Building your first home is a rare opportunity to create a place that fits your life from day one, and with the right guidance, it can be an exciting and rewarding way to enter the property market.
With new land being unlocked across Western Australia and demand for housing continuing to grow, building has become an increasingly appealing option for first-home buyers who want value, choice and long-term confidence.
From selecting the right block to choosing a layout that suits your budget and lifestyle, expert support can help turn a big milestone into a clear and well-paced journey.
With advice and support from an expert team, building a first home can be an exciting journey.
Why building your first home offers more choice and flexibility
One of the biggest advantages of building is the ability to start with a blank canvas and shape a home around how you actually live.
“You have the ability to choose the best combination of house and land to suit your budget and lifestyle,” says Michael Vermey, General Manager at Step 1 Homes.
“You also have the chance to personalise the design, colours, and finishes to reflect your style and the latest trends.”
New residential communities also offer strong lifestyle appeal, with modern infrastructure, local amenities and a sense of community that many first-home buyers are looking for.
For buyers watching their budget, building can also present an accessible pathway into the market, often at a more competitive price point than established homes.
Building new instead of buying gives first-home buyers more flexibility and choice in their homes.
How expert guidance keeps your build moving smoothly
A builder who understands first-home buyers can make a meaningful difference to the experience, particularly when it comes to navigating the steps that sit beyond the home design itself.
A good builder will support you through every step of the process, from finance, to permits, to design selections.
Backed by industry leaders Plunkett Homes, Step 1 Homes draws on more than 120 years of experience in the WA building industry to support first-home buyers at every stage.
“We exist solely for first-home builders, enabling us to make the journey to homeownership easy and hassle-free,” Mr Vermey shares.
The team includes experienced designers, interior specialists, trades and site managers, all working together to deliver a streamlined build and a high-quality end result.
“We have experienced designers creating our homes and interior designers assisting with hassle-free colour and product selections,” he says.
“We have a team of quality and experienced trades and site managers looking after your home, with great after sales service.”
Working with experts like Step 1 Homes can make the building process more enjoyable.
What first-home buyers should understand before they get started
Doing some groundwork early can help first-home buyers feel confident and in control before construction begins.
Understanding your finances is a key first step, including your deposit, borrowing capacity and any government incentives you may be eligible for.
Andrew Black, Step 1 Homes Sales Advisor, says getting the right advice early can unlock more opportunities for buyers.
“Many first-time buyers struggle to understand their financial needs,” he explains.
“At Step 1 Homes, we align with Central Lending Solutions, who can assist with all aspects of first-home buyer loans, deposits, borrowing, and grants.”
Beyond finance, it’s also important to understand what is and isn’t included in your building contract.
“Some companies might not be clear about what's included and excluded, and what might be best done by yourself versus included in your contract with the builder,” Mr Black says.
Clear guidance and transparent inclusions can help buyers plan with confidence, while added protections such as price holds and build-time guarantees provide certainty around budgets and timelines.
“We want to make homeownership as simple and efficient as possible, with a step-by-step process, from finance to land purchase to home design, all the way to construction and handover,” Mr Vermey explains.
“Every step is thoughtfully designed to provide the best client experience possible.”
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