Not sure where to start? You’re in the right place — because asking good questions leads to even better decisions.”…..
James Jeffery – New Home Matchmaker
Customer Experience Manager | Managing Director
Hi, I’m James Jeffery, founder of New Home Matchmaker. After two decades helping Australians navigate the homebuilding journey, I’ve learned that the most important thing we can offer isn’t just homes — it’s education. Buying or building a home can feel overwhelming, but that fear usually comes from a lack of understanding. The more you know, the more confident you become — and confidence is the real foundation of better decisions, smoother experiences, and stronger long-term outcomes.
This FAQ section is here to kick-start that process. We’ve pulled together answers to some of the most common questions we hear — but it’s definitely not the last question you’ll have. Chances are, you’ve already got questions that aren’t on this list, and that’s exactly where we come in. At New Home Matchmaker, our mission is simple: we educate, we don’t sell. We believe that when you feel informed, you feel in control — and that’s how building or buying a home should feel from the very beginning.
Chances are, this might just be the most important page you’ll visit all week. Whether you’re about to buy your first home, step into your second, or add to your investment portfolio, this could be the first real step of your journey — and the good news is, we’ve got your back every step of the way.
New Home Matchmaker Process
Think of us as your personal home-building concierge. We match you with the best land, builder, and finance options — based on you, not based on who’s paying us the most commission. We handle the research, connections, and heavy lifting so you can focus on the fun parts, like choosing your finishes and planning your move-in day.
Yep — 100% free for you. Just like a mortgage broker is paid by the lender, we’re paid by the builders. That means you get all the help, guidance, and expertise without it costing you a cent. No catch, no small print — just genuine support from start to finish.
Super simple: just reach out! We’ll have a quick chat (online or in person) to understand your goals, your budget, and your must-haves. From there, we’ll tailor a personalised action plan — whether you’re ready to build now or just starting to explore your options.
We don’t just pick anyone. We only partner with builders who deliver consistent quality, transparency, and value for money. We look at their workmanship, customer reviews, build times, and flexibility — and we constantly review who we work with. Our loyalty is to you, not to any single builder.
Absolutely. If you’ve already sorted your finance, that’s great — we’ll jump straight into helping you find the right block and builder. But if you haven’t yet, no stress: we have incredible Finance Advocates who specialise in new home lending and can make it easy.
No problem — it’s your journey. We’ll happily suggest alternatives if the first option doesn’t feel right. We work with a range of builders for exactly this reason: so you stay in control, with options tailored to your needs, not forced into a “one-size-fits-all” solution.
It depends on how ready you are. Some clients are underway in a matter of days, others take a few weeks to get everything just right. We move at your pace — no pressure, no rushing — but we’re always ready to fast-track things if you’ve got deadlines or specific goals.
100%. Unlike some services that vanish after the sale, we stay with you through the entire build. We help with questions, updates, site inspections, and general support until you’re holding your keys (and celebrating!). It’s why so many of our clients become lifelong friends.
Money Matters
Construction loans are a little different to your standard home loan. Instead of receiving the full amount upfront, the funds are released in stages (called progress payments) as the build moves along. This means you only pay interest on the portion that’s been drawn down, not the total loan amount. It’s a smart way to keep repayments manageable while your home takes shape.
A letter of eligibility is an early indication from our Finance Advocate that, based on a quick review of your situation, you’re likely to qualify for a home loan. It’s not formal finance approval, but it’s a great confidence booster to help you plan your next steps — and start exploring house and land options that suit your borrowing potential.
Stamp duty is a government fee charged when you buy property or land. If you’re building a brand-new home, you’ll usually only pay stamp duty on the land component — not the construction. And if you’re a first home buyer, you may even be exempt. Our Finance Advocates can walk you through exactly what applies in your situation.
Yes — you’ll need a conveyancer or settlement agent to manage the legal side of transferring land or property into your name. The good news? We’ve already got trusted professionals we work with regularly, and we’re happy to make an introduction so you know you’re in safe hands.
Progress payments are staged payments made to the builder as different milestones in your home’s construction are completed — like slab down, roof on, or lock-up. Your lender will typically release these funds directly to the builder, and you’ll only pay interest on what’s been paid out so far.
In most cases, yes — you can make additional repayments while your loan is in the construction phase. It’s a smart move if you’ve got the extra cash, as it reduces your overall loan amount and long-term interest. But always check your lender’s terms first — and we can help with that too.
Absolutely — most builders allow your upgraded Pre Start selections to be included in your construction contract, which means they can be rolled into your loan. Just remember, it needs to be part of the final contract price submitted to your lender. Our team makes sure this is handled properly so there are no surprises later.
If our Finance Advocate has issued you a letter of eligibility, and you still don’t obtain finance approval after applying, we’ll refund any preliminary fees you’ve paid. It’s our way of showing that we back our advice — and you won’t be left out of pocket if things don’t go to plan.
Home & Land Packages
A Home & Land Package is exactly what it sounds like — a combined deal where you purchase the land and the home design together. The builder and land are matched to ensure everything fits perfectly, saving you time, stress, and a whole lot of back-and-forth. With New Home Matchmaker, we tailor these packages to suit your lifestyle and budget, rather than offering cookie-cutter solutions.
In many cases, yes — especially when they’re put together by someone who knows how to unlock value at every step. When done right, a package offers savings on design, approvals, and construction efficiency. Plus, it avoids compatibility issues between house plans and land, which can lead to costly changes down the track. Our job is to ensure it’s genuinely good value — not just good marketing.
That depends on the package — and the builder. Some packages include just the basics (often called ‘standard inclusions’), while others are ‘turnkey’, meaning everything’s finished and ready to move in. At New Home Matchmaker, we’re upfront about exactly what’s included: flooring, fencing, driveways, landscaping — all the things you don’t want to be surprised by later.
Yes! As long as you’re eligible and building a brand-new home, you can access the FHOG with a Home & Land Package. Our Finance Advocates will help you apply for it as part of your loan process so you don’t miss out.
In many cases, yes — especially if we’re early in an estate release or working with a builder who has flexibility. Because we’re not tied to one developer or builder, we can negotiate the best result for you. Think of us as your advocate in the process — we know where to push and where the real value lies.
Absolutely. In fact, that’s our specialty. Rather than forcing you into a pre-made option, we work backwards — starting with your budget, location, and wishlist — then build the perfect combination of land and design around you.
It starts with selecting a block of land and then choosing or customising a home design that suits it. You’ll sign a land contract and a separate build contract. Finance is generally split too — a land loan followed by a construction loan. We walk you through every step and help coordinate everything so it’s seamless.
A turnkey package means the home is fully finished and move-in ready. The moment you get the keys, everything’s done — flooring, painting, window treatments, landscaping, letterbox — the lot. No need for tradies or extra spend after handover.
Not always — and that’s why it’s important to check. Some builders leave out key items to keep the base price low. But yes, you can absolutely ask for a turnkey finish. We’ll make sure you understand exactly what’s included — and what’s not — so there are no surprises.
Before The Slab
Absolutely. At New Home Matchmaker, we don’t just introduce you to a builder and disappear. We stay involved from your first enquiry through to your key handover — guiding you through every stage and checking in at major milestones. You’ll always have someone to lean on, ask questions, and make sure you’re getting the service you deserve.
Structural changes usually need to be locked in before your final building contract is signed and your plans are submitted for approvals. Once your building permit is issued, changes become very difficult (and expensive). That’s why we focus heavily on getting the design right early — so there are no stressful last-minute surprises.
Yes. You can sign a building contract even if your land hasn’t yet been titled. Builders often prepare what’s called a “subject to title” contract, which simply means construction can only start once the land is officially in your name. It’s a normal part of the process, and we’ll help you understand the timing.
No — and you shouldn’t feel rushed. At New Home Matchmaker, we believe you should only sign your contract once you’re 100% comfortable with the plans, the price, and the details. We’ll help you review everything and flag anything you should be aware of before you put pen to paper.
That’s exactly where New Home Matchmaker steps in. We work with a handpicked group of builders who focus on quality, transparency, and customer care — not just flashy marketing. We’ve done the hard work vetting them, so you don’t have to roll the dice.
Typically, it takes anywhere from 1 to 8 weeks to complete your building contracts, depending on two main factors: how urgent your timeline is and whether your land is already titled. If speed is a priority, or if your land is ready to go, we can often fast-track the process. Either way, we’ll keep you updated at every step to make sure everything stays on track.
It really depends on what matters most to you. Big builders often have faster processes and access to more land, while smaller builders usually offer more flexibility and personal service. At New Home Matchmaker, we help match you with the right fit based on you — not just who has the flashiest showroom.
Site works involve preparing your block of land for construction — things like leveling the ground, compacting soil, managing drainage, and connecting essential services. It’s one of the biggest cost variables in building, and we help make sure you’re given clear, realistic estimates from the start.
Once you’ve signed your contracts, your builder will start preparing the final construction documents, lodge your approvals (building permit, developer approvals, etc.), and get ready for site works. Meanwhile, you’ll be gearing up for your Pre Start meeting — where you’ll select the finishes and fixtures for your new home.
Pre Start is your opportunity to personalise your home — selecting colours, fixtures, tiles, taps, and finishes. It’s usually done once all approvals are underway. A good Pre Start process balances creativity with practicality, and we’ll help you prepare properly so you can enjoy it, not stress over it.
After The Slab
Most builds follow a few major stages:
Slab to Plate Height: ~6 weeks
Plate to Roof Frame Complete: ~4 weeks
Roof to Lockup (windows and doors in): ~4 weeks
Lockup to Practical Completion Inspection (PCI): ~12 weeks
But here’s the exciting part — some of our builders can deliver stages in less than half those typical times! We’ll always let you know upfront what to expect based on who you’re building with.
Good question — and one that confuses a lot of people! Your formal street number is assigned by your local council once the subdivision is completed and the land is titled. We’ll help you find out your official address as soon as it’s available so you can get everything set up.
While your home is being built, it’s the perfect time to start planning things like:
– Landscaping
– Window treatments
– Furniture and appliances
– NBN or internet setup
Most of these should be lined up before your Practical Completion Inspection (PCI), so you can move in smoothly without unnecessary delays. We’ll give you a simple checklist at the right time to keep it easy.
It’s possible, but it can be tricky (and expensive). Once construction starts, changes often require variations, approvals, and sometimes major rework. That’s why we work so hard upfront to make sure your design and selections are spot-on before the slab goes down. If you absolutely need to make a change, talk to us first — we’ll help you understand the cost and impact.
In most cases, no. Builders use licensed and insured subcontractors they know and trust to keep quality and timelines on track. If you want something truly custom — like a specialist installer or family member who’s a tradesperson — it needs to be discussed and approved before construction begins. We’ll help guide you through what’s possible.
A building inspector is an independent professional who can inspect your home at different stages to make sure it’s being built to plan and industry standards. It’s not compulsory, but it’s a great idea if you want extra peace of mind. We can recommend trusted inspectors who know what to look for — and when it’s most useful to engage them.
Don’t panic — that’s completely normal. In most builds, the garage slab is poured later in the construction process, usually just before or after internal works are completed. Leaving it until later helps protect the slab from damage during heavy construction activity.
We know it’s tempting to peek, but for safety (and insurance reasons) you should only visit when you’ve arranged a site meeting with your builder or supervisor. Construction sites are full of hazards, even when they look finished. We’ll make sure you get plenty of access at the right times — safely and legally.
After Handover
Squeaky doors are part of regular home maintenance and aren’t covered by your structural warranty. Fortunately, a quick spray of silicone lubricant or a simple hinge adjustment usually fixes it. Your structural warranty is there to protect major components like the foundation, roof frame, and load-bearing walls — not minor day-to-day maintenance items.
Most builders offer a 6-year structural warranty as standard in Western Australia, but some of our partner builders offer a lifetime structural warranty for extra peace of mind. On top of that, most homes come with a 12-month maintenance period for smaller items like doors, cabinetry, and paintwork. If you need to claim, simply contact your builder in writing — and if you need support, New Home Matchmaker is here to help guide you through the process.
Expect a little natural settling — you might notice small hairline cracks in walls, doors that need slight adjustments, or minor movement in cabinetry. This is completely normal as your new home adjusts to the environment. We’ll give you a straightforward handover checklist so you know what’s worth monitoring and when to raise it.
Yes, that’s completely normal. Standard fencing packages usually include the side and rear fences but don’t automatically include gates. Gates can easily be arranged after handover if you’d like — and we can point you in the direction of quality, affordable installers if needed.
A few simple habits will go a long way:
– Wash down external walls once or twice a year
– Clean gutters regularly, especially after storms
– Check outdoor taps, vents, and weep holes to ensure they stay clear
– Touch up any exposed paintwork if needed
A little preventative maintenance keeps your home looking fresh and protects it from the elements.
Before the colder months set in, it’s smart to:
– Clear out gutters and downpipes
– Check roof vents and seals for any gaps
– Make sure your external drainage is working properly
– Shut off or adjust reticulation systems if not needed during winter
These small checks can prevent bigger problems when heavy rains arrive.
Heading into summer, it’s a good idea to:
– Clean and service your air conditioning system
– Inspect external seals, windows, and doors for any UV damage
– Mulch gardens to help retain soil moisture
– Check your reticulation for leaks or inefficient watering
Regular summer maintenance keeps your home cool, efficient, and protected against the harsh Aussie sun.
