First-Home-Buyer’s Guide to Townhouses

Introduction

Buying a home can be a daunting task. For most of us, it’s the biggest purchase decision we will ever make, and the prospect of being tied to a mortgage for 30 years is not one that many can enter into lightly.

At Sienna Homes, we’ve been meeting with first-time home buyers for over 20 years, and we often hear their concerns and questions about getting on the property ladder and buying their dream home. That’s why we’ve compiled this handy guide to buying your first home.

Inside this guide, you’ll find information on why townhouses are the wise choice for first-time home buyers, valuable details on finance, suburb insights on where best to buy, and FAQs about the purchasing journey with Sienna Homes. Plus, you will also hear from Sienna Homes customers about their experience of buying a townhouse, and we take a look forward to the future of townhouses in Australia.

Before you start, it’s helpful to understand what trends are happening within Melbourne’s property market so you can be equipped with knowledge that will ensure you feel confident in your decision to purchase a particular kind of property. Like most capital cities in Australia, unit prices have continued to decrease in Melbourne, however the city has seen house prices increase by 0.3% quarter on quarter. Looking at townhouses particularly, these types of dwellings have experienced a price increase higher than the national average.

So, why is this? A combination of factors are at work, including:

• Victoria’s strong population growth which has driven up supply and demand.
• Continued Government investment in Victoria’s growth corridors.
• A shift in buyer preferences towards medium-density housing due to affordability issues.
• An increase in buyer confidence that has been driven by the expectation of further rate cuts.

This guide will touch on all this and more, to give you the knowledge and confidence you need to start your journey to owning a new townhouse and enjoying all the benefits that they can offer you.

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Townhouses in 2025 – The Current Housing Market

National & VIC Trends

Townhouse approvals have eased from 2021 highs but remain a significant share of new dwellings, with Victoria consistently contributing a large slice of Australia’s townhouse pipeline.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Building Approvals: Semi-detached/row/terrace houses (1–2 storeys + 3+ storeys). Original series. 2025 YTD is a partial year.

Townhouses have held a stable share of approvals nationally, with Victoria typically running above the Australian average; reflecting the state’s strong medium-density demand.

Source line: Source: ABS, Building Approvals: Townhouse share calculated as semi-detached/row/terrace approvals divided by total dwelling units approved. Original series. 2025 YTD is partial year.

Suburb-Level Performers

When buying a new home, the suburb where it is located can directly affect your house’s future value and saleability, so it’s important to do your research, and take a look at the historical sales data of your preferred suburb, so you can feel confident in your decision to buy.

At Sienna Homes, we build in suburbs of the future, that have great local amenities, schools, parks and most importantly, communities. We have homes in areas that are experiencing solid growth including:

Officer in the southeast, where you can purchase homes in our Olio Collection for a current median sale price of $749k, which is a 4% increase in the last quarter compared to metro Melbourne’s 2.7% rise.

Further south in the up-and-coming Clyde, where the average house price growth in the past 12 months has been 2.2%, with a median house price of $695k.

Looking west to Deanside, this suburb has been showing promising growth, maintaining a 2% quarterly price increase, just below the 2.7% of metro Melbourne, and the median sale price currently stands at $678k.

Moving north of Melbourne in Wollert, the median house price is sitting at $705k, enjoying a 2.2% quarterly rise.

Down in the Surf Coast Shire outside of Geelong, Mount Duneed has a rather impressive median house price of $720k and has seen a 0.7% quarterly increase in house prices.

So we can see that by choosing a suburb that is gaining popularity, you can future proof your home, knowing that it will be part of a thriving, modern suburb.

“Looking at the growth of town-homes … Affordability is the obvious driver, but planning rules on density are pushing it too.”

— Fiona Lowry, Sienna Homes

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The Emotional & Financial Case for First Home Buyers

“Scared of a 30-Year Mortgage?” Let’s Break It Down

We understand that the idea of taking on a 30-year mortgage can be nerve-wracking, especially when you’re juggling life, family, and the ever-growing cost of living. But let’s put your mind at ease with real numbers:

Lending Reality:

• In the June quarter of 2025, there were 28,861 new home loan commitments from first-home buyers — a 1.7% rise from the previous quarter, signalling the market is still very much accessible to first time buyers like you.

Government Support is Growing:

• From 1 October 2025, the expanded First Home Guarantee (also known as the 5% deposit scheme) removes income and cap restrictions. That means all first-home buyers who have saved just a 5% deposit can apply, meaning no Lenders Mortgage Insurance needed, which can save you tens of thousands in upfront costs.
• According to the ABC, property price caps in Melbourne rose from $800,000 to $950,000 under the new scheme, so more realistic townhouse options are now within reach.

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Knowledge is Power

Here’s how to turn your mortgage concerns into actionable steps:

1. Clarify your goals. Decide what matters. For example, are you looking for a low-maintenance, safe home in a growing area that is perfect for a family?
2. Assess your budget. Review your income and expenses, and start “practicing” loan repayments by setting aside savings each month.
3. Save strategically. Track progress, and try to start paying off any extra debts and spending accounts (think AfterPay, extra credit cards), and gather your tax docs to show your progress to lenders.
4. Understand your borrowing. Use the updated 5% deposit scheme (no LMI and lifted price caps) and consult a mortgage broker to figure out your borrowing power.
5. Ask your family. See if they can help with a deposit or act as a guarantor. This is common among first home buyers, and is often effective in helping achieve your property goals.
6. Finally, get pre-approved. This happens once the bank agrees that your finances are in order, and you can service the specific loan amount.
7. Once you have pre-approval, you are one step closer to owning your own home.

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Townhouse Design, Functionality & Sustainability

While townhouses used to carry a reputation for being small and shadowed, they’re now designed as smart, sustainable, and forward-thinking homes. If you’re considering the townhouse option for your new home, here’s why townhouses work well in today’s landscape. With thoughtful design, liveability, and sustainability taking priority from the start, the townhouse is becoming an ever more popular choice for buyers. As part of our Ultimate Guide, we look into how our townhouses offer you more than you might think.

Space and Light

Light changes everything, particularly in a home. A townhouse with natural light feels larger, brighter and a happier space to spend time.

Our designs use carefully considered large windows and door placements (where possible) front and back, to flood rooms with natural light. For townhomes, where side windows may be limited, that front-and-rear glazing becomes crucial for letting in light.

At Sienna Homes, we also use light courts in some home designs with open shafts or skylights that let light reach right into the middle of the house. This can help to reduce dark corridors and make internal spaces feel connected and more open.

We ensure the bedroom sizes are generous by townhouse standards, and that storage is maximised through built-in wardrobes and thoughtful nooks. These strategic layouts avoid awkward “wasted” areas. Our team even took inspiration from a leading Japanese builder in one of our shared learning programs to see how you can do more with less footprint, without compromising comfort or style.

Why does this matter?

Natural light has proven benefits, boosting mood, reducing energy use (less need for artificial lighting), and enhancing resale appeal.

Turn-Key Inclusions & 7-Star Efficiency

When you buy new, you want exactly that — something that just works, and that costs less to own. Here’s how we deliver on that.

Every Sienna Home includes many premium inclusions. We’ve teamed up with Fisher & Paykel to bring in New Zealand–designed appliances combining modern style with a safer choice for both builders and homeowners.

With homes across Victoria going ‘all-electric’ we even ensure all accompanying garages are EV-ready wherever possible. The design of double-glazed windows throughout the townhouses also helps with energy efficiency, noise and temperature control.

A 7-Star Efficiency Rating

It was announced in May 2024 that every new home built in Victoria is required to meet a 7-Star energy efficiency rating under the NCC 2022 rules.

What does that actually mean? In short, it’s not just about the walls and windows anymore. The building shell, including the insulation, glazing, and shading, is still a big part of it.

And there’s also a new “whole-of-home energy budget” that considers the fixed appliances you’ll rely on every day, heating and cooling, hot water, even the lighting, so the standard covers how your home is designed and (more importantly) how it performs once you’re living in it.

Benefits of 7-star homes:

• Lower heating/cooling bills (homes built to 7-star need roughly 20–25% less energy for heating/cooling than 6-star homes in many parts of Victoria).
• Greater comfort all year round, fewer hot spots in summer, and fewer cold drafts in winter.
• More resilience to extreme Aussie weather (heatwaves and cold snaps).
• Less environmental impact and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Our homes are designed and built to meet this standard, and the turn-key approach means much of the upgrade and quality choice is standard, so you don’t have to pay extra, or make costly retrofits later.

Low-Maintenance Lifestyle

One of the biggest advantages of townhouse living is low fuss. We build to make your life easier in the long-term.

Backyard gardens are designed to be manageable, without large expanses of lawn and endless borders. Facades use materials that resist wear and tear with the strategic use of colourfast finishes, low-maintenance cladding and durable hardware.

Everything in the home is brand new, with warranties. So, you’ll skip the unwanted surprises from old plumbing, roofing leaks, or electrical wiring issues that you’d likely see in an older build.

Safety and security are our top priorities during a build process, meaning our townhouses are situated in considered communities, with well-lit surrounding public spaces. Our designs encourage a unity amongst neighbours, which for many first-time or single buyers offers lasting peace of mind.

The social element helps too, many residents move in around the same time, so neighbours are similarly new to the space, which can often break the ice and makes getting to know others easier than in a patchwork of old and new homes.

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Why a Sienna Homes Townhouse is a Smart Choice

Combining space, inclusions, efficiency and a low-maintenance mindset, a townhouse could be the perfect candidate for your next move.

• It gives more amenities than an apartment (private outdoor space, ownership of the land etc.) but less upkeep than a large, detached home.
• With higher standards like 7-star now mandatory, you’re buying something built for the future with lower running costs, improved comfort and higher environmental credentials.
• Energy efficiency is increasingly important to buyers and valuers, making resale stress free!

If you’d like to hear more, read our brochure or reach out to our team at Sienna Homes today.

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First-Home Buyer Support & Finance

Victorian Grants & Stamp Duty Relief

First Homeowner Grant (FHOG)

If you’re buying or building a brand-new home in Victoria, you could be eligible for the First Homeowner Grants below:

• $10,000 for new homes in metropolitan Melbourne
• $20,000 for new homes in regional Victoria

To qualify, your new home must:

• Be valued at $750,000 or less
• Never have been lived in before
• Be your first home in Australia

Learn more, and check eligibility at the State Revenue Office (SRO) or the Vic Gov support hub.

Stamp Duty Exemptions & Concessions

Another thing to consider is stamp duty. This can often add tens of thousands to the cost of buying, but first-home buyers in Victoria can get significant reductions:

• Exemption: Pay no stamp duty if your first home is valued up to $600,000.
• Concession: Pay reduced duty on homes valued between $600,001 and $750,000.

Your conveyancer or solicitor usually applies for this automatically when completing the Digital Duties Form during settlement, so you don’t need to worry about extra paperwork. Use the SRO’s duty calculator to see how much you could save.

Principal Place of Residence (PPR) Concession

Not a first-home buyer, but moving into a property as your main home? You may be able to claim the Principal Place of Residence (PPR) concession, which reduces the amount of land tax you pay.

This concession applies when you live in the home as your main address, but there are rules around trusts, and multiple property ownership. If this applies to you, read the full details on the SRO website.

The takeaway: Between the FHOG, stamp duty concessions, and PPR exemptions, there’s a good chance you’ll qualify for some form of financial support. These programs can save you thousands upfront, and bring your first home that little bit closer.

Deposit-Boost Schemes

Saving for a home deposit can feel like climbing a mountain. But the good news is, there are government programs designed to give you a leg up. Here are three of the most helpful ones for first-home buyers in Victoria, explained in plain language.

The Home Guarantee Scheme (HGS)

If the idea of saving a full 20% deposit feels out of reach, you’re not alone. The Home Guarantee Scheme helps eligible buyers get into the market sooner, with a much smaller deposit, and no need to pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI). That can save you tens of thousands of dollars upfront.

The options available:

• First Home Guarantee (FHBG): For first-home buyers with as little as a 5% deposit (35,000 places available in FY2024–25).
• Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee (RFHBG): Similar to the FHBG, but specifically for regional buyers (10,000 places available).
• Family Home Guarantee (FHG): For single parents or legal guardians with at least one dependent. You’ll only need a 2% deposit (5,000 places available).

How it works: Instead of needing a 20% deposit, Housing Australia “guarantees” the shortfall to your lender, up to 15% (or 18% for the Family Home Guarantee). It’s not a cash handout, but it does mean you can buy sooner without the extra cost of LMI.

What to keep in mind:

• You’ll need to meet income and eligibility criteria, and provide your most recent ATO Notice of Assessment.
• The scheme is only available through participating lenders.
• Places are capped each year, so it’s worth applying early.
• You’ll still need to make the full loan repayments; this just lowers the upfront barrier.

First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS)

Think of this as using your super account as a savings accelerator. The First Home Super Saver Scheme lets you tuck away voluntary contributions into your super fund, then withdraw them later (plus earnings) to use for your deposit.

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Why it helps: Contributions to super are generally taxed at just 15%, instead of your normal income tax rate (which could be double that or more). That means you can grow your savings faster, and keep more money in your pocket for your first home.

The details:

• You can release up to $50,000 in total (capped at $15,000 per year).
• You’ll need to apply to the ATO before accessing the funds.
• Once released, you’ve got 12 months to buy or build, with the option of a one-year extension.
• You must be a genuine first-home buyer planning to live in the property.

Victorian Homebuyer Fund (VHF)

This scheme works a little differently. The Victorian Government goes in as a partner, helping bridge the gap between what you’ve saved and the cost of your new home.

How it works:

• The Government can contribute up to 25% of the purchase price (or 35% for eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander buyers).
• You’ll need a minimum 5% deposit.
• Because of the Government’s contribution, you won’t have to pay LMI.

Why it helps: On a $600,000 townhouse, instead of needing a $120,000 deposit (20%), with the Fund you’d only need $30,000 plus your 5%, which is a massive difference. It also means smaller monthly repayments, and less interest over the life of your loan.

What to keep in mind:

• Eligibility includes being over 18, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and meeting income limits (e.g. up to $130,485 for individuals).
• The Government owns the same share of the property that they contributed. You’ll repay their share if you sell, refinance, or choose to buy them out over time.
• Property price caps apply: up to $950,000 in Melbourne/Geelong, and $600,000 in regional Victoria.

The takeaway: These programs are here to give first-home buyers a fighting chance in a tough market. They don’t remove the responsibility of repayments, but they do make the starting line closer, so you can get into your own home sooner, and with a little less pressure.

Building Your Deposit & Loan Structure

Buying your first home is a big milestone, and it all starts with building your deposit. It’s not just about giving up little luxuries like your morning coffee, it’s about finding a savings rhythm that fits your life, and brings you closer, step by step, to getting those keys in your hand.

Finding Your Savings Flow

Consistency is your best friend. Some people set up an automatic transfer to a separate savings account each payday, others love tracking their progress with a budgeting app or savings calculator. However you do it, the trick is to make saving feel natural, like brushing your teeth or walking the dog. Even the smallest, regular contributions quickly grow into something bigger.

Showing “Genuine” Savings

When lenders talk about genuine savings, they’re looking for money you’ve built up yourself, over time, usually three months or more. It’s less about the amount, and more about the story it tells: that you’ve got the discipline to save, and the commitment to stick with regular repayments once you have a mortgage.

Understanding LVR

Your loan-to-value ratio (or LVR) is simply how much you borrow compared to the property’s value. The lower it is, the less risky you look to the bank. For example, if you’re borrowing $480,000 for a $600,000 home, your LVR is 80%. Keeping this number down can help you unlock better loan options.

Choosing Fixed or Variable

One of the big decisions you’ll make is how your loan is structured. Do you prefer the comfort of certainty, or are you open to flexibility?

• Fixed rate loans keep your repayments the same for a set period, usually 1–5 years. It’s peace of mind if you like to plan ahead.
• Variable rate loans move with the market, so your repayments might go up or down. While it’s less predictable, you usually get the benefit of extra flexibility, like being able to pay more off whenever you like.

Some first-home buyers find the sweet spot by splitting their loan, part fixed, part variable, so they can enjoy the best of both worlds.

The big picture? Building your deposit and structuring your loan isn’t about rules and restrictions but rather creating a plan that works for you, supports your lifestyle, and gets you into your first home with confidence.

Our Partnership with Mortgage Domayne: The Workflow

Sorting out your finances can feel like the most overwhelming part of buying your first home, but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why we highly recommend our trusted finance partner, Mortgage Domayne, an independent, and reputable company we’ve worked alongside for years. As one of the largest and most experienced lenders for split contract townhouse purchases, they understand the unique finance structure of buying land and construction separately. Their team has guided countless first-home buyers through the process with clarity, and care. If you choose to work with them, here’s what the journey looks like:

The Workflow

• Credit Check – Think of this as a quick health check for your finances. It’s about making sure there are no unexpected bumps that could get in the way of your loan.
• Borrowing Power – Based on your income, savings, and expenses, you’ll find out how much you can realistically borrow. This is your budget, the number that shapes where and what you’ll be able to buy.
• Conditional Pre-Approval – Once you have this, you can start house-hunting with confidence. Sellers know you’re serious, and you know exactly what’s in reach.
• Formal Approval at Contract – Found your Sienna townhouse, and your finance has been finalised around the time of your land titles.

Why This Matters

Having a clear process means fewer sleepless nights, and no nasty surprises. You’ll always know exactly where you stand, and that’s priceless when you’re making the biggest purchase of your life. Plus, tools like the Sienna Homes Loan Repayment Calculator let you play around with numbers early on, so you already feel prepared before you dive in.

A Handy Pro Tip

Even after you’ve moved in, it pays to give your loan a check-up every now and then. Just like reviewing your phone plan or energy bill, a quick review could save you money. That might mean:

• Checking if there’s a better interest rate available.
• Seeing if adjusting your loan term could lower repayments.
• Switching up how often you pay to better suit your cash flow.
• Exploring your home’s equity if the time is right.

The takeaway? With Mortgage Domayne by your side, you’re not just applying for a loan, you’re setting yourself up for confidence, clarity, and a smooth path to home ownership.

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Location: Choosing the Right Suburb

Growth Corridors vs. Established Estates

As Melbourne keeps growing, whole new neighbourhoods are blossoming on the city’s edges. These areas, known as growth corridors, are where new schools, parks, shops and homes are coming to life, creating fresh opportunities for people to put down roots.

For first-home buyers, they offer an affordable way to step into the market while joining new and like-minded communities.

Then there are established estates, where infrastructure and communities are already in place. While these areas can seem like a great option, it can be trickier to buy a home in these established spots, due to higher demand and desirability. However, this also means that these places are also continuing to grow, offering opportunity to get a home on a new development in an already established suburb. Two such places are Mickleham in the north and Officer in the south-east, suburbs where Sienna Homes proudly build in.

Suburbs on the Rise.

Whether you choose to buy your first home in a growth corridor or in an established estate will depend on your needs, interests and of course, your budget. But there are benefits to both that go beyond just your home.

• Strong buyer interest: Families and first-home buyers are often looking to move into these areas, keeping the market active and healthy.
• Made for family living: Schools, childcare centres, playgrounds, and shops make everyday life easy and community-focused.
• Well connected: It is usually easy to reach Melbourne’s CBD by car or train, and get access to the city while still feeling like your home is in its own unique space.
• Good value: With a median house price sitting around $735,000 and steady 10-year growth of over 7%, it’s a solid choice for those thinking ahead.
• Balanced growth outlook: Because there are plenty of homes available, price growth is expected to be steady rather than dramatic, which is reassuring for first-home buyers who want to feel confident in their decision to purchase.

These are suburbs that are building a community. And for first-home buyers, that’s often exactly what matters most.

Amenity Checklist: Transport, Parks, Cafés, Schools

When you’re buying your first home, it’s not just the house itself that matters, it’s the lifestyle that comes with it. Growth corridors are the perfect example of areas where you can get more bang for your buck, offering access to a range of amenities that make day-to-day life easier, more convenient, and more enjoyable.

To find the right suburb for your home, you’ll want to make sure that you have the right amenities to suit your lifestyle on your doorstep.

Transport

One of the biggest advantages of living in a growth corridor is connectivity. These areas are often well-served by public transport, with trains, trams, or bus networks that link you directly to the city or surrounding suburbs. This can save you hours on your daily commute and reduce your reliance on a car, freeing up both time and money.

Parks and Green Spaces

Modern townhouse developments in growth corridors are designed with families and young professionals in mind. Proximity to parks, walking trails, and open spaces means you can enjoy fresh air, exercise, and the outdoors just steps from your front door. Not only does this give you a better lifestyle, but it can also boost the long-term value of your property.

Cafés and Dining

The café and dining scene is one of the most enjoyable parts of a growing suburb. Living near local cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops allows you to get everything you need and be part of your new community without having to travel far.

Schools and Education

For first time buyers planning for the future, nearby schools are a must. Up and coming suburbs often include new or expanding schools, meaning you’ll be in an ideal location for your children’s education, plus it can add an extra layer of security to your investment.

By making a checklist of the amenities that matter to you, it may help you to find the perfect area for you to buy your new townhouse, because you’re not just choosing a home, you’re choosing a lifestyle too.

The takeaway? New and developing suburbs are being built for the future. From new schools and hospitals to parks, shops, and better roads, everything you need for a balanced lifestyle is either here or on its way.

And with flexible work becoming part of everyday life, and proposed legislation in Victoria supporting the right to work from home a couple of days a week, living closer to home doesn’t just make sense, it makes life easier.

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Step-by-Step Purchase Journey with Sienna Homes

Starting your journey to your first home can be both exciting and daunting. At Sienna Homes, we aim to make this journey as seamless and stress free as possible.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you can expect when building your new townhouse with us.

Discover Your Ideal Home

Begin by exploring our range of townhouses designed to give you a modern, light, and endlessly liveable space to live. Take a look at the homes we are currently selling and find the perfect fit for you.

Visit Our Display Homes

Get a feel for our designs by visiting one of our display homes. Not only do they showcase the quality and craftsmanship that Sienna Homes is known for, but they give you an insight into everything that you will get in your new home.

Choose Your Design and Inclusions

We’ve got a selection of curated interior colour schemes to choose from that allow you to personalise your home’s look. They also come with an extensive list of inclusions, so that you’ll have everything you need already in place when you move in, plus a range of upgrade options if you’d like to add those extra touches to make your home truly yours.

Chat With Your Dedicated Project Coordinator

Once you’ve made your selections, you’ll be able to chat with your own dedicated Project Coordinator. This single point of contact will be there for you throughout the building process, ensuring you’ve got all the info you need and providing you with clear communication and timely updates.

Moving-In

The big day has finally arrived, and you’ve got the keys in your hand! Before you kick back and celebrate in your new place, there are a few practical things to tick off, so your home is comfortable, safe, and set up from the start.

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Power, Internet & Essentials

• Electricity & Water: Arrange to have these connected for your move-in date. Nothing kills the first-night buzz like no hot shower!
• Internet/NBN: Book in your connection early — providers often need a few weeks’ notice.

Safety & Security

• Change the locks: You never know how many spare keys are floating around from the build stage. A fresh set of locks = peace of mind.
• Home Insurance: Make sure your policy is active from settlement day so you’re covered right away.

Bills & Paperwork

• Council Rates: Set up direct debit so you never miss a payment.
• Bins: If your bins haven’t arrived, contact your local council to organise delivery.
• Mail Redirection: Australia Post can redirect your mail to your new address for a set period, which is handy while you update all your details.
• Update Your Address: Don’t forget to update MyGov, the ATO and your bank so everything important follows you to your new home.

Tip: Create a moving-week checklist and keep it somewhere handy (fridge, notes app, or even a whiteboard). That way, nothing slips through the cracks in the chaos of unpacking boxes.

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FAQs

Do Townhouses have Owners’ Corporate fees?

While Townhouses do share walls with neighbours, there are usually no shared common areas, and as such typically there are no Owners’ Corporate fees involved.

Can I have pets in my new townhouse?

Yes! Most townhouse communities are pet-friendly. In most cases, pets are welcome as long as they don’t disturb neighbours.

Are townhouses soundproof?

Yes! Sienna Homes townhouses are built to strict standards with quality materials, so you’ll enjoy privacy and peace inside your home. Townhouses are built independently but are built side by side so generally you don’t hear your neighbours.

Will my property go up in value (capital growth)?

While no one can predict the market, many of our homes are built in key growth corridors, with major infrastructure, schools, and amenities on the way. These factors typically support healthy long-term capital growth.

What is equity and how can I use it?

Equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe on your loan. As your property grows in value and you pay off your mortgage, your equity increases. Many homeowners later use equity to renovate, invest in another property, or even refinance to a better loan.

Who do I contact if I need help after moving in?

You’ll have access to Sienna Homes’ customer care team, who are there to support you with any questions or warranty issues after settlement.

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Meet Jess

For Jess, the idea of owning her first home always felt just out of reach. As a single mum of three, she dreamed of creating a place for her children that was safe and truly theirs. But with Melbourne’s rising house prices and the challenge of saving a big enough deposit, that dream sometimes felt impossible.

Everything shifted when she discovered Sienna Homes’ townhouses at Eliston in Clyde. As soon as she walked through the big entryway and saw the open flow of the home, Jess could see her family’s future unfolding there. The homes weren’t just well-designed, but practical, modern, spacious and built with families like hers in mind. She could picture her kids racing up the stairs, laughter spilling from the open-plan living room, and evenings spent together during summer in the courtyard around the pizza oven.

What stood out most to Jess were all the inclusions that came standard with her package, something that eased her nerves instantly as everything that she wanted to make her house a home was within her budget. A true testament to Jess’s experience with Sienna Homes is that she even inspired her mum and sister to buy their own townhouses too.

Now, standing in her finished home, Jess is proud to have a space where she and her children can make many memories over the years to come.

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Future Outlook & Next Steps

Demographer Insight from Simon Kuestenmacher

Owning a home has always been part of the Australian story. Yet today, the path to home ownership feels steeper than it once did. Our cities are growing quickly, and while more housing is urgently needed, new developments often face pushback. Whether it’s concerns about neighbourhood character or the desire to protect property values, this “not in my backyard” mindset has slowed supply.

For first-home buyers, this makes an already challenging journey feel even tougher. Demand keeps rising, prices follow, and the dream of owning your own place can sometimes seem out of reach. You’re not alone in feeling this way, it’s a shared experience for many Australians trying to take their first step onto the property ladder.

But there is reason for optimism. Two-thirds of Australians already own their homes, proving that while the road isn’t always easy, it is absolutely possible. And as conversations about fairer, more accessible housing grow louder, momentum for change is building. Every new home built is a step towards greater balance, opening doors for more people to find their place.

One part of the solution is innovation. Pre-designed, turn-key homes are helping developers launch projects faster, meet density requirements, and cut holding costs. For buyers, this means more homes available sooner, with a smoother, more affordable pathway to moving in.

At Sienna Homes, we believe building homes isn’t just about supply, it’s about creating opportunities, new beginnings, and spaces where life can unfold. While the challenges in the market are real, so too is your dream. And with the right support, guidance, and vision, that dream can move from possibility to reality.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Please consult a licensed professional before making any financial decisions.