First home builders
Your first home should come with clear pricing and a builder who explains every step. We build first homes across the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay, with site costs in our pricing.
From your first design to key handover
As first home builders on the Sunshine Coast and in Moreton Bay, we keep things clear. Start with a standard design, see real costs early and follow your build every week.
- Standard designs tweaked at no extra charge
- Standard site costs included in our pricing
- Flooring included in every inclusion level
- Weekly portal updates through to handover
Room in your budget now, upgrades later
Essential keeps the same quality selections and sets aside a few items, like the driveway, flyscreens, dishwasher and external concrete, to add later. Compare levels on our inclusions page.
Walk through a home,
or find your design
Walk through the Arlo in Palmview or the Casa Luna in Lilywood. Prefer to start online? Filter our home designs by storeys, bedrooms, bathrooms and lot width.
Key trades in‑house, trusted partners alongside
What should I look for in a first home builder?
Clear pricing that includes site costs, a set process with known steps, and regular updates. Ask each builder what their price leaves out and how they report on progress.
Do you build first homes in Moreton Bay?
Yes. Moreton Bay is a key area for our first home buyers, alongside the Sunshine Coast. Our Moreton Bay carpentry crews and Casa Luna display home are both based there.
Can I change a standard home design?
Yes. Like-for-like tweaks to a standard design are free, and our in-house draftsperson handles them. If you want bigger changes, we can take the plan semi-custom.
What does the Essential inclusion level leave out?
The same quality selections, minus a few items you can add later: the driveway, flyscreens, dishwasher and external concrete. It keeps your first build within reach.
Can you help with first home grants or finance?
We don’t give grant or finance advice, so check your eligibility with your lender, broker or the scheme itself. We’ll give you a clear construction proposal to take to them.
How long does it take to build a first home?
Design usually takes 2 to 6 weeks, then building approval is lodged around week ten. Our build process page sets out every step, with your tasks and ours.
What is included in your advertised price?
The price we advertise is the price we expect you to sign. We build every estimate to reflect what your contract will actually look like, rather than opening with a low base price and adding items through the sales process. If something sits outside the price, we will tell you before you commit.
From the Arcadia journal
Building on narrow blocks: how to get the light, space and layout right
How to plan a home on a 10 or 12.5 metre block, keep it full of natural light, and work within the Queensland rules that apply.
How to choose a floor plan for a new house: a practical guide
Start with your block, then how you live, then the budget. How to read a floor plan and choose between standard, semi-custom and custom.
How best to design and build on a sloping block
Upslope or downslope, slab or suspended floor: how to design a home that follows the fall, plus Queensland retaining wall rules and costs.
Custom Home Builder vs Project Builder
Custom home builder or big project builder? How a local custom builder compares on real costs, design flexibility and craftsmanship.