More South Australians are building right now. New home approvals across the state rose 7.2 per cent in the three months to May 2026 compared with a year earlier, according to the Housing Industry Association.
For first home buyers weighing their options, this trend matters because in South Australia, the biggest savings are tied to building new. Metricon, Australia’s leading home builder, has helped thousands of South Australian families do exactly that. When you choose a house and land package, three major savings can stack together, and each one is worth knowing before you sign.
The stamp duty first home buyers skip on a new build
If you are an eligible first home buyer in South Australia, you pay no stamp duty on a new home or vacant land you plan to build on. Property value caps may apply depending on when you signed your contract, so it is worth checking where your build sits.
This is where a house and land package becomes highly valuable because the relief covers new builds and land to build on, rather than established homes. To help you make the most of this opportunity, Metricon offers fixed-price house and land packages that pair a brand-new home with a block ready to build on. With a track record of more than 65,000 homes, the team knows exactly how to match the right design to your block.
The grant that only applies to new homes
If you’re eligible, you can also claim the First Home Owner Grant of up to $15,000 when building your first home in South Australia. Because this government incentive is strictly for brand new properties, a Metricon house and land package is one of the most direct ways to secure it.
The relief covers new builds rather than established homes, which is exactly what a package delivers. Metricon’s New Home Advisors will guide you through the application process. The HomeSolution by Metricon range is specifically designed for the more compact blocks found in growth areas such as Mount Barker and Munno Para Downs, and every home carries a Lifetime Structural Guarantee*.
The deposit gap the 5% scheme closes
Securing your finances is also simpler under the Home Guarantee Scheme, which allows eligible first home buyers to enter the market with just a 5 per cent deposit and avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance. Since 1 October 2025, the scheme has had no place limits and no income caps, according to Housing Australia. It pairs neatly with a build you can price from the start.
Metricon’s fixed pricing means you know your deposit and your build cost from the outset, with low deposit options across the HomeSolution range. Knowing your price upfront removes the worry of unexpected costs later in the build.
Start your first home in SA ahead on savings
Building new is what unlocks these savings, and a house and land package brings all three together in one clear path to your first home. For over 50 years, Metricon has been building homes that South Australians rely on, and the team can help you figure out exactly how to maximise your budget.
Browse Metricon’s house and land packages across South Australia to find the right fit for your budget, or visit a Metricon display home near you to experience their build quality in person.
