Home Building Hub

Get some valuable insights into what buyers have been doing so far in 2024 from our special guest Ryan Smits from openlot.com.au. Learn about timeframe to purchase, great offers out there right now, factors influencing buyer decisions and even a snapshot into the top areas to buy as well. To finish off, Ryan introduces a new initiative called OpenDisplay which allows you to walk through display villages digitally from the comfort of your couch, helping you narrow down your favourites to visit from there.

Topic timestamps

00:38 - Welcome to Ryan Smits from openlot.com.au

2:22 - What is openlot.com.au ?

3:09 - Jan-April 2024: What have buyers been doing so far?

4:13 - Investors are back…are First Home Buyers back as well? 

6:55 - What is the current timeframe to purchase?

10:18 - What offers are out there right now to incentivise a buyer to purchase?

11:24 - Side note: Hey salespeople, people who enquire want a call back after hours.

15:40 - Enquiries have increased, so what are the key factors influencing people's decision?

25:00 - What are the most popular areas out there right now? 

29:18 - Get your free area trends and data by using Buyer Demand Index from openlot.com.au 

34:22 - Introducing OpenDisplays - save time by walking through display villages from your couch 

40:18 - Final round-up and summary of the market ahead from Ryan

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In this episode we cover the top 10 reasons you should build new instead of buy second hand. 

Topic timestamps
3:50 - Stamp duty savings 
5:50 - Builders warranty 
9:07 - Choose your design and floorplan
10:35 - Select your colour schemes upfront
11:48 - Choose the right orientation for your block and home design
12:55 - Newer home is more energy efficient
14:48 - Save time and money on maintenance and upkeep
16:28 - Build in a masterlanned community with more amenities 
19:31 - A new home is built to today's standards. Inclusions, quality and peace of mind for example
21:14 - Bottom line, a new home is brand new

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We all need fencing, but how does it actually work? In this episode we explain what half-share fencing means, what the fencing process is, how to work out what type of fencing is required, and we finish with a couple of tips to help you better prepare for your own block when that time comes around. 

Topic timestamps

2:44 - Most display builders don’t offer fencing, but there are some companies that do. 

4:15 - Half-share fencing… what does that actually mean?

6:41 - How does the fencing process work?

9:30 - Neighbours can build their garage on your boundary. We recommend being understanding, not difficult.

14:05 - How to work out what type of fence to install?

16:00 - TIP: Don’t forget to get a wing fence and gate quoted separately

16:50 - Corner lots usually have more requirements. Here’s why.

18:10 - Rough price for fencing

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In this episode we explain what Bushfire Attack Level or “BAL” means. Tune in as we cover the different BAL ratings, how to find if your block is in a BAL zone, what the rough costs are and what you get for those costs as a result. 

Topic timestamps
2:00 - What is Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) and what does it mean? 
2:40 - What level of BAL are there? 
5:45 - How to find out if your block is in a BAL zone
8:00 - What is the cost of BAL requirements… and what do I get for that cost?

Join Australia’s most trusted new home education community 

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In this episode, we help outline what a nomination lot is, how it works, the main benefits and the risks associated well. We finish with a simple 4 step process for you to take if considering a nomination lot yourself. 

Topic timestamps
3:52 - What is a nomination block?
4:58 - How does a nomination block work?
6:50 - What are the main benefits of buying a nomination lot? 
10:30 - What are the things to look out for or the risks associated with buying a nomination lot?
19:40 - DANGEROUS TRAP! Do NOT buy from a seller asking for more than the contract price
23:20 - 4 step process to take with nomination blocks

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You MUST engage a reliable conveyancer BEFORE signing a land contract. In this episode we are joined by 2 leading conveyancers from Fastrack Conveyancing who provide a wealth of information, tips and insights to you - which will save you time and money, but also give you more peace of mind when purchasing land. This is a must watch/listen episode for all prospective land buyers.

Join Australia’s most trusted new home education community 

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Got a question, topic idea or feedback?
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With new regulations coming to Victoria on May 1st, 2024, this episode is all about giving you a quick summary of the changes to better equip you with some basic knowledge of the changes as you speak to new home builders. We explain what the new regulations are in relation to 7 Star energy ratings, Livable Housing requirements and the ‘Whole of Home’ assessment as well.

Topic timestamps
2:30 - 7 star energy 
6:30 - Livable housing 
10:25 - Whole of home 
13:00 - What are the costs and how to avoid the new regs 

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In this episode we reveal the 3 main types of land purchases, outlining the pros and cons of each. If you’re looking to buy a block of land or house and land package be sure to tune in for great tips and insights that will ensure you make a well informed decision.

Topic timestamps
1:48 - Different block types explained. 
6:06 - Where can you buy blocks of land from? 
8:15 - Buying from a land estate directly - pros and cons. 
11:52 - Buying from a real estate agent - pros and cons. 
19:40 - Buying a nomination block - pros and cons.

Join Australia’s most trusted new home education community 

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Looking to build on a rural or acreage lot? Join us as we explain what rural lots are, which items to consider, how to obtain the right information and some helpful tips along the way. 

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In this episode we explain to you why site costs are so confusing and why they may vary from builder to builder. We explain the inclusions and exclusions, how builders price site costs and also help you understand the role an engineer plays in the process too. A short episode, but a valuable one so be sure to listen in. 

Topic timestamps

2:30 - Why do site costs vary between builders?
5:25 - You don’t need to be a site cost expert, but understand this…
8:57 - What are retaining walls and why you need to consider them
10:45 - Let the builder’s consultant explain the different items and variables
11:52 - An engineer designs your slab and its requirements, not the builder.
14:27 - How do builders fix site costs upfront?
17:17 - The builder sets their own parameters upfront, and those parameters vary from builder to builder.
20:55 - It is the builder that will give you site costs, don’t listen to anyone else’s “guess”.

Join Australia’s most trusted new home education community 

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Liking the show? 
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Got a question, topic idea or feedback?
Head to our website and leave your comments there > homebuildinghub.com.au or send an email to [email protected]