First home buyers
Building your dream home is easy with Carlisle Homes
Buying your first home is a big step, but with Carlisle Homes you’ll find the process easy-to-understand, enjoyable and a journey to remember.
At this point, you probably have a stack of questions about buying your first new home. To help you through the process we’ve put together a helpful guide.
The home building process
An easy-to-follow journey so you’ll know what to expect, what to do and when.
First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) information
There's never been a better time to get into the market!
Finance and loan calculator for first home buyers
We make it easy to find the right home loan for you.
FAQs for first home buyers
Got a question? The answer is probably here!
Suitable Homes
Ideal home designs for first home buyers.
Testimonials and success stories
Read what our home owners have to say about their Carlisle Homes journey.
First home buyers house & land packages
Packages make it easier and faster to get into a home of your own.
New home building process
As a first home buyer, you’ll be happy to know that our home building process is an easy-to-follow and enjoyable journey. We’ll outline every step of the process, so you know exactly what to expect, what to do and when. View our process and timeline.
Pre Site
Step 1: New home selection
Congratulations. This marks the start of your journey with Carlisle Homes and where we start looking at the best siting options whilst you look at styling options for your new home.
Step 2: Spectra appointment
One of the most exciting and fun steps of building your new home is choosing interior and exterior colours, surface finishes, floor coverings, appliances and fixtures. Allow at least half a day or more for your appointment at the Spectra Selection Centre.
Step 3: Tender
This is the stage where we prepare your tender to build, based on your sales quote, soil, survey and preliminary engineering.
Step 4: Contract sign off
Here’s where it all starts to become a reality! It’s time for the preparation of the building contract and working drawings for your review, approval and sign off.
Step 5: Site start preparation
Now your contract is signed, there are a few steps to cover off before your new home is ready for site start. This phase includes confirmation of loan approval and documentation (not required if you’re using Loan Studio). Construction drawings mailed to you for final review and sign-off.
Construction Process
Step 6: Site Start
The official start of the construction process! Your Client Liaison Executive will provide you with requirements to prepare for site start.
Step 7: Base Stage
The concrete slab is laid - your first major construction milestone!
Step 8: Frame Stage
The carpenters arrive! House wall frames and roof trusses go up. And a qualified Building Surveyor completes a Quality Control Inspection.
Step 9: Lock-up Stage
Brickwork, roof tiles, external doors and windows are put in place.
Step 10: Fixing stage
Plaster installed to internal walls and ceilings. Skirting boards, architraves, internal doors, and kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
Step 11: Completion Stage
Painting and tiling completed. Electrical and plumbing fit-offs, stone bench tops (where applicable), door furniture, shower screens and mirrors are installed. Any external render (where applicable) will also be completed. The final stage of construction! Time to call the removalists and book a date!
Step 12: Settlement
Congratulations! Your new home has been completed and is ready for you to move in! On the day of settlement the Construction Supervisor will conduct an on-site handover. Appliances will be installed at an agreed time after settlement has taken place.
Warranty
Step 13: Creating your Carlisle Home Care Account
Carlisle Home Care enables you to submit items (with photos) via your phone or other devices relating to the warranty of your new home. This is a fully interactive online tool that will manage all works that require attention.
Step 14: Agreed Works
Need anything touched up? Here’s where we’ll organise the work.
Step 15: Completion of Works
All agreed works are done! Your building process is now complete and you’re free to enjoy living in your brand new home! Congratulations.
First Home Owner Grant
The Victorian Government’s First Home Owner Grant scheme makes it more affordable for first home buyers to get into the home of their dreams. Plus we have home designs under $300K to help you move even sooner.
As a first-time home owner you may be eligible for the Victorian Government’s First Home Owner Grant.
Why should I apply for the First Home Owner Grant?
The grant makes it easier for you to get into the property market and start to benefit from land and property value growth.
Applying for the First Home Owner Grant can be a complicated process, we’ll guide you step-by-step and answer any questions you might have.
How will I know if I’m eligible for the First Home Owner Grant?
The State Revenue Office of Victoria has certain criteria to ensure that you are eligible to receive the First Home Owner Grant. Please read about your Eligibility to receive the grant on the SRO website.
How much is the First Home Owner Grant?
First home owner’s can receive $10,000 if they are buying or building a new home valued up to $750,000.
First-home buyer duty exemption or concession – a one-off duty exemption for a principal place of residence valued up to $600,000, or a concession for a principal place of residence with a dutiable value from $600,001 to $750,000.
For the most up-to-date information please see the First home owners section on the State Revenue Office website.
When will the grant be paid?
When the grant is paid varies depending on whether you’re buying a newly built home, you’re building from scratch, or buying off the plan. Read more on the SRO website When will the grant be paid?
Finance for first home buyers
Figuring out finance is possibly the most critical step when you’re buying your first new home. At Carlisle Homes our job is to make the process as easy as possible.
Need assistance with your first home loan?
Our in-house construction finance specialists are available 7 days a week to take the hard work out of finding the right home loan for you.
We will spend the time asking the right questions, do all the research and then provide you with a loan that is tailored to your needs and specific requirements.
How much can I save?
When it comes to buying your first home, the more money you have saved the less money you need to borrow. Saving money is easier with a clear goal in mind, so try our savings calculator to see how much you can accumulate over time with regular deposits based on a specific interest rate.
How much can I afford to borrow?
Figuring out a loan amount that you can afford to pay back each month is critical to buying your first home. Use our Loan Calculator to see how much you need to pay on your mortgage each week or each month.
First home owner FAQs
How much money can I afford to borrow?
Use a Loan Calculator to find out how much you need to pay on your mortgage each week, or talk to one of our Loan Studio Consultants and they’ll help you find the answer to this critical question.
How do I find the home loan that is best for me?
Our Loan Studio researches flexible and convenient finance solutions to suit you - and your budget. We do all the hard work for you to save you time running around. Read more about Loan Studio’s Financial Products
How much do I get for the First Home Owner Grant?
From 1st July 2013 first home owner’s can receive $10,000 if they are buying or building a new home valued up to $750,000.
Read more about applying for the First Home Owner Grant.
How do I know if I qualify for a home loan?
Find out if you qualify with a fast and easy, obligation-free pre-qualification check. Please enquire now or call 1300 520 914 to speak to one of our First Home Buyers' Specialist Consultants.
Does Carlisle Homes build in my area?
Carlisle Homes build in premier suburbs across Melbourne’s north, south east and west including Geelong. To see if Carlisle builds in your area see where we build.
Does Carlisle Homes guarantee build time?
Yes. We guarantee the completion date of your home regardless of the changes made to it. This means the date we tell you your new home will be ready is the date you can move in. Guaranteed.
I’m on a really tight budget, but I want to get off the rent spiral! Do you have house & land packages suitable for first home buyers?
Yes. Please see our House & Land Packages and also our current Promotions and Special Offers.
Which home designs are best for first home buyers?
We have over 70 new home designs to choose from, but we often recommend the EasyLiving Series to first time home buyers. Read more about suitable home designs for first home buyers.
Can you guide me through the building process?
Yes. We guide you through every step of the process, so you know exactly what to expect, what to do and when to do it. For more information please see our Building Process.
Suitable homes
Looking for an affordable home design with all the features you need? Carlisle offer more standard inclusions than any other home builder.
Carlisle Homes has a wide variety of new home designs to choose from, but the EasyLiving series is ideal for first-time home buyers.
With all the features you need at an affordable price, this range of six-star energy efficient open plan home designs, gives first home buyers an easy entry into the housing market with stylish, low maintenance living.
EasyLiving series has been designed for compact blocks, delivering smarter living choices without compromising on space or quality. You’ll also be happily surprised by the range of high quality inclusions above and beyond what you’d expect for the price – and a level of superior value unexpected from a volume builder.
Our EasyLiving series includes:
- Six-star energy rating
- Intelligent design with smart floor plans
- Great range of high quality no-cost inclusions
- Everything you need at an affordable price
- Sizes from 16-33 squares
Luxury Townhomes
Everything you need to just move in
For first home buyers, a townhome could be the perfect choice. Our range of townhomes across Melbourne is all about using space effectively, so you can experience a larger home on a smaller, more affordable block.
We’ve partnered with leading land developers across Victoria to source the best estates in the best locations, to give you affordable housing solutions without having to compromise on quality, location, or space. You’ll also be happy to know that our townhomes are turnkey, which means they’ve got everything you need to turn the key and move right in.
First home buyers house & land packages
House & land packages and ex-display homes are the perfect choice for first time home buyers.
Realise your dream easier and faster
Buying a house & land together as a package makes moving into your new home much simpler, more affordable – and most importantly, faster. You eliminate all the fuss of hunting for the ideal block to fit your new home - or the ideal home to fit your existing block - so you’re free instead to focus on the fun stuff like paint colours, surface finishes, and other interior design features.
House & land packages across Melbourne
Our experienced House & land team work with trusted land developers to perfectly match our homes with the best blocks available. This relationship allows us to offer first home buyers fixed price house & land packages. A fixed price means the price you see listed is the fixed price you pay. There are no hidden extras or additional costs.
House & land package features
Carlisle has a huge selection of one and two storey house & land packages in great locations all across Melbourne, all packages include:
- Fixed price guarantee on all site costs.
- Extensive range of high quality standard inclusions.
- Foundations and connections.
- Developer guidelines, covenants and council requirements.
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Contact
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