After 50 years in this industry, the question I always tell buyers to ask isn’t “what’s the price?” [cite: 63] — it’s “what does that price actually include?” [cite: 64] The difference between a base price and a truly turnkey price can be $30,000 or more. [cite: 64]
What’s Usually Included
- A fixed-price building contract with a registered builder [cite: 67]
- Slab on ground or waffle pod foundation (site costs may still vary) [cite: 68]
- Standard kitchen with stone or laminate benchtops [cite: 69]
- Two bathrooms and a double garage [cite: 70]
- Floor coverings and window furnishings in some packages [cite: 71]
- Electrical fit-out and plumbing to connection points [cite: 72]
What’s Often Not Included
- Fencing — most packages exclude the side and rear fences [cite: 74]
- Driveway and letterbox — commonly charged as extras [cite: 75]
- Landscaping — front and back yards often left bare [cite: 76]
- Flyscreens, clothesline and TV antenna [cite: 77]
- Connection fees for water, electricity and gas [cite: 78]
- Site costs — this is the big one. These depend on soil conditions and can vary by tens of thousands of dollars [cite: 79]
Always Ask for a Turnkey Price
A turnkey price means you get everything done, and you can move straight in. [cite: 81] Some builders offer this as a package; [cite: 81] others price it separately. [cite: 82] Always get both figures in writing so you’re comparing apples with apples. [cite: 82]
Talk to KR Peters. We’ve helped thousands of buyers navigate house and land packages across Melbourne’s south east. [cite: 84] We know which builders are upfront about inclusions and which ones catch buyers out. [cite: 85] Come and have an honest conversation with our team before you sign anything. [cite: 86]
References: 1. Xircon Homes. [cite: 88] 2. SJD Homes. [cite: 89] 3. KR Peters Real Estate. [cite: 90]