What to Look For When Visiting Display Homes: A First-Timer's Guide

Why Visiting Display Homes Is Worth Your Time

There's only so much you can learn from floor plans and online galleries. Walking through a display home gives you something no brochure can — a real sense of how a design feels to live in.

Display homes let you experience the flow from room to room, see how natural light fills a space, and get a tangible sense of ceiling height, room size, and the quality of finishes. It's the closest thing to a test drive for your future home.

Whether you're a first home buyer just starting to explore or an upgrader comparing multiple builders, visiting display homes tips the balance from guesswork to confident decision-making. And with an award-winning builder like Home Group, recognised by both the HIA and MBA for customer service and display home quality, offering 15 display homes across Perth and 25+ across Melbourne, there's no shortage of inspiration to take in.

What to Pay Attention To (Beyond the Styling)

Display homes are designed to impress, and they do. But the furniture, artwork, and styling are there to create a mood, not to come with the house. Here's where to focus your attention instead.

Layout and flow. Walk through the home as if you're living in it. Can you move easily from the kitchen to the outdoor area? Is the laundry conveniently placed? Do the bedrooms feel private from the living spaces? Good design isn't just about size, it's about how spaces connect.

Natural light. Notice where the windows are and how much light each room gets. Think about your block's orientation, will the living areas face north to capture winter sun? Natural light transforms a home, and it's something you can't add later.

Ceiling height and room proportions. Display homes often feature high ceilings, which make rooms feel larger and more open. Check whether this is standard or an upgrade as it can make a real difference to how spacious your home feels day to day.

Storage. Open the cupboards, check the pantry depth, and count the linen closets. Storage is one of those practical things you'll notice every single day once you move in.

Construction quality. Look at the finer details: how neatly do the joins meet? Are the tile edges clean? Do the doors and drawers glide smoothly? These small things tell you a lot about a builder's standards and workmanship.

Questions to Ask the Sales Consultant

A good sales consultant will welcome your questions as it's their job to help you feel confident about your decision. Here are some worth asking:

• What's included in the base price? This is the most important question. Get clear on what comes standard and what's been upgraded for the display.
• Can this design be modified to suit my block? Not every design fits every lot. Ask about block width requirements and whether the layout can be adjusted.
• What are the upgrade options and costs? If you love a particular feature, find out whether it's part of an inclusion package or an additional cost.
• What's the build timeline? Understanding how long the process takes helps you plan your move and finances.
• Do you offer house and land packages in my preferred area? This can simplify the process significantly, especially for first home buyers.

Standard Inclusions vs Display Upgrades — Spot the Difference

This is where many first-time visitors get caught out. Display homes are fitted with a mix of standard inclusions and upgrades, and it's not always obvious which is which.

Ask the consultant to walk you through what comes with the base price. Pay particular attention to:

• Kitchen finishes. Stone benchtops, tapware, and overhead cupboards may or may not be standard
• Flooring. Tiles, timber-look flooring, and carpet can vary significantly between inclusion levels
• Lighting and electrical. Pendant lights and extra power points are often upgrades
• Outdoor areas. Alfresco areas, landscaping, and fencing are typically not included

Some builders offer tiered inclusion packages. Home Group, for example, offers a Designer inclusion package and a Luxury package with a range of premium inclusions, so it's worth understanding which tier suits your budget and expectations.

How to Compare Display Homes Between Builders

If you're visiting display homes from multiple builders, a bit of structure goes a long way.

Take photos and notes at every visit. After your third or fourth display, they start to blur together. Snap photos of features you love, and jot down what stood out, both good and not so good. A simple notes app on your phone works perfectly.

Compare like for like. When comparing two builders, make sure you're looking at similar home sizes and price points. A four-bedroom luxury display will always outshine a three-bedroom entry-level one and that's not a fair comparison.

Look at standard inclusions side by side. This is where real value differences emerge. One builder's base package might include stone benchtops and ducted air conditioning, while another charges extra for both.

Pay attention to how you're treated. The display home experience often reflects the broader building experience. Are the consultants knowledgeable and patient? Do they listen to your needs or push a script? Trust your instincts here.

Check construction quality across builders. Look at the same details in every display including joins, paint edges, door hardware, tiling. Consistency in quality is a strong sign of a builder you can trust.

Make the Most of Your Visit — A Quick Checklist

Before you head out, here's a practical checklist to keep your visits focused and productive:

• Bring a measuring tape and check if your existing furniture will fit in key rooms
• Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be on your feet more than you expect
• Take photos of every room and label them with the builder and design name
• Ask for a printed floor plan to review later at home
• Note the block width requirement and make sure the design suits your land or land you're considering
• Ask what's standard vs upgraded and don't assume anything in the display comes with the base price
• Visit at different times of day if possible, as morning light and afternoon light tell different stories
• Revisit your top picks before making a final decision

Can't visit in person? Home Group also offers virtual tours so you can explore display homes from the comfort of your couch.

Ready to Start Exploring?

Visiting display homes is one of the most exciting steps in your building journey — and the more prepared you are, the more you'll get out of every visit.

Home Group has 15 display homes across Perth and multiple locations across Melbourne, all open for you to walk through at your own pace. If you're still exploring your options, browse the full range of home designs to find a design that suits your lifestyle and budget.

Your dream home is closer than you think and the best place to start is with a visit.