If you’ve been dreaming about a new home in 2026, you’re stepping into the market at an attractive time. Market conditions, affordability trends, and government support are aligning to make building new one of the smartest moves buyers can make this year. 

Building new – the cost-effective choice 

Across Australia, and particularly in Victoria, more homebuyers are turning away from overpriced, outdated established homes and choosing to build instead. Throughout 2025, many who searched for established properties often found themselves facing higher prices, smaller homes, and the likelihood of costly renovations.

By comparison, building new has reemerged as a value-driven and futureproof choice, especially in Melbourne’s outer-metro and growth area communities where space, modern living, and lifestyle remain priorities. 

No expensive renovations or hidden costs 

• Many established homes require significant work to meet modern standards, and renovation expenses often exceed the cost of building new. 

• Building new provides clarity, transparency, and long-term cost efficiency, allowing you to invest every dollar into a home designed for today.  

New homes reduce running costs 

• New homes are more energy efficient, better insulated, and designed to minimise ongoing costs. 

Read more on the benefits of building new here. 

Improving market conditions 

2026 is shaping up to be a more predictable and buyer-friendly year. According to The Australian Financial Review, Victoria is currently the cheapest state to build, with the median construction costing $385,390. 

With construction pricing stabilising and more land supply returning to the market, the gap between buying established and building new has narrowed, giving buyers more confidence and value-driven choices in 2026. 

Government grants & buyer concessions available in 2026 

These incentives make building a new home even more achievable, especially if you’re a first home buyer*: 

First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) 

• A one-off $10,000 grant for eligible new homes valued up to $750,000, with regional buyers able to access up to $20,000 in certain areas. 

Stamp duty exemptions & concessions 

 Full exemption for first home buyers on properties up to $600,000, with concessional rates applying up to $750,000. 

Off-the-Plan stamp duty concession  

• Pay stamp duty on the land value only – a major saving for buyers of townhouses, units or apartments purchased before completion. 

First Home Guarantee Scheme 

• Eligible buyers can build with just a 5% deposit and no LMI, removing one of the biggest barriers to entering the market. 

Help to Buy Scheme 

• Under the new Help to Buy scheme, homebuyers can purchase with a 2% deposit with the government contributing up to 40% (for newly build homes) of the purchase price under a shared-equity model. 

If you’d like support navigating finance options, YourLand’s mortgage broking service, Ello Lending Co. specialises in off-the-plan and construction loans and offers expert guidance with access to competitive rates. 

You can visit their website to find out more here. 

Communities designed for living  

When you build in a YourLand community, you’re choosing more than a home – you’re joining a thoughtfully planned neighbourhood. Our communities are designed to bring everyday essentials closer, with schools, parks, shopping, and public transport integrated into the local area. 

Across Melbourne, YourLand communities are created with homebuyers in mind: great locations, considered design, and a balance of affordability and lifestyle. With our trusted builder partners, you can shape a home that reflects your style – from floorplans and facades to finishes and features. 

Officer Central. Life at the centre of everything.

Officer Central is a place where human connection is around every corner. A place where you’ll find community simply by opening your front door.

Click here to view our current available lots.

Start your new home journey in 2026 

This year offers the perfect opportunity to build new: new beginnings, new opportunities, and a new place to call home.  

If you’re ready to explore land or house and land options, our sales team is here to help. 

Contact us on 0438 497 543 or email hello@officercentral.attractor.solutions to take the next step. 

 *Government grants, concessions and schemes are subject to change. Eligibility criteria, income thresholds, property value caps and other conditions apply. This is general advice – buyers should check the latest requirements on official government websites, or speak with a qualified financial professional, as well as doing your own research before making any decisions.