More buyers are choosing to build rather than buy across Australia.

According to the Housing Industry Association’s (HIA) June 2025 New Home Sales report, the number of new home sales across Australia is on the rise. New detached home sales in Queensland increased by 26.2% compared to the previous quarter - the second highest growth rate across all states and territories. HIA’s Chief Economist said this was the strongest new home sales result in almost 3 years.

Here’s what potential buyers need to know about the shift in preference towards new home builds in Queensland.

New Home Builds - What's Changed?

Increase in Building Approvals

In May 2025, building approvals for private sector houses across Queensland increased by 1.5% compared to the previous month. The 2,057 new houses approved accounted for 22.1% of building approvals nationwide. Across all dwellings, the number of building approvals in Queensland had increased by 7% year-on-year.

The increase in building approvals presents more opportunities for those looking to build new homes, alongside the Queensland Government's initiatives to fast track building processes for new homes, such as the creation of a State Facilitated Development team to manage new building applications.

Changes to Stamp Duty Exemption for New Builds

The cost of building a new home has always been a barrier. To make it more accessible, the Queensland Government removed the property value cap for stamp duty exemptions on new homes (as of 1 May 2025). Homeowners of new builds can now get a full stamp duty exemption, regardless of the property’s value, saving up to $17,500.

Benefits of New Builds Over Existing Properties

Choosing to build new also comes with a range of benefits for both homeowners and investors.

Design The Home Yourself

Choosing to build a new home allows buyers to in the design and conception, customising the property to their wants, needs, and lifestyles. Custom-built homes offer the greatest opportunity for personalisation. House and land packages with pre-designed layouts offer less room for customisation, but still come with features and inclusions that are thoughtfully designed to meet modern living standards and buyer expectations.

Government Incentives

New home builds allow buyers to leverage government grants and incentives to reduce the cost of building the home. First-time home buyers are eligible for a $30,000 lump sum under the First Home Owner Grant (FHOG) to offset the cost of the new build. Combined with the full stamp duty exemption for new builds, these incentives make new builds a more affordable option compared to buying an existing property.

Lower Cost of Maintenance

New builds generally mean that the equipment, materials, and appliances will not require repairs or maintenance for years to come. In Queensland, new builds are also covered by the QBCC Home Warranty, which protects against structural defects for up to 6 years and 6 months post construction, providing reassurance and reducing the risk of unforeseen repair costs for homeowners in the initial years of ownership.

Long Term Value

New homes built in developing areas have the potential to appreciate as surrounding infrastructure and amenities are added over time. As the value of the home increases, so does its appeal to tenants (if used as an investment).

Buyer Options for New Home Builds

House and Land Package

House and land packages bundle both the cost of the home and land together in one purchase. This option offers buyers a simplified way to build a new home. Builders usually offer several design options for house and land packages, with limited options for customisation. House and land packages also have shorter building timelines compared to a custom-built home, as it has a pre-designed layout that builders are already familiar with.

Custom home build

Buyers can work with a building designer or architect to achieve a custom home build. This new build option offers buyers full control over the features and design of the home. Building a custom home will generally take more time depending on the complexity of the design, but the result is well worth the wait. Buyers who want a home that feels uniquely personal should opt for a custom home build.

If you are looking to build a new home in Townsville, you’ll need the expertise of a local builder to build a high quality home that lasts for generations to come. As the only National award-winning builder in Townsville, Keir Constructions has a proven record of building new homes for first and second home buyers and investors. Get in touch with our team for a consultation or explore our range of house and land packages and custom home building services online.