Designed with First-Time Builders in Mind
G.J. Gardner operates through locally owned and operated offices across Australia. That means your builder lives and works in your area, understands local council requirements, and is your single point of contact from first conversation to handover.
With over 60,000 homes built and 40 years of experience, the network is set up to make building a first home feel manageable.
- One local builder, start to finish. Your G.J. Gardner franchisee manages your build personally. You deal with one team, not a call centre, so nothing gets lost in translation.
- Adaptable designs for real budgets. Start with a foundation home plan and tailor it to your block and budget. Adjust room sizes, swap facades, or change fittings without paying for a ground-up custom design.
- First-home guidance built in. Your New Homes Consultant can help you understand First Home Owner Grants, stamp duty concessions, and home loan pre-approval so you can move forward with confidence.
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FAQs
- How much does it cost to build a first home with G.J. Gardner?
The cost varies depending on your location, block, home size, and the finishes you choose. G.J. Gardner provides a fixed price contract, so once your design is finalised and your specifications are locked in, the price you agree to is the price you pay.
To get an accurate figure, your first step is a conversation with a New Homes Consultant at your nearest office, who can estimate costs based on your specific block and requirements.
- Can I use the First Home Owner Grant when building with G.J. Gardner?
Yes. If you’re eligible for a First Home Owner Grant in your state or territory, you can apply it to a new build with G.J. Gardner. Grant amounts and eligibility criteria differ by state. For example, Queensland currently offers $30,000 for new builds, while NSW FHOG offers $10,000. Your New Homes Consultant can point you to the right resources and help you understand how the grant fits into your overall budget.
- Do I need to own a block of land before I start?
No. Many first-home builders don’t have land when they first get in touch. G.J. Gardner offers house and land packages that pair a home design with an available lot, which simplifies the process. Your local office can also advise on what to look for when buying a block if you’d prefer to find land independently before committing to a design.
- How long does it take to build a first home?
A typical build takes between six and twelve months from site start to handover, depending on the size and complexity of the home, your location, and weather conditions. The pre-site stage, which covers plan refinement, council approvals, colour selections, and contract administration, usually adds several months before construction begins. Your builder will give you a clear timeline once your design and specifications are confirmed.
- How do I choose the right home design for my first build?
Start with the basics: how many bedrooms you need, your block dimensions, and your budget. From there, browse G.J. Gardner’s design library to shortlist plans that fit. Visiting a display home is one of the best ways to see how a floor plan actually feels in person. Your New Homes Consultant can then walk you through which designs suit your block and what adjustments are realistic within your budget.
- What's the difference between a house and land package and a custom build?
A house and land package pairs a pre-selected block with a home design, often at a set price. It’s a straightforward option if you don’t have land yet and want a simpler path to your first build. A custom build starts with your chosen block and develops a design around it, giving you more flexibility over layout, sizing, and features. Both options allow for personalisation through G.J. Gardner’s colour selection process, where you choose fittings, fixtures, paint colours, and building materials.
- How do I get started?
Your first step is a conversation with one of G.J. Gardner’s New Homes Consultants. They’ll discuss your budget, where you want to build, and what you’re looking for in a home. From there, they can recommend designs, talk through finance options, and outline next steps specific to your situation. There’s no obligation. Get in touch with your local office to book an initial consultation.