First-home buyer, family or upgrader: How to know which builder is right for you

Whether you are a first-home buyer, downsizer or creating a ‘forever home’ for your growing family, finding a builder who understands your needs is key to success.

Your position on the home-buyer journey will determine what you want, what you need and what you can afford – so how do you know which builder is right for your requirements?

Renowned South Australian builder Fairmont Homes has simplified this decision by creating two residential brands that cater to different buyers and budgets.

Fairmont Signature and Fairmont First both have an extensive selection of home designs, with a range of sizes, features and price points.

Fairmont creates vibrant communities and dynamic spaces that foster connections and offer a renewed sense of belonging.

“Clients love the choice and flexibility we offer,” says Fairmont Homes Group Housing Consultant, Luke Townsend.

“South Australia is different to many of the other states in that we don’t have standardised block sizes across the state, even on new greenfield developments. This often means that clients can’t pick a plan out of the book,” he explains.

“Everyone has different needs, so it’s very rare we ever sell the same plan twice, apart from some of our display home designs.”

Here are some of the factors different home buyers should consider when deciding on a builder.

Families and upgraders

Fairmont Signature offers customised home designs at an affordable price, making them popular with growing families seeking flexibility, and upgraders wanting their dream home without the lofty price tag.

While the brand appeals to a wide market, most clients are those who have previously owned property and want their next home to be more personalised.

Townsend says they offer a “very consultative process” to understand clients’ needs around floorplans and inclusions, as opposed to just offering broad bundle packages.

“We ask appropriate questions to find out what clients require, then put together bespoke solutions,” he says.

“We do a lot of upfront work without clients needing to pay or sign any paperwork. As an example, we will draw professional plans and source quotes for client requested items.

“Most builders may want to charge to complete this type of work, but we have strong systems and processes that enable us to offer this level of service.”

Enhancing the lives of South Australians by providing affordable housing solutions.

Choosing your home

The Fairmont Signature range spans 100+ design options from the compact three-bedroom, one-bathroom Georgia Deluxe, with its 130sqm of living space, to the sprawling four-bedroom, two-bathroom family inspired Oxford, with a 318sqm floorplan and dual living areas.

Each Fairmont Signature home has multiple facade options, standard features and plenty of optional extras, from kitchen and bathroom upgrades, 2.7m ceilings and a solar system as a standard feature.

Prices depend on the floorplan selections and extra inclusions, Townsend says.

“Last month my lowest priced home was $250,000 with basic inclusions and my most expensive was $520,000, including 3m ceilings and double-glazed boutique doors and windows throughout.”

First-home buyers and downsizers

Fairmont First offers fixed price, affordable designs that appeal to first-home buyers wanting to get on the property ladder.

“We know homebuyers are facing a range of financial pressures and our Fairmont First brand ensures that everyone who wants their own home has the best chance of reaching that dream,” says Fairmont First Housing Consultant Scott Constable.

These homes could also suit downsizers wanting a simple, low-maintenance option that doesn’t compromise on style and amenity.

“We have a whole range to choose from and it’s our most affordable range that gives people the opportunity to get into the market,” Constable adds.

“Homes in this price point are hard to beat in terms of value for money.”

Designed to last a lifetime, these high-quality homes provide all the lifestyle benefits that modern buyers desire.

Choosing your home

With 10 different home designs in 28 variations – including 10m and 12.5m width choices for single or double garages – Fairmont First has an array of homes to suit popular block sizes.

Prices range from $183,800 for the 161sqm three-bedroom, two-bathroom Arlo to $221,010 for a 220sqm four-bedroom, two-bathroom Marley floorplan.

Fairmont First’s streamlined process offers access to in-house experts, including financial advice, finding the perfect block, and deciding on a floorplan and selections that meet your lifestyle.

There are also options for compact designs, narrow lots and larger family homes.

“A lot of our clientele don’t have land when they come in, so we help them on the journey to securing land,” Constable says.

“We can refer them to a partner finance company to help them establish their budget and we then work with them and show them options that meet their lifestyle, family needs and budget.”

As well as selecting a floorplan and facade, there are options to upgrade some selections such as adding a garage door, incorporating solar, cornice options, kitchen appliances, lighting and air-conditioning.

Your choice of floorplan and fixtures will depend on your home's functional needs.

Get help from experts

With almost 60 years’ experience, Fairmont Homes has built more than 22,000 new homes for South Australians since 1966.

Clients are guided through the home-building process every step of the way, with access to a range of resources such as display homes, design and price online platform, a dedicated finance liaison, selection consultants, as well as a team of construction experts.

Fairmont offer 360 virtual tours and an inspiration hub to assist buyers to explore and visualise different floorplans, colour schemes, interior finishes and trends.

The next step is an appointment at the state-of-the-art Select Studio, where an experienced selection consultant can cover all the latest materials, products and finishes available.

“Given how much choice there is in building, the process needs to be broken into sections, with the studio experience only occurring once the floorplan and fixed costing of that floorplan is finalised,” Townsend says.

“Select Studio has vast options. You could build 100 homes with the same floorplan but make them all feel unique with what we offer.”

All Fairmont homes have a 50-year structural guarantee, six-month maintenance check-up and access to a dedicated Fair care team to manage service after handover.

If you’re thinking of building a new home, Fairmont Homes has a friendly and knowledgeable team ready to help guide you through a range of high quality home designs. Take the first step to building your dream home and contact Fairmont Homes today!