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Buying a new house is an exciting prospect but also a challenging one, especially for a first-time buyer. But there are plenty of new construction homes available so here are some tips to help you get the right one.

1. Plan and Prepare

The benefits of proper research and preparation cannot be over-emphasised to buy a house in Cairns. Leaping into something without planning can cause much heartache as well as unnecessary expense.

You need to be ready for the commitment, which normally means having a stable lifestyle and a secure job to support the investment. Decide on the type of property you need, which will not only be based on the style and location but also the number of bedrooms, bathrooms and the overall space you require.

2. Sorting your Finances

This is exceedingly important because it will determine the type and size of house you can afford. Start by looking at your credit file to find your credit rating, which will determine how much you are able to borrow. If the rating is bad, improve it by paying off credit cards and other debts, reducing credit card limits and terminating unused cards.

Consult a financial adviser or lender to find out what you can borrow and the terms of the loan. This will be better and cheaper if you provide a minimum 20% deposit since this will avoid the need for Lender’s Mortgage Insurance, which is an additional cost. Allow for other costs, such as stamp duty, legal fees, insurance, moving costs and building and pest inspections so you have enough money to pay for everything. If so, get pre-approval for a suitable loan so you’re in a position to move quickly once you find the house you want.

3. Choose your Property

If buying a new home, there are many house and land packages in Cairns to choose the exact combination you need. This is often cheaper than buying an established property and gives you more flexibility.

Always be practical so you’re not carried away by emotions and buy something unsuitable. The most important factors are that you buy a home you really like and which works for you in terms of the number and size of rooms as well as the overall plot. Don’t go over your budget and be aware of ongoing costs you’ll have after buying the house.

4. Ensure it’s the Right House

Once you’ve found an affordable property you like, do some checks before finalising the deal. Make sure it’s a good location with suitable amenities, infrastructure and transport links.

For an established property, it’s essential you pay for structural and pest inspections to ensure you’re not buying problems that will cost you a lot of money in the long-term. If you’re choosing new houses to buy, however, they’ll be covered by a ten-year warranty so you’ll avoid that expense.

5. Sealing the Deal

If buying an established property, you may be able to make an offer but need to be realistic. Going too low may lose you the deal to a higher bid while too high will mean you’re paying over the odds. Get a professional valuation and look at other local properties for a proper idea and, if you’re bid’s accepted, it’s just a matter of completing the legalities and moving in.

As Cairns builders, we’ll always have plenty of suitable properties in good areas at the best prices. That takes many complexities out of the process so you can find the home you want.

Buying a property is one of the most expensive investments you’ll make but also one of the most challenging. Because of this, many people make mistakes, especially when buying their first property. Here are the most common ones so you can hopefully avoid them.

1. Lack of Preparation

Wrong buying decisions are often made because people don’t plan and prepare. Before starting to look for a property, decide what you really need, select some suitable neighbourhoods and get finance pre-approved so you’re in a good position to negotiate. Only then start to look at properties in neighbourhoods you’ve chosen.

Some people buy a house in Cairns based only on their view of the house itself. They forget they’re likely to be living there for a number of years and so, if the location’s wrong, they’ll almost certainly regret their decision for a long time. Check the transport links, local schools and amenities, that you’re not moving into a high crime neighbourhood and that there are no plans for the area that will alter its character.

2. Exceeding the Budget

Many people are so keen to buy a particular house they pay more than they can afford. That stretches their finances and they can suffer for many years as a result.

Before you start to look for new build homes or anything else, work out how much you can afford to pay. Take everything into account and then, once you’ve established a figure, resist all temptations to go above it. Just because a finance company offers you a particular level of mortgage doesn’t mean you have to take it.

3. Underestimating Costs

If they bother to set a budget, many people don’t take account of everything they have to spend. In addition to moving costs, allow for stamp duty, conveyancing and legal fees, bank charges and building and pest inspections. For ongoing costs in addition to the mortgage, allow for insurance, rates and maintenance costs that are extra to those incurred when renting.

4. Getting Too Emotional

Some people buy a house because they fall in love with it and forget about practicalities. At the other extreme, frustrated buyers who have failed to buy a suitable property despite several attempts often buy one because they’re fed up with looking and just want to end the process.

The rule when buying a house, whether from a 3 bedroom plan design, 4 bedroom house plans or whatever, is not to let your heart rule your head. Instead, look at the practical aspects of a property and only buy it if it truly suits your needs.

5. Getting the Wrong Loan

The situation with home loans can be extremely confusing, especially for first-time buyers. There are fixed and variable rate loans, split home loans, ones where you pay off only the interest or principal and interest repayment versions. If you’re not careful, you may end up paying more than you expect or have a residual amount to repay at the end of the loan period, which you need to finance separately. Use a professional home loan specialist to help you choose correctly.

At Cairns Quality Homes, we can help you avoid a lot of the basic mistakes because, as experienced Cairns builders, we know the problems. It isn’t as easy as just looking at 2 bedroom house plans in QLD and then making a choice. We have display homes in Cairns plus plenty of plans and ideas as well as a wealth of experience to guide and support you.

A home generally means a lot to the people who live in it so it’s important you make the right choices when moving. Those choices can include whether to buy a house or have one specially built and there are arguments either way.

1. Cost

Building means purchasing a plot and then paying for a house to be built on it while buying involves only one transaction. Depending on what you do, there may not be much difference between the two Cairns house prices but there are other factors to take into account.

Buying a house incurs stamp duty on the whole deal while, when building, you only pay stamp duty on the plot of land, not the house itself, so there is a saving there. You may also be eligible for a First Home Buyers Grant of several thousand dollars when building a house but only get this for new houses to buy, not for established properties.

As well as purchase costs, there are also on-going ones to consider. If you buy a house in Cairns that’s already occupied, there will be a certain amount of wear and tear from previous owners that will ensure maintenance costs are higher than for new build homes. You can insist on high-quality fittings for a house you build to ensure they last longer and can also install insulation, double glazing, solar panels and other energy-saving measures. These will add to initial costs but will reduce running expenses.

2. Time

Looking at display homes in Cairns will mean you’ll know what you’re getting while buying a house that’s already built means you can move in quickly. Indeed, some lenders confirm they can process applications for loans within a day so getting your new home can be a very speedy process. This, of course, depends on everything working well, which doesn’t always happen.

Building your own home can take anything up to a year or even longer and so you may have the cost of renting and paying for a relatively expensive construction loan during this period. Schedules can also be extended by delays caused by the weather, labour shortages or other reasons, so you need to be patient. However, if you have the time, the results should be worth it.

3. Personalisation

Building your own home in Cairns means you should get exactly the property you want, providing you can afford it. You can choose the perfect plot, decide on the building style and layout, and fit it out exactly as you wish. You must, however, keep your ambitions in check to avoid going over the top with spending.

Buying an existing property requires that you take what’s available for the house. Although you can search extensively to find a home that meets most of your needs, you will inevitably have to compromise on some areas unless you’re extremely lucky.

4. Convenience

Buying an existing house is much easier than building one. Search websites for properties in areas where you want to live, view suitable ones, do your research and buy the one that seems best for you. As long as you’re willing to be flexible, that can often work.

Building the house you want is obviously more complicated but can be very rewarding in many ways. As established Cairns builders, we can provide all the guidance and support you need to plan your ideal property, whether with 2 bedroom floor plans or 3 and 4 bedroom floor plans, and will deliver the finished house quickly, reliably, affordably and without fuss.

Australia has one of the highest rates of home ownership in the world with, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 69% of households being owner-occupiers. There are many good reasons for this and you should join the majority by enjoying the benefits that new build homes can bring.

1. Stability

When you own a property, providing you keep up with mortgage payments, you can choose how long you want to stay there. This contrasts with the experience of tenants who may be on relatively short rental agreements and may have to move out earlier than they would like.

Tenants may be asked to move for several reasons, typically because the property is being sold, because major repairs are needed or due to a change of use by the owner. As a result, the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute found that 39% of renting households moved three or more times in the five years to 2008. This not only causes stress and disruption but incurs significant moving costs.

2. Freedom and Independence

People who rent properties are generally governed by tenancy agreements that restrict what they can do. If you own your own home, however, you’re only limited by local council regulations.

You’ll be able to keep pets and make the place look exactly as you want it so it’s a real home. You can also renovate and extend the property so you’re adding to its value. This will ultimately benefit you rather than your landlord.

3. A Valuable Asset

Any improvements you make to the home you own will be reflected in an increase in its value. This will be in addition to the normal increase in property values that are generally reckoned to double Cairns house prices every ten years.

If you choose new houses to buy wisely, look after your property and move selectively to progressively better houses, you can expect to make an appreciable profit over several years. This then gives you the opportunity to take some of that money later in life by downsizing to a smaller and cheaper property so that you can have something for retirement or other spending.

4. Avoiding Wasted Money

Although some people believe renting is cheaper than buying, this doesn’t always take into account the full financial picture. Any money you pay in rent is effectively helping the landlord to buy the property and is dead money to you. Property ownership, even taking into account interest on the mortgage and maintenance costs, is a positive investment and will always show a profit if done correctly.

5. Other Financial Benefits

If you’re a first-time buyer, you may be eligible for a first-time owner grant if purchasing a new property. This can be worth up to $15,000 tax free and so makes a significant contribution to your costs.

When you come to sell your house and move on, there will be no capital gains tax to pay providing it’s always been your primary residence. So any profit you make is totally tax free.

As established Cairns builders, we have a wide range of properties for all types of buyers. So you can take advantage of all the benefits of home ownership.

Owning a home is part of the Australian dream. For many, it’s a long-term goal to have a place to call their own, a place where families can grow, create memories, and build stability. However, with rapidly rising property prices and high living costs, making that dream a reality has become increasingly difficult for many Australians.

With the house costs in Cairns continuing to rise quickly, the idea of owning your own home might seem out of reach, especially if you’re working with a strict budget.

So, is building a new home for under $200K in Cairns really possible? In this guide, we’ll explore how home kits could be the most affordable way to get into your own home sooner.

What’s the Average Cost of Home Kits in Cairns?

Traditional home construction in Cairns can vary significantly in price depending on the size of the property, materials, and the complexity of the design. On average, a basic new custom home in Cairns using conventional methods might start around $250,000 to $350,000. This is where home kits offer a compelling alternative.

Home kits, which include prefabricated or flat-pack homes, typically offer substantial savings over traditional builds. These kits come with pre-cut materials, detailed plans, and all the components needed to construct your home, significantly reducing labour costs and construction time.

However, it’s important to note that many home kit packages advertised for Cairns come with a basic price, which doesn’t always cover all costs. Sometimes, these kits are advertised for under $200K, but this price may not include things like:

• Site preparation (e.g., land clearing, levelling, foundation work)
• Landscaping and driveways
• Plumbing and electrical installation (if not DIY)
• Fees for permits and approvals
• Utilities connections such as water, sewer, and electricity
• Construction labor if you’re not doing it yourself

This is a common issue many first-time home kit buyers face. When you get into the specifics of your build, additional costs can add up quickly, and before you know it, your budget is blown. So how can you build your home with a kit while sticking to your budget and avoiding these cost overruns?

What to Look for in a Budget-Friendly Home Kit

When you’re aiming for a new home kit under $200K in Cairns, it’s important to look for kits or packages that fit your needs but are also efficient with cost. Here are some factors to consider when looking for a good deal:

1. Simple, Functional Designs

The more complex the design, the more expensive the kit and the more difficult the assembly. Choosing a simple floor plan with an open layout and fewer corners or intricate details can significantly reduce your costs. Smaller home kits (1 to 3 bedrooms) are usually cheaper, and they still provide everything you need for comfortable living.

2. Complete Kit Inclusions

It’s essential to know what’s included in the base kit price. Often, the advertised price doesn’t cover everything, so make sure to ask for a full breakdown of what’s supplied. Look for kits that include:

• All structural materials and framing
• Roofing materials
• Wall cladding (internal and external)
• Windows and doors
• Detailed construction plans and instructions
• Hardware and fasteners

Suppliers offering comprehensive kits are a great choice because they can help you avoid unexpected costs and ensure your budget stays on track. Look for turnkey packages where everything you need for the shell is included, helping you avoid hidden costs.

3. Smart Site Selection

The land you choose will have a huge impact on the overall cost of your home kit build. Sloped, difficult-to-access land will increase site preparation and foundation costs, while flatter, well-located blocks may cost less. Cairns has many areas with affordable land options that offer excellent value for money, especially if you’re willing to consider newer, developing suburbs. Level sites with good access are ideal for home kit construction.

4. Experienced Home Kit Suppliers with Local Knowledge

One of the best ways to ensure you stay within budget is to work with an experienced home kit supplier who understands the local market, site conditions, climate requirements, and regulatory requirements. Cairns Quality Homes offers home kits that are designed to meet the specific needs of Cairns’ climate and landscape, ensuring a cost-effective yet high-quality build that can withstand tropical conditions.

Keeping Expectations in Line: What You’re Likely to Get

While it’s entirely possible to build a home from a kit for under $200K in Cairns, it’s important to keep your expectations in check. A home kit in this price range is likely to be smaller and more basic in terms of finishes.

Here’s what you can generally expect with a budget of $200K for a home kit:

• Size: Typically, home kits in this price range will be 2 to 3 bedrooms, with a modest living area and basic amenities.
• Design: The design will likely be simple and functional. Features like open-plan living and efficient use of space are common in budget-friendly home kits.
• Finishes: The kit will include structural components, but interior finishes like countertops, tiles, and fixtures may need to be sourced separately or chosen from basic options.
• Assembly: Depending on the kit, you may need to hire contractors for specialised work (plumbing, electrical, roofing) or have the skills to complete some work yourself.

However, while your home kit may be more compact and functional, you shouldn’t have to compromise on quality or structural integrity. Working with an experienced supplier ensures that even a budget home kit can feature high-standard materials, proper engineering, and components that will withstand Cairns’ tropical climate.

Start Building Your Dream Home with a Home Kit

Building a new home from a kit for under $200K in Cairns is possible with careful planning, smart choices, and the right supplier. By opting for a simpler design, understanding the full scope of costs, and choosing an experienced team, you can make the dream of homeownership a reality for not much more than the cost of a granny flat.

At Cairns Quality Homes, we understand that building your dream home on a budget is a priority for many of our clients. Our team is committed to helping you find a home kit that meets your needs while sticking to your budget.

Ready to get started? Contact Cairns Quality Homes today to discuss your home kit options or visit our display homes in Cairns for inspiration on what’s possible for your budget.

Are The House Prices in Cairns Increasing?

Cairns is one of Queensland’s most popular destinations for those looking for a new start in a truly tropical home. Tourists visit for the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, but residents of the city have enjoyed the boon of increased investment in infrastructure, job creation and house building that have made Cairns a destination city for those who want to escape the ‘normal’ 9-5 but still be in reach of all the important things (like Gallo Dairyland).

Cairns house prices have been on the increase, while still being significantly lower than the bigger cities. With the current median house price in Cairns at $376,000 (according to Property Value), and a steady increase year on year, buying a house in Cairns is a good investment – whether as a family home, or as a rental property.

Here at Cairns Quality Homes we know that the savvy investor or first home buyer keeps an eye on Cairns house prices to judge the best time to buy or sell a property – and with our handy guide you can see for yourself why it is a great idea to get involved in property in Cairns right now.

What Is It Like To Live In Cairns?

The juxtaposition of city living with rainforest is what makes Cairns so desirable. All the convenience you need for your daily life, with entertainment, shopping, and schools on the doorstep – but a skyline of trees rather than faceless high rises. If you love the fresh air and being outdoors, the beach, parks and nature reserves across the city and the region will be perfect for you.

Glorious white sand beaches attract the sun worshippers, and the pace of life reflects the easy-going attitude that comes from a whole demographic of young, relaxed, and happy people.

Culture is growing in the area, with numerous theatres and museums available to suit all tastes. From art to ballet, and the $71 million Cairns Performing Arts Centre is not the only place for a slice of culture.

Quiet leafy suburbs can be found a bit further out from the CBD, with glorious, large homes surrounded by parkland and stunning views. Families love the great access to schools, with each suburb having access to well-regarded education. For those who love being in the centre of the action, units in the city are available – well-built and a good size to suit young couples or singletons.

Employment has grown in the area, with the increase in tourism offering more jobs – so there may not be a need for a long commute to one of the bigger cities for work. This inclusivity draws the residents together, and a sense of community is a popular draw for all residents in Cairns.

Of course, the tourists come to Cairns for the location – but that is also what makes it a great place to live. Even at the height of the tourist season, there are so many beautiful places and historical sites to visit that even the long-term residents can discover something new. Mountains, mangrove swamps and rainforests are all a short distance away.

Get On The Property Ladder With Cairns Quality Homes & Get The Best Price For Your New House

Cairns Quality Homes are the first choice in aspirational, practical, and affordable new build home design. With house prices in Cairns on the increase, buying a home through a real estate agent might not be the way for you to get all you need from a property – and that is why we are here. We can help you build the perfect home in Cairns, whether it is for you and your family, or a property for investment ready to rent out.

You can browse our range of house plans online to get inspired:

• 2 bedroom house plans
• 3 bedroom house plans
• 4 bedroom house plans

We also offer House and Land packages in Cairns for those who need an expert advise not only in building a dream home, but also in choosing the best area for you.

Contact us today to find out more about how Cairns Quality Homes can help you make the most out of house prices in Cairns.

Cairns Quality Homes took home not one, but two prestigious awards at this year’s Housing and Construction Awards organised by Master Builders Queensland.

For the second year running, the high standard and finish of our homes were recognised with the Caitlyn winning the Display Home Award.

Our commitment to providing quality, luxury homes to Cairns and Far North Queensland, was further acknowledged with Cairns Quality Homes winning the President’s Award.

More pictures to follow.

Recent analysis of the Cairns’ rental market has indicated unusually low rental vacancy rates, which could potentially increase rental prices in the area. In the August 2016 edition of Cairns Watch by Australia’s largest Independent Property Advisory group, Herron Todd White, Rental Vacancy Rates for both units and houses have tightened towards stress levels.

“The latest trend rental vacancy rate for July 2016 stood at 1.5% for houses and 2.0% for units. The market vacancy trend overall stood at 1.7%.” (source: Cairnswatch.com.au).

What does this mean for Cairns property investors?

With tourism returning to strong growth, house prices softening and rental vacancies at a low 1.5%; this is the perfect time to invest in property in the Cairns area. According to RealEstate.com.au, investors with a 3 bed house in Cairns North can expect around a 4.2% rental yield. If you then consider that Herron Todd White believe Cairns housing is a rising market and units are in the start of a recovery, then potential capital growth is also looking positive.

International tourism to Cairns and Tropical North Queensland is continuing to storm ahead, with 2015-2016 figures 13% up on the year before. Tropical North Queensland is the most preferred destination for tourists in Queensland, with over 800,000 visitors bringing in a total of $1.1 billion to the area over the last financial year.

Real Commercial recently highlighted how investors are being drawn in by Queensland’s tourism market, with Cairns and the Gold Coast outperforming the rest of the country.

The addition of the new Nova City launched a few weeks ago, the proposed Aquis Resort and investment into Palm Cove’s harbour are strong positive signals for the area.

Why choose Cairns Quality Homes?

We are an award winning premium house builder in Cairns with over 30 years’ experience. We have a range of turnkey house and land packages in prime Cairns locations. Everything from the carpets, tiles, window dressings, flyscreens, paths, driveway, fencing, lawn and landscaping is taken care of by an experience design team. So for a busy investor or an investor looking interstate, we provide a stress free solution.

A brand new property is not only convenient for you, but it’s also very attractive to tenants. They are willing to pay a premium for all the modern features, further helping your cashflow.

Naturally, all buyers should be cautious and seek specific financial advice to assess if an investment property is right for them.

For further information, why not get in touch to begin planning your next investment property.

We are pleased to announce that Cairns Quality Homes have won an award for our Whipbird Close Display Home in Smithfield. The Master Builders’ annual Housing and Construction Awards was held on Saturday 13th August to recognise those at the forefront of construction innovation and quality craftsmanship.

The Dyson Display Home at Whipbird Close, Smithfield won the Far North Queensland Housing Award for Display Homes and will now be considered for the State Awards to be held in October.

The industry recognition further cements our reputation as Cairns’ premier house builder, whilst also highlighting our commitment to delivering architectural unique designs that are both affordable and practical.

Visit the Master Builders website for more information on the Awards.

Cairns Quality Homes is an established Cairns builder, with over 30 years’ experience in building personalised, affordable quality homes in and around Cairns.

Whether you’re looking for a new home, property investment or holiday home in Far North Queensland, we have a suite of solutions to suit your needs.

We offer house and land packages, home design and currently have two display homes for you to visit around Cairns. In addition we welcome anyone to visit our showroom at 191 Newell Street, off Mulgrave Road. There visitors will find a Hettich endorsed showroom to give you plenty of ideas and inspiration.

Looking for a Cairns builder to design and build something unique? That’s no problem. We work with reputable architects to create your dream home.

We have a tried and tested approach to building your new home, however our depth of experience in our team means we can be completely flexible.

Come and visit us

Come and visit us at 191 Newell Street or take a look through our online portfolio.