of whatsoever nature as to the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any descriptors, information, images and diagrams contained in this publication, or that it is suitable for your intended use. To the extent permitted by law, SH will have no liability for any statements, opinions, information or matters (express or implied) arising out of, contained in or derived from, or from any omission from or failure to correct, any information contained in this publication. Photography and illustrations in this brochure should be used as a guide only. Photographs and illustrations may feature specification upgrades, design options, decorator items and alternate façades which are not included in the base price. Images may also include features not supplied by Sekisui House including without limitation furniture and décor. Specific details and dimensions are provided in your contract drawings which form part of your building contract. Purchasers should inform and assure themselves by inspection, independent advice or as otherwise necessary prior to purchase. Sekisui House Services (QLD) Pty Limited. ABN: 36 119 550 257. QBCC BL: 1154622.