If you’re gearing up to buy your first home, you’re probably weighing up all sorts of decisions.
Where you want to live.
What your budget is.
Whether you want to buy an existing home or build a new one.
And if you’re in the market for a brand new, custom-built home, prefab could be the answer.
Not only are they high-quality and cost-certain, they are efficient to build and run. Better yet, they are one of the greenest ways to get onto the property ladder.
Tyler Dixon, Home Consultant (Far North) at Advance Build, admits taking that first step into the housing market can be overwhelming.
‘There’s a lot to think about if you’re building your first home,’ he acknowledges. ‘Perhaps you’re unfamiliar with the construction process or feel overwhelmed by the number of choices you’ll face throughout your journey.
‘The beauty of building a prefab home is that we take all that stress away,’ Tyler continues. ‘We manage the entire process from start to finish, guiding you through every phase and helping you make decisions that work for you.’
That’s why we’re going to look more closely at prefab homes: why they’re an excellent option for first-time buyers, what makes the process less difficult and how you can navigate the finance side of things.
If you’ve ever (or never) considered taking the prefab path, this is for you.
Why first-time home buyers are turning to prefab
Since opening its doors 16 years ago, Advance Build has helped clients create 566 new homes – that’s 68,004 m² of property!
Tyler says this demand is driven by a variety of factors, including a strong desire for build projects that are:
- Cost- and time-certain
- Quick to construct
- Less stressful to build (thanks to a hassle-free process where the Advance Build team takes care of everything).
‘These days, people are thinking more carefully about building projects,’ Tyler says. ‘First-time home buyers, in particular, are more cost-conscious and often hesitant about taking on a build that may take much longer than expected.
‘They’re also looking for well-designed homes that are sustainable to build and maintain.’ .
Knowing what’s ahead
Tyler believes one of the biggest aspects Advance Build’s clients enjoy about prefab is the time- and cost-certainty.
‘‘They can set budgets and timeframes – and stick to them,’ he explains. ‘Traditional builds, on the other hand, are renowned for surprise costs and delays along the way. Weather, for example, is unpredictable and can throw out timeframes significantly.
‘This can become a huge source of anxiety.’
Done right, done fast = hassle-free
Tyler says the speed of construction – 8 weeks once the factory process begins – is also a big drawcard.
‘Clients want to move into their new homes as soon as possible, not spend months or years in temporary accommodation,’ he tells us. ‘Not only is that unsettling, it’s expensive, too.
‘Our approach – where we manage the entire process from start to finish – is streamlined, efficient and effective. We find clients actually enjoy the building experience, rather than losing sleep over it.’
When green matters
Companies like Advance Build use high-quality, sustainable materials to ensure greener houses and less expensive utility costs in the long-term. Tyler says this eco element continues to attract first-home buyers to prefab.
‘Building has traditionally been tough on the environment,’ he points out. ‘Today, clients want to minimise that impact, while also reducing their ongoing costs.
‘Prefab homes help them do both.’
Facing finance: why is it different with prefab homes?
Because prefab homes are largely built off-site, banks and lenders don’t have security on them until they are on a client’s property. This can make it harder for home builders to secure a mortgage.
However, Tyler says, there are other options.
‘While we don’t offer long-term financing, we can provide bridging finance to help meet your lender’s requirements during the offsite manufacturing phase,’ he explains. ‘This is a good option for clients if their bank is hesitant about financing a prefab home.
‘Often, this is the case because banks are concerned about the security of their funds before the home is actually completed and onsite.’
Need a financing solution while your home is being manufactured? Check out Advance Build’s finance options to find the right one for you.
So…is prefab the right choice for first-home buyers?
Absolutely, says Tyler.
‘We understand first-time buyers need predictability around both budget and timeframes – and that’s exactly what you get with prefab. Essentially, you’ll be in your brand new, quality home faster – minus the stress of building!’
The Advance Build team offers:
- Clear pricing – No surprise costs along the way, so first-time buyers can plan and budget properly.
- Fully-customisable designs – Innovative, flexible floorplans that cater to different lifestyles, needs and budgets
- High-quality construction – Stringent checks throughout the factory process mean we manufacture the same high-quality builds each and every time.
- Contemporary features + designs – Modern finishes, smart layouts and the flexibility to add the technology options that suit – no matter the design you choose.
- Hassle-free process – Taking the worry out of building with an expert team by your side. They manage every step of the project from consultation and design through to building and delivery (including compliance, permits and installation).
The perfect couple: prefab homes and first-time buyers
Thinking about building your first home? Think about bringing Advance Build on the journey.
Our team would love to help you create a quality home that works for you – whatever your style or situation.
Get a feel for your new home here or reach out to chat through your ideas.