Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about building your first home in WA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about building your first home in WA.
GUIDE In WA
SMARTER
SITEWORKS
WA Building Guide is your independent advisor for building your first home in Western Australia. We provide educational resources, expert advice, and connections to trusted professionals — helping you make informed decisions about land, finance, builders, and home systems.
Our mission: make building your first home simple, stress-free, and empowering.
No — this is one of the biggest myths. Keystart allows eligible first home buyers to build with as little as 2% deposit. Standard bank loans typically require 5–10%. Guarantor loans can let you build with almost zero cash deposit if your parents use their home equity.
Keystart is a WA Government low-deposit home loan for first home buyers. You can build with just 2% deposit, no lenders mortgage insurance (LMI), and competitive interest rates. We connect you with brokers who specialise in Keystart applications.
The FHOG is a $35,000 grant from the WA Government for first home buyers building a new home. It's not a loan — it's free money you don't pay back. We help you understand if you're eligible and connect you with the right people to claim it.
Yes — through a guarantor loan. Your parents use the equity in their home as security for your loan. You don't need a cash deposit, and they don't give you any money. We explain how it works and connect you with brokers who offer it.
Good value isn't just about price — it's about hidden costs. A $200K block with $40K in siteworks is worse than a $230K block that's build-ready. We check: soil type, slope, drainage, services, and retaining walls before you sign.
Siteworks prepare your block for building — clearing trees, levelling slope, retaining walls, drainage, earthworks, and connecting services. On flat blocks: $5K–$10K. On sloped blocks: $30K–$50K+. This is why we walk the block with you before you buy.
"Fixed price" means the house price is fixed — but only for what's included in the contract. Exclusions often include siteworks, fencing, landscaping, driveways, and retaining walls. Always ask: "What's NOT included?" We review contracts and spot these before you sign.
Realistic timeline from contract to keys: approvals 2–4 months, siteworks 2–4 weeks, construction 6–8 months. Total: 10–18 months (sometimes longer). Builders often quote 6–9 months but that's construction only. We set realistic expectations from the start.
Yes. We work with a network of trusted, licensed builders across WA. We help you compare quotes, understand inclusions, and select the right builder based on your budget and quality expectations. Our advice is completely independent.
We offer flexible options: free resources (YouTube, blog, 26-page PDF guide), paid consultation for personalised advice, and full build guidance from land to keys. Book a free 20-minute call and we'll recommend the best option for your situation.
Yes. Many clients come to us after buying land and need help with choosing a builder, reviewing contracts, finance structuring, or siteworks assessment. It's easier if we're involved before you buy land, but we can help at any stage.
From Two Rocks in the north down to Mandurah in the south, and pretty far inland as well. I've personally walked 95% of estates across these areas — I know the land, the builders, and the traps.
Three ways: download the free 26-page WA Building Guide, check your loan eligibility (takes 5 minutes), or book a free 20-minute call. No pressure. No obligation. Just honest advice.
When your advisor works for you, not the builder,
everything changes.
Trusted by Families
Across Western Australia
Real stories from real WA first home buyers who built smarter with independent guidance.
"Before speaking with Leigh, we had no idea how many grants and finance options were actually available to us. The WA Building Guide made the entire process clear, simple, and achievable. We now feel confident, informed, and genuinely excited to begin our home-building journey."
"Building our first home felt easy with WA Building Guide by our side. Leigh personally guided us through finance options, council requirements, and next steps with total clarity. We walked away feeling educated, supported, and empowered — never pressured or sold to."
"Building in Western Australia felt like a maze until we found WA Building Guide. Leigh's local knowledge and education-first approach made everything simple to understand. Instead of confusion, we gained confidence and full control over our future decisions."
"We were concerned about hidden costs and choosing the wrong builder. WA Building Guide provided the education and comparison tools we needed to move forward with confidence. Knowing Leigh and the team are aligned with Master Builders and HIA gave us complete peace of mind."
"Being part of the WA Building Skool community and working closely with Leigh completely changed our experience. We went from feeling overwhelmed by contracts to feeling informed and confident. The blueprint-style guidance is unlike anything else out there."
"From land orientation to smart home systems, Leigh's expertise at WA Building Guide was invaluable. We now have a home design that's modern, functional, energy-efficient, and built for the future — not just for today."
"The referral network at WA Building Guide is exceptional. Leigh connected us with trusted, high-quality partners and helped us navigate the technical side of building with ease. We left with a clear roadmap, confidence in our choices, and zero stress."
"Building a family home is a major investment, and we needed to know we were in safe hands. Leigh and the WA Building Guide team provided step-by-step support through council approvals and builder contracts. Thanks to them, we're building our future with confidence."
"We had a big vision but no idea how to turn it into a functional floor plan. WA Building Guide took the time to explain every detail. Leigh's 'Knowledge is Power' approach gave us the confidence to sign off on a layout we truly love."
"Walking through our future home with final plans was unforgettable. Leigh helped us understand solar, air conditioning, and future-proofing early — saving us thousands in the long run. Professional, local, and incredibly insightful."
"Standing in front of our finished home is a moment we'll never forget. Thanks to WA Building Guide, we chose the right land and the right builder from the start. Leigh's 'Knowledge is Power' philosophy truly delivers real results."
"What sets WA Building Guide apart is the step-by-step education. Leigh didn't just help us find land — he taught us how to compare builders properly and make confident decisions. This life-changing investment felt exciting instead of overwhelming."
"As first-time buyers, the WA market felt intimidating. Leigh's local expertise and leadership at WA Building Guide made all the difference. Knowing the business is aligned with industry leaders like Master Builders and HIA gave us total confidence."
"We were nervous about the technical side of building, but WA Building Guide's blueprint-style approach made everything click. Leigh helped us review our floor plan with a critical eye, ensuring our first home truly suits our lifestyle. Knowledge really is power."
Ready to Build Smarter?
Let's get you started with the right step for where you are today.
