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Build your first home with confidence

Queensland’s trusted first home buyer specialist

Your first home is the foundation for your future. That’s why Plantation Homes makes the journey to home ownership simpler, clearer and more achievable, with no compromise home designs, transparent pricing and expert guidance every step of the way.

With the backing of $10 billion Sumitomo Forestry Group and more than 60,000 homes built across QLD, NSW and Victoria, you can build with confidence knowing we have the strength and stability to deliver your home, no matter what.

Why first home buyers choose Plantation Homes

Whether you're ready to stop renting, grow your family or invest in your future, building your first home is a big step. That’s why we focus on what matters most to first home buyers: certainty, transparency, financial strength and support you can rely on.

Transparent pricing

Fixed price contracts, with clear inclusions

Proven experience

More than 20 years helping Queenslanders build

Financial strength

Backed by the $10B Sumitomo Forestry Group

Support at every step

Dedicated guidance from enquiry to handover

Financing your first home

Before you start building, it’s important to understand how much you can comfortably afford - both upfront and ongoing. Once you understand your budget, you have the confidence to make informed decisions about where you want to live, the block you buy and the home you build.

As a first-time home buyer, applying for pre-approval gives you a clear picture of your borrowing power before you sign any contracts. Pre-approval also helps speed up the process when it’s time to pay a deposit or secure land.

While you can apply directly through a bank, many first home buyers choose to work with a broker who can compare options from a range of lenders and help find the right loan for your circumstances.

What can you afford? Understand your borrowing power sooner

Before you start building, it’s important to understand how much you can comfortably afford - both upfront and over the life of your loan. Speaking with a bank or broker early will give you clearer insight into what’s achievable based on your personal circumstances. As a first-time home buyer, it's a good idea to seek pre-approval before signing any contracts, so you have a clear understanding of your borrowing power before making committing.

Every lender is different, so it’s worth comparing interest rates, fees, and repayment options to find the loan that suits your needs and goals. It’s also worth exploring the grants, incentives and first home buyer schemes available, as these could help reduce upfront costs.

To make this easier, Plantation Homes offers a complimentary, no-obligation borrowing assessment through our trusted finance partner, Loan Studio. They can guide you through the finance process, explain borrowing options and help you make the most of any grants and incentives.

What grants are available for first home buyers?

First time home buyers in Queensland may be eligible for financial incentives offered by the Queensland Government and the Australian Government, including:

  • First Home Owner Grant (FHOG): A lump-sum payment toward the cost of building a new home.
  • 5% Deposit Scheme: Allows you to buy with as little as 5% deposit, without paying lender's mortgage insurance.
  • First Home (new home) Concession: Reduced or waived transfer duty on eligible new homes and land.
  • Boost to Buy: A shared-equity home ownership scheme that helps eligible first-home buyers purchase a property with a minimum 2% deposit. The government contributes up to 30% for new homes with a value up to $1 million.

These programs can make a big difference to your deposit or total build cost. We’ll help you understand what you qualify for and how to apply.

Your complete guide to the QLD first home owner grant

How the 5% deposit scheme works for first home buyers

A guide to stamp duty for QLD first home buyers

Our most popular first home buyer designs

Find your home in south-east Queensland

We build in some south-east Queensland’s most sought-after communities in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.

The Q Collection building process: Step-by-step guide

We make the journey to your new home simple, supportive and transparent. From your first enquiry through to handover, we're here to answer questions, guide you through each stage and ensure you always know what's happening next. We’re backed by the $10 billion Sumitomo Forestry Group, so you can build with confidence knowing that your home will be completed, no matter what.

Here’s what to expect at each stage when you choose a Q Collection home.

Step 1: Understand your borrowing capacity. Our finance specialists can help you explore your options and available first home buyer grants. You'll also receive a “comfort letter” from your lender, so you can begin your journey with confidence.

Step 2: Choose your design. Select your Q Collection home and façade and then select from our expertly-curated interior and exterior colour schemes to create a home that feels truly yours. We'll confirm everything that's included before preparing your contract, so there are no surprises later.

Step 3: Sign your fixed price contract. You'll receive a clear breakdown of costs before signing, with site works, inclusions and selections confirmed upfront so you know exactly where you stand.

Step 4: Watch your home take shape through key construction milestones, including site start, base, frame, enclosed, fixing and fit-off, with quality inspections completed throughout. You'll get the chance to walk through your home before handover. Track every stage with regular updates via MyHomeHQ. Explore our detailed build process.

Step 5: Handover day. Move into your brand-new home and enjoy peace of mind with our 12-month home assurance program and 50-year structural guarantee.

Ready to build your first home?

Take the first step with new home builders that understand first home buyers. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to build, we’re here to guide you through every stage with clarity, care and confidence.

Want to find out more?

Speak to one of our team

Common questions

First Home Buyer FAQs