News/Blog - Home Buyers Advice

Originally published as 10 Modern Facade Trends Boosting Melbourne Home Values and Kerb Appeal on realestate.com.au   When it comes to property, data tells us looks matter. It’s no surprise that the way a home presents itself can say a lot about the owners’ personal style and even their lifestyle—but did you know that a…

Saving for a home requires dedication. With a clear plan and consistent effort, you’ll be one step closer to walking through the doors of your dream home.  When it comes to saving for a home, consistency is key. Even small contributions to your savings can make a significant difference over time. Think of it as…

Make 2025 the year to bring your dream home to life. Whether it’s your first home or your forever home, Dennis Family Homes’ building specialists will take you step-by-step through the building and design process. Our specialists are experts in Knockdown Rebuilds and House and Land packages. They’ll guide you through the best option for…

Upgrade to a brand new home where you live now. A Knockdown Rebuild home can better suit your family’s lifestyle and future needs.  Build any 7-star energy-rated Dennis Family Home from our Aspirations or Inspirations Series, including the Onyx, the Alexandra, and the Balmoral.   Dennis Family Homes has constructed over 30,000 homes since 1982. We…

Modern families in Regional Victoria are looking for homes that combine style, functionality, and affordability.  We’re excited to introduce the Northampton 23, our newest addition to the Aspiration Series.  Ranch style family homes are growing in popularity, particularly in Victoria’s regional areas.   This single storey design is perfect for families who want all the comforts…

Summer is fast approaching, so ensure your home is ready to handle the heat and remain stylish in the new season. It’s easy to prepare your home for summer with simple safety and appliance checks such as cleaning your gutters, maintaining your air conditioning appliances, and ensuring your home is properly insulated. All Dennis  Family…

Styling your home is a great way to make the most of your surroundings. While it may feel challenging to create the home of your dreams with limited resources, the key is to embrace your creativity and focus on pieces you already have or can gather on a budget. Start with What You Have Before…

Dennis Family Homes is proud to unveil three brand-new homestead designs— Northampton 23, Melrose 36, and Augusta 37, —crafted with regional buyers in mind. Ideal for wider blocks, these homes are perfectly suited for families in areas like Ballarat, Echuca, Geelong, Warrnambool, Shepparton, and surrounding areas who are looking for spacious, single-level living. Peter Martin,…

Spring is here so now is the perfect time to refresh your home! Make space for better weather and the spring colours 2024 has to offer. This transitional season can be overlooked as a time to pack away winter in preparation for summer, but spring has its own flair and décor worth introducing to your…

As the freshness of spring unfurls, it’s the perfect time to clear out the old and refresh your home from the inside out. Spring cleaning isn’t just a tradition; it’s a way to rejuvenate your living spaces and by extension, your life. Whether it’s the bedroom cupboards, the kitchen, or the laundry area, each space…

Dennis Family Homes is excited to introduce four stunning new facades to our most popular home designs, each crafted to enhance the character and curb appeal of your home.  When building your dream home, the facade is the first feature that captures attention and sets the stage for the entire design.   The Scandi, Edge, Esplanade…

Whether you are going for a luxe look, warm feel or daylight-style clarity, the right lighting can make all the difference, especially through the winter. We explore how colour temperature and brightness can show your family home in the best light. Dennis Family Homes Colour Showroom Manager, Tamara de Graaff says it is best to…

There’s an enduring appeal to single storey homes. They can offer spacious layouts that accommodate large gardens and outdoor areas—the perfect choice for large families. On the other hand, they’re a great fit for people looking to downsize; those sick of dusting and cleaning two separate floors will find a single storey much more manageable.…

You might not know where to start when you decide to build a new home. It’s an exciting—and daunting—task. But like any big venture, it’s something best tackled in smaller steps. It’s something that can be a lot easier when you have a plan. We’re not just talking about setting a budget and weighing up…

What do the changes to the code mean? The National Construction Code (NCC) sets out the requirements for the design and construction of buildings in Australia, to ensure a required level of safety, health, amenity, accessibility and sustainability across future homes. The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has updated the NCC to strengthen minimum requirements for…

Smart Saving Strategies for First Home Buyers Buying a house is a financial goal for many Australians. Homeownership is a smart choice for your family and future and acts as a fantastic investment opportunity. With careful planning and decision-making, your dream of owning a home could be a reality sooner than you expect, even during…

New homes will have improved access and energy efficiency under the changes.  1. What are the main changes in this update to the Code?  As a resident, you may notice the following changes:  A minimum 7 Star energy efficiency rating will increase thermal and energy efficiency. This may be through increased insulation, more efficient hot…

In the ever-evolving realm of interior design, the choices for kitchen splashbacks are as varied as the spaces they serve.  The trends shaping splashback design in 2024 are a harmonious blend of classic feel and contemporary flair.  You’ll find this in the colors, sought-after textures, and modern themes that can tie a whole kitchen together. …

New homes will be more accessible and more cost effective to heat and cool as the latest National Construction Code (NCC) comes into effect for Victoria on 1 May 2024.  Houses built after 1 May require a 7-Star energy rating, wider doors and halls, and a toilet and shower that is deemed accessible.  Take advantage…

When looking to purchase your first home, you may hear the same advice repeated – ‘location, location, location’. Finding the perfect suburb, street, and lot on which to raise your family is the most important element. For families and first-home buyers, estates located across Victoria are the perfect areas to achieve the great Australian dream;…

When looking to build your new home not only will you consider every element of the design and style of your home to ensure it will suit your needs for many years to come, you’ll also weigh up if the amenities and infrastructures in your preferred location work for you. This can become a daunting…

The latest Dennis Family Homes display to open at Katalia Estate, Donnybrook, showcases the best of Aspirations living in a luxurious home design. As the first double storey from the Aspirations range on show, the brand new design of the Santina 332 is a pure delight and provides a desirable, affordable living option that combines…

There are so many benefits to having window coverings. Window coverings provide privacy, light control, security, create a fashion statement for your home and more. Well-designed and properly installed window coverings can reduce the amount of energy you need to consume in your home, saving you money and reducing your impact on the environment. Here…

    While renting in some outlying suburbs may be more affordable than paying off a mortgage, not having the stability of knowing how long you can stay past your lease, living with a colour scheme that’s not your taste, not being allowed pets or adding hooks to hang a favourite painting without consent, along…

Rebuilding in Melbourne is made easy with Dennis Familly Homes and our Knockdown Rebuild service. Maximise your block with your dream home without having to leave the neighbourhood you adore. Why should you rebuild? If your family home is no longer meeting your needs, whether stylistically or practically, you may look to renovate or move.…

One of our favourite things about helping Australian families build their dream homes is instilling a sense of confidence and enjoyment throughout the entire building process. From the moment you speak to one of our consultants, to the day we hand over the keys to your dream home, we make your building journey with us…

When building a new home for your family, choosing the right home builder is one of the first, and most important, decisions you’ll make. Taking the time to really explore and research your options is vital when it comes to signing a contract with the right home builder, to ensure that you have a positive…

If you’ve been thinking about buying your dream family home for a while, or you’ve recently purchased a block of land in Victoria or NSW, then you’ll know that there’s lots to learn about the Australian housing market. Perhaps you’re overwhelmed by the options out there, or you’re still looking for information. After all, you…

In early June 2020, the Federal Government introduced the HomeBuilder Grant, designed to provide eligible owner-occupiers (including first home buyers) with a grant of $25,000 to build a new home. Following the introduction of Stage 4 restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne and Stage 3 restrictions in regional Victoria, the Government has provided a 3 month extension…

7th August, 2020 If you are a first home buyer looking to build in New South Wales, then you are in luck! The New South Wales Government has temporarily scrapped stamp duty on new homes under $800,000, saving eligible first home buyers thousands of dollars. Under the new changes, which came into effect on the…

Housing affordability is the best it has been in twenty years and latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures show that loans for new homes increased by 2.3 per cent in May, according to the Housing Industry Association (HIA). A combination of lower home prices, wage growth and lower interest rates has contributed to the…

Moving into a new home sure can be exciting, but it can also come with its challenges. Trying to shift your entire life while also juggling the demands of work, children and pets is no easy task, so it’s well worth doing some pre-planning to ensure your life doesn’t end up in a shambles during…