How does a house-and-land package work at Ellendale?

If you’re considering a house-and-land package at Ellendale, understanding how the process works can help you move forward with confidence.

Generally, a house-and-land package involves two contracts: one for the land with Cedar Woods and another for the construction of your home with your chosen builder. While the land and home may be promoted together as one package, the contracts, inclusions and responsibilities should be considered separately.

Why are there usually two contracts?

It comes down to who’s responsible for each part of your new home journey.

At Ellendale, Cedar Woods sells the land, while your builder is contracted separately to construct your home.

Under your land contract, Cedar Woods is responsible for constructing and delivering your homesite, including subdivision works and infrastructure for services such as power, water, sewer and communications.

Your building contract is separate. Your chosen builder is responsible for constructing your home and sets the building price, specifications and inclusions.

Even when a home and homesite are advertised together as a house-and-land package, it’s important to review each contract separately so you understand exactly what’s included and who’s responsible for what.

Do you have to choose an advertised house-and-land-package? 

Not necessarily.

Ellendale offers a selection of house-and-land packages from leading Queensland builders, giving you inspiration for the type of home you could create on a particular homesite.

Depending on the homesite, you may also be able to work with your preferred builder to select another suitable home design, provided it suits your chosen land and meets Ellendale’s applicable Design Standards.

With traditional, split and sloping homesites available across Ellendale’s unique landscape, there’s an opportunity to consider the combination of home, homesite and design that best complements the way you want to live.

What should you check in a house-and-land package? 

No two house-and-land packages are necessarily the same. Builders determine the terms and inclusions of their offers, so it’s important to look beyond the advertised price and understand exactly what’s included, and what may cost extra.

Things worth checking can include site-related costs and allowances, fixtures and finishes, driveways, landscaping, fencing, air-conditioning and upgrades. This isn’t an exhaustive list, and inclusions will vary depending on the builder and offer.

Pricing terminology can vary too. Rather than assuming terms such as fixed price or turnkey mean the same thing from one builder to the next, check exactly what they cover in the package and building contract you’re considering.

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) recommends carefully checking all contract documents, including plans and specifications, and seeking legal advice before signing.

How does the house-and-land process work at Ellendale? 

Every home journey is different, but there are some useful steps to keep in mind as you find your place amongst the trees.

1. Discover Ellendale

Your new home is about more than the boundaries of your homesite. It’s also about the lifestyle waiting beyond your front door.

Nestled alongside the South D’Aguilar National Park in Upper Kedron, Ellendale brings together contemporary homes and a remarkable natural setting, just 12km from Brisbane CBD. The masterplan embraces 91 hectares of nature corridors and recreation space, with parks, green spaces, walking and cycling connections helping make the outdoors part of everyday life.

You’ll also be within easy reach of local schools, shops, public transport, cafés, recreation and established amenities.

2. Find the right homesite

Ellendale’s unique landscape offers a premium range of traditional, split and sloping homesites.

Think about the style of home you’d like to build, along with lot size and frontage, orientation, site conditions, views and your overall budget. Finding the right combination can create a strong foundation for both your home and the lifestyle you have in mind.

3. Explore your home options

You might choose one of Ellendale’s advertised house-and-land packages or work with your preferred builder on another suitable design.

Whichever path you choose, check Ellendale’s applicable Design Standards early so you understand the requirements your new home will need to meet.

4. Review both contracts

Take the time to review your land and building contracts separately.

Make sure you understand the conditions, costs, deposits, inclusions, timeframes and responsibilities attached to each before signing. It’s also a good idea to seek appropriate independent legal and financial advice.

5. Prepare for settlement and building

The period before settlement gives you an opportunity to progress your home design and finance.

If your homesite isn’t yet titled, depending on the stage of the project and your builder, you may be able to progress your design and relevant project requirements while the land moves towards title and settlement.

Where early site access is available, your builder may also be able to arrange soil testing or a contour survey before settlement. These can help establish site requirements and finalise site costs and build pricing earlier.

As settlement approaches, confirm your finance, valuation and lender requirements against the dates in your contract.

6. Bring your new home to life

After settlement, construction can begin once the required design and statutory approvals are in place and your builder is ready to commence.

Timing will depend on your builder’s program, site conditions and approvals.

Then comes the exciting part, watching the home you’ve imagined begin to take shape amongst Ellendale’s treetops.

How much deposit will you need? 

Because your land and home generally involve separate contracts, you’ll need to check the deposit requirements for each.

Your Ellendale land contract will set out the deposit required for your land purchase.

For a new-home building contract in Queensland, the maximum deposit a builder can generally request is 5% of the contract price, although limited exceptions apply.

The building deposit is separate from the amount your lender may require you to contribute towards the overall purchase. Before signing, speak with your lender or broker about the timing of land settlement, construction finance and progress payments so you have a clear picture of what to expect.

Find the right house-and-land option at Ellendale

There’s plenty to consider when choosing a house-and-land package. Price matters, but so does the way your home, homesite and surroundings come together.

At Ellendale, the natural landscape is part of what makes the opportunity so special. Your chosen home needs to complement your homesite and meet the applicable Design Standards, while giving you the space, functionality and lifestyle you’re looking for.

Taking the time to understand your options can help you find the right fit and move into your building journey with confidence.

Because building a new home is about much more than choosing a floorplan and a block of land. It’s about imagining the mornings, weekends and everyday moments you’ll enjoy there. A place to put down roots, connect with the people who matter and come home to nature every day.

Live an elevated life at Ellendale.

Ready to find your place amongst the trees?

Explore premium land and house-and-land opportunities at Ellendale, Upper Kedron, just 12km from the Brisbane CBD, or contact the Ellendale team to enquire about reserving your place in the community