Locale Homes Blogs

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes Key Takeaways Building contract inclusions define what you're actually getting. They're the difference between a price that looks good and one that actually is. Site works, allowances and provisional sums can shift your final cost significantly if they're not clearly spelled out. Fixtures, finishes and external items vary between [...]

How much is waiting really costing you? If you've been telling yourself you'll start looking once you've saved a bigger deposit, you're not alone. We hear it every day from first-home buyers who believe they need more savings, a higher income, or perfect timing before they can take the next step. So, they keep [...]

13 May 2026   The 2026 Federal Budget is out and for first home buyers, it's a mixed picture. Government incentives like the 5% Deposit Scheme are continuing, which is good news. But changes in the investor space will have a flow-on effect that matters to you, even if you're nowhere near thinking about [...]

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes Key Takeaways House & land packages usually have a lower starting price, but what's included can vary a lot between builders. The headline number isn't always the full story. Custom builds give you more say over your design, your builder, and where your money goes. They often deliver stronger [...]

07 May 2026 For a lot of first home buyers, the hardest part hasn’t been the repayments. It’s been getting through the front door in the first place. Today, the WA State Government announced changes that could genuinely help more first home buyers get moving sooner. Here’s what’s changing: First [...]

05 May 2026 The RBA has increased the cash rate by 0.25%, bringing it to 4.35%. Rate rises have been on the cards for a while,  but that doesn’t make them any easier, especially when you’re balancing a mortgage with the cost of everyday life. This is the third increase in 2026, with ongoing [...]

When you’re building your first home, there’s already a lot on your mind. How many bedrooms do you need? Will the kitchen be big enough? Is there space to entertain? But there's one thing that often gets left until later, and it's worth thinking about early. How your home actually performs day to day. [...]

15 April 2026 Keystart has just updated its property price and income limits — and it could open the door for more buyers across WA. If you’ve been sitting just outside the criteria, this is worth a second look. What’s changed? Property price cap: now up to $860,000 (previously $800,000) Income cap: now $155,000 [...]

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Key Takeaways Delays often begin before construction, during approvals, finance and documentation Site conditions, materials and labour can all impact how quickly your build progresses Variations during the build can extend timelines due to approvals and rework Clear contracts and strong communication help you stay in control A building [...]

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes Key Takeaways Builder delays can come from materials, labour, approvals or site conditions. Knowing this upfront helps you set realistic expectations from day one. Your building contract outlines timelines, costs and responsibilities. It’s worth slowing down here - this is where most costly mistakes happen. Inclusions vary between builders. [...]