Frequently asked questions

You will sign a Preliminary Agreement and a HIA New Homes Contract.

From land settlement, we’ll provide a construction commencement date within approximately 12 weeks, pending authority approvals.

A covenant is a restriction placed on a piece of land which sets the requirements for the home that can be built on it. These restrictions include the size and style of the home and the materials used. They protect investments by regulating the standard of the homes in an estate. Most new estates also have specific Developer Guidelines, which the buyer must comply with.

If you have a covenant on your home, this will be outlined in the Section 32 Vendor Statement you receive. Shape Homes can assist you with both covenants and Developer Guidelines when selecting your new home.

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An alternation to a standard design or building specification. Depending on what stage of the process you are in, they will be called an AVO, PCV or BV.

Also called a Certificate of Occupancy, this document is issued by a Building Survey or after final inspection of your new home. It certifies your home is ready to move into.

In 2024, we delivered our milestone 1,000^th home. We’re excited to continue delivering new homes for owners and investors across Australia.

ResCode is a Victorian Government Code that sets out the development standards for housing, land subdivisions and town planning. It covers standards including building height, private open spaces, walls on boundaries, and much more. 

An easement is a section of land registered on the Certificate of Title, providing Council or utility providers right of access to your property. An easement often includes pipes (such as sewer or stormwater pipes). You can not build a house or other permanent structure over an easement without consent.

A setback is the minimum allowable distance from the front boundary of the block to the front of your home.

Shape Homes inclusions are turnkey. This means everything is included in your new home at settlement, including blinds, fencing, landscaping, appliances and beyond. Check the inclusions list for more details.

We specialise in greenfield locations such as new housing estates throughout Melbourne and Geelong.

To remove additional complexity, our floor plans include a high level of specification already. However, you can make the build your own by choosing from our upgrade packs. Each one has to be taken in full and prices vary. If you’re interested, check out our online Quote Builder. 

A building permit must be granted before the construction of your new home can begin. This ensures the construction plans and engineering comply with all relevant building regulations and have been approved by a registered building surveyor.

Yes. We hold builder’s licence CDB-U 58454 and a Victoria registration number.

Shape Homes applies for Developer Approval of your building plans on your behalf. The developer will check your new home complies with all estate requirements.

Yes, we have a range of different colour schemes for the internal colours. Each has been prepared by professional interior designers for the best aesthetic appeal. Unfortunately, you cannot swap items between colour schemes.

Due to OH&S requirements, you won’t be unable to visit the site during construction. Our skilled team will be working hard to ensure your home is delivered with the highest quality, and you’ll have the opportunity to walk through the home when we receive the certificate of occupancy. This occurs before you make the final payment to ensure it’s everything you imagined it would be.

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Your home’s exterior has been designed by a professional architect and qualified designers. To ensure the build meets council requirements, estate guidelines and approved streetscapes, we don’t permit changes to the externals of the home’s design or colours.

There are five progress payments (base, frame, lockup, fix and final), plus your initial 5% deposit.

A Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a levy which some local councils in growth areas require landowners to pay. It’s a one-off amount that contributes to the building of surrounding amenities. A CIL might go towards funding sporting facilities, community centres and the like. 

Before we can obtain your building permit, the CIL has to be paid to your council.

A building envelope is a designated area on your land within which all building work must be contained. It is registered on your title by the council and will be shown in the Plan of Subdivision attached to the Vendor Statement.

Architects have planned your home to deliver high-quality, open-plan living that complies with council requirements under medium-density planning rules. Internal structural changes aren’t possible, but approved upgrade packs are available.