Inclusions and Upgrades for Investment House and Land Packages

House and land packages offer a cost-effective way to buy and own a newly built home, whether for residence or investment.

Building costs associated with constructing a new home have increased by 40.8% from September 2020 to June 2024 (according to Australia Bureau of Statistics). As a result, house and land packages have become more prevalent and popular to lower the upfront investment for a new home build.

House and land packages offer considerable value for investors. Buying a house and land package means saving on stamp duty for the land component of the build, and ending up with a property equipped with the essential inclusions that make it move-in ready.

Here’s what investors need to know about the standard inclusions for investment house and land packages, and optional upgrades that are worth consideration. 

What’s Included in an Investment House and Land Package?

House and land packages include a range of structural features, fixtures, and fittings designed to add value and maximise tenant appeal.

Structural Components

House and land package builds are designed in line with the environmental requirements of the local area. In regional Queensland, house and land packages include build specifications for S-class soil sites (slightly reactive clay), as well as C1 wind rating in locales like Mackay which experienced strong winds or cyclone weather.  

Local environment factors aside, house and land packages will generally include: 

• Earthworks cut & fill to 600mm of fall over site
• Insulation of the entire roof area
• Colorbond roof, gutter, and fascia
• 2600mm high ceilings
• Landscaping and fencing
• Garage door (automatic panel lift door)
• Allowances for an exposed aggregate driveway 

Fixtures  

Investment house and land packages will also include a range of fixtures.

• Safety screens for all windows and sliding doors
• Locks for doors
• Window furnishings
• A choice of colour schemes to customise the property
• Split system air-conditioning in all bedrooms and the living room
• LED lighting, including downlights
• Ceiling fans
• TV point and antenna with splitter
• Colourbond wrapped external garage doors
• Generous power point allocation 

Fittings 

Fittings are included in investment house and land packages to ensure that properties are fully functional and ready for occupancy upon completion. Kitchen and bathroom fittings are almost always included - bedroom fittings are limited to more ‘premium’ packages.

• Clothesline and mailbox from builders' range
• Quality carpet in bedrooms and the media room
• Tiled flooring on patio and entry
• Overhead kitchen cabinetry and bulkhead, stone benchtops
• Dishwasher and microwave recesses
• Selected kitchen appliances, including cooktop and undermount rangehood
• Floating bathroom vanities with drawers
• Polished edge mirrors & semi-frameless shower screens
• Wardrobes - vinyl doors with shelf/ rail (ventilated shelving)
• Linen - vinyl doors with shelves
• Quality plumbing fittings
• External bunker light and spotlight with sensor
• External taps 

Optional Upgrades for Investment House and Land Packages

While investment house and land packages will generally be ‘ready’ for occupancy, investors can opt for upgrades to increase the value and rental appeal of the property. These upgrades are not typically included in the base price of house and land packages - availability will also depend on whether the builder’s designs can support the required installation.

Sustainable technology and appliances

All newly-built homes in Australia must meet the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme’s  (NatHERS) minimum requirement of 7 stars in energy rating - this will already be accounted for by the builder. Investors can further enhance the property's energy efficiency by adding a solar power system with panels, a rainwater harvesting system, or energy-saving appliances. 

Furnishings and appliances

Adding quality furnishing and appliances to the property will greatly increase its rental appeal to tenants, allowing investors to secure higher rents or attract ideal tenants. Investment builders of house and land packages often offer a set of higher-quality furnishings as an add-on for the build.

These can include branded appliances such as ovens, dishwashers, washing machines, and air conditioning systems that offer increased functionality.  

While this list of inclusions is generally accurate for most house and land packages, different builders can have a varying set of inclusions and upgrades. Consulting a builder is the best way to determine what is and what is not included in the build.

In addition to the inclusions above, Builder Direct’s investment house and land packages are also handpicked based on local market performance factors to ensure long-term returns for investors. We offer house and land packages in Cairns and Mackay geared for capital growth and consistent returns - get in touch with our team to receive a quote and consultation for an investment property in regional Queensland.