Should You Buy a Display Home?

Like the idea of moving straight into a luxury, near-new home, without having to undergo the building process? If so, consider buying a display home.

Have you ever considered the benefits of buying a display home? It can be a smart move in a number of ways; you get the benefit of a home that’s built to the highest specifications with very little wear and tear that showcases the latest home trends, and there’s no waiting around for it to be built. Additionally, display homes offer a unique list of upgrades that aren’t usually included when you’re building your own home, and come with a builder’s warranty to give you peace of mind.

You’ll also find that display homes are generally located in the best part of the display village, making them a potentially lucrative return on investment, whether you’re buying to rent out or plan to live there yourself and sell down the track.

At Carlisle, we regularly offer our beautiful former display homes for sale – see our current range of display homes here.

Read on to discover what you need to need to know about this appealing move-straight-in option.

Can you buy ex-display homes in Melbourne?

If you’ve ever wandered through one of our beautifully appointed display homes and thought, 'Can I buy this?' The answer is: yes, you can. Display homes are essentially designed to inspire, showcasing the very best of our floorplans, quality construction and the style and versatility of our homes - and they can effortlessly become your dream home.  

At Carlisle, buying an ex-display home is an attainable option, as our display homes are often listed for sale. With a range of display homes available across all three of our home collections, you can find your favourite design on display and purchase it when it closes!  

Our displays are located in Melbourne and Geelong's most popular new estates, and feature the latest design trends, premium upgrades and inclusions, along with high-quality fixtures and finishes. Fixed appliances, cabinetry and storage fit-outs are also included (where applicable), and landscaping and driveways are all complete – all of which can save you money and hassle. Displays also come with our full, structural warranty so you know they are built to last.

Offering our quality homes that have been used for display purposes forms part of our commitment to giving more options and better care to all of our customers - no matter where you are in your home-buying journey.

How to buy the display home of your dreams

Understand where the home is located within the new land estate or development, where the local amenities are and the reputation of the builder. Set a budget and work out your financing options.

Visit the display to get a firsthand look at its design, layout and finish. Also use the opportunity to conduct a thorough inspection, assessing the house for wear and tear.

If you’re keen to move ahead, speak to the sales consultant or builder to find out exactly what is (and isn’t) included in the price, and be sure to review the warranty and understand exactly what it covers.

Are display homes cheaper to buy?

A display home won’t necessarily be cheaper to buy than a standard home (although it sometimes can be), but when assessing the price, you should factor in its high-quality finishes, premium upgrades and beautiful presentation.

Display homes come with plenty of additional features that aren't included in a standard build, including a driveway, pathways, premium landscaping and built-in joinery will already be complete, which can be a significant time and cost saver. Additionally, there are sometimes opportunities to purchase the display home furniture at a discounted price, adding extra value to your investment.

Is buying a display home a good investment?

You might ask yourself - is buying a display home a good idea? Purchasing a display home is not just an opportunity to secure a beautifully designed home - it can also be a wise home investment that provides potentially high rental yields. When weighing up your options however, it's important to consider the following:

Location

Ex-display homes are often located in popular areas, within the best part of a new land estate. New masterplanned communities now have close access to amenities, transport, schools and kindergartens. This can be an influencing factor when choosing an ex display home. 

Design

Display homes are always built and designed with great attention to detail, making them an appealing option for tenants if you're considering using the display home as an investment property. 

Maintenance, Styling and Finishes

Display homes are professionally cleaned multiple times a week, and come with contemporary styling and top-of-the-line finishes, which can often mean higher rental returns.

Stamp Duty and Property Management Costs

When considering purchasing a display home, you need to pay stamp duty, and if you're planning on leasing it out, you'll have property management fees too - so it's important to factor this into your budget and overall purchase price. Display homes can often offer greater depreciation deducations - so ensure you've done your homework with your accountant on the figures.

Do Carlisle Homes offer a leaseback arrangement with any of their display homes?

A leaseback arrangement is when the display home is leased back to the builder for a set period so that they can continue using it as a display. While this can generate rental income for a period of time, the homes aren't often in the same condition as when the purchase was made, and there are lots of factors to consider with this arrangement.

While this is not something we offer at Carlisle, our display homes provide incredible value as they are move-in ready, featuring premium upgrades, high-quality finishes and professionally designed and built gardens.    

What’s the appeal of a move-in-ready home?

There are many benefits to purchasing a display home, but one of the biggest allures is often the time you save. When you buy a display home, there’s no need to spend time researching suitable floor plans or choosing finishes, and you’ll save months waiting for your home to be built. Once you’ve signed the contract and picked up your keys, you’re ready to move in.

What’s included in a display home?

Practically everything! As builders use display homes to showcase the very best of their offering, fixed appliances, cabinetry and storage fit-outs are all included (where applicable) in the cost of our display homes, and landscaping and driveways are complete. Displays also come with our full, 25 year structural warranty for complete peace of mind. 

It’s important to note however, that items such as furniture, TVs and art are not included in the price of our displays, unless otherwise approved and stated in the special conditions of your contract.

Things to consider if looking at purchasing one of our display homes 

If you are looking at purchasing one of our display homes as an investment opportunity, it's important to consider the inclusions. Display homes are typically designed to appeal to a wide audience, which may mean there are limited customisation options. If personalising your living area is a priority, for example, a display home may not be the best fit.

You should also consider wear and tear. Given their role as showpieces, display homes may have experienced considerable foot traffic and wear. That’s why it’s important to conduct a thorough inspection before you buy. However, on the plus side, as they are professionally cleaned multiple times per week, and maintained to the highest standard, you'll feel as though you're walking into a brand new home. 

Pros and cons of buying a display home

Want to move straight into a new home, but not a display? 

Not interested in purchasing a display home, but still looking for a completed home that you can move into straight away? Then consider Home Now by Carlisle. Our beautiful, ready-built homes offer you and your family all the features you've been looking for in a new home, but we've taken care of everything for you - all you have to do is move in! 

No need to imagine what your home will look like, visit our ready built homes for sale and discover what it feels like to walk through the front door! Just like a display home, everything has been taken care of – from colour selections to paperwork, building, and even immaculate gardens. Your home is fully fitted with the latest features and finishes, and located in a thriving community close to all the amenities. 

Home Now is the perfect option for first-home buyers, and those that would like a brand new home without going through construction.

Welcome to Better with Carlisle 

Welcome to better! At Carlisle, we’re 100% committed to giving you the best service, best floor plans and best upgrades – whether you’re building your home from scratch or buying one of our stunning display homes.

Explore our current display homes for sale. 

Chat to us about your options to buy an ex display or build a brand new home with us today.