Buying your first home in South East Queensland (SEQ) is exciting until you hit the research rabbit hole. Suddenly you’re comparing house and land packages at midnight, calculating stamp duty over lunch and wondering whether building your own home is really worth the effort.

If you’re stuck between building or buying, you’re not alone. Both paths have pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your lifestyle, priorities and budget. This guide breaks down everything first-home buyers need to know in SEQ so you can make an informed decision.

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Building a Home in South East Queensland

Building your own home is the “design it your way” path. It takes a little more patience but you get a lot more control. Instead of inheriting decisions someone else made decades ago, you get to shape every detail yourself. From the floor plan and finishes to energy-efficient features that let you future-proof your home, building lets you create a space that suits your life and grows with you. It’s a slower path but a hugely rewarding one.

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Why many first-home buyers in SEQ choose to build

• Full control over layout, design and finishes
• Ability to incorporate energy-efficient and smart-home features
• Brand-new warranties and minimal maintenance
• No inherited wear and tear or outdated systems

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What to consider when building

• Timeline: Standard project homes take 6–12 months, while custom designs can take up to 24 months
• Costs: Construction in SEQ generally ranges from $2,000 to $4,500 per square metre depending on design, materials, site preparation and labour availability
• Potential delays: Weather, council approvals or supply issues can slow the build so planning and flexibility are key

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The vibe: Ideal if you want a fresh start, a flexible design and a home that grows with you

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Buying an Existing Home in South East Queensland

Buying an existing home is the faster route to homeownership. You find the right property, sign the papers and you’re in. You also step straight into an established neighbourhood complete with mature trees, settled streets, local cafés, schools and transport already in place.

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Why buyers choose existing homes

• Move in faster, sometimes immediately
• Often lower upfront costs compared to building
• Established suburbs with amenities, schools and greenery

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Things to watch out for

• Layout, style or yard size may not perfectly match your needs
• Older homes can require ongoing maintenance or repairs
• Hidden issues like plumbing, structural problems or outdated wiring may arise

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Typical pricing (2025)

As of September 2025, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reports the average dwelling price in Queensland has passed A$1 million. But entry-level options still exist. Growth suburbs like Ripley, Greater Flagstone and Caboolture remain more affordable for first-home buyers, with houses often starting around $750,000 to $900,000

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The vibe: Perfect if you want speed, convenience and a suburb that’s already established

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Build vs Buy: Quick Comparison for SEQ First-Home Buyers

In short: Building gives a custom, brand-new home. Buying offers speed and an existing community

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Government Incentives for First-Home Buyers in Queensland (2025)

Buying your first home in SEQ can be challenging, but a range of state and federal government schemes can make a real difference.

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Queensland State Schemes

• First Home Owner Grant (FHOG)
  Eligible first-home buyers building or buying a new home (house and land) may receive $15,000 or $30,000. Applies if the home (land and build) is valued under A$750,000. Helps cover upfront costs or upgrades. More info

• Transfer Duty (Stamp Duty) Concessions
  From May 2025, first-home buyers purchasing a new home or vacant land to build may be fully exempt from transfer duty. Partial or reduced concessions may apply for certain existing homes. More info

• Shared-Equity / Low-Deposit Schemes (“Boost to Buy”)
  Assists buyers struggling with deposits, reducing required deposits to as little as 2%. The government may contribute equity toward new or existing homes, subject to eligibility, property value caps, and supply limits. More info

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Federal Schemes

• Help to Buy Scheme
  Opens 5 December 2025 in participating states. Assists 40,000 households to buy a new or existing home with a government equity contribution. More info

• First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)
  Save for a deposit through voluntary super contributions up to $50,000, with earnings released for a first home purchase. More info

• 5% Deposit Scheme
  Eligible buyers can purchase a home with just 5% deposit (2% for single parents with dependents). Expanded from 1 October 2025 with uncapped places and higher property limits. More info
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Why it matters

• Lower upfront costs: Grants and exemptions can save thousands
• Better budget flexibility: Redirect savings toward upgrades, landscaping or finishes
• Improved affordability: Shared-equity schemes make homeownership more achievable
• More choices: Incentives make building a new home more feasible and reduce older-home maintenance issues

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What to double-check

• Many benefits only apply to new builds or vacant land
• Value caps, income limits and deadlines may apply
• Always verify eligibility with government websites or your broker

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How Nesta Helps First-Home Buyers in SEQ

Whether you’re leaning toward building or buying, Nesta makes the process simple and stress-free. We help you compare land, select the right builder, review contracts and avoid those “I wish I’d known that earlier” moments.

Our service is independent, unbiased and completely free.

Ready to start your first-home journey?
Book a free chat with a Nesta broker and get personalised guidance today