With a strong desire to break the rental cycle and create greater stability for their growing family, Bianca and Ben embarked on our fast-tracked Express journey to secure their first step onto the property ladder. 

The young couple first discovered Simonds Homes while visiting the Aura Display Village in Bells Creek on the Sunshine Coast. 

“We visited every single builder in the estate and Simonds was one of the only builders in the village who would really take first home buyers,” Bianca said. 

It was there they fell in love with the coastal-inspired facade on display — and met their New Home Specialist, Kyle Waters. 

“Kyle was amazing. We sat with him for probably about 12 hours altogether, going through different versions of floorplans, asking him lots of questions, and he was really good at showing us all the different options we could do for our block,” Bianca added. 

Finding the right design for their lifestyle

As first home buyers, Bianca and Ben had a clear vision for what they wanted — and Kyle helped bring it to life with a range of tailored options. 

Two living areas were essential, giving them flexibility and space for quiet downtime. They were also set on positioning their master bedroom at the rear of the home, providing greater privacy and protection from the harsh Queensland sun. 

From the outset, building new was always their goal. To take advantage of Queensland’s First Home Owner Grant, they needed to remain under the $750,000 property price threshold. Bianca explains that purchasing an established home within that budget would have likely limited them to a small 2-bedroom unit on the Sunshine Coast. Building, however, gave them the opportunity to secure additional space, an extra bedroom, and the ability to personalise a home to suit their changing needs. 

After renting for several years, they received unexpected news that their landlord would be moving back into the property — despite their strong rental history and the effort they had invested into maintaining and improving the garden. The couple then moved back in with family to accelerate the savings process for their first home.  

“Kyle was amazing. We sat with him for probably about 12 hours altogether, going through different versions of floorplans, asking him lots of questions, and he was really good at showing us all the different options we could do for our block,” Bianca added. 

With Kyle’s guidance, they chose the Wattleseed 19 design from the Emerge range and went through the Express pathway — which granted them a build time of under 100 days.   

“When I first met Bianca and Ben, we explored together the ideal floorplan, inclusions and timeframes to suit their budget and land”, says Kyle. 

“Taking the extra time to find out what they're looking for in their first home, helped us to clearly understand their requirements from the start and find the right fit, setting them up for success throughout new home journey with Simonds. 

As first home buyers, it's important to take the extra time upfront with your New Home Specialist to understand what you're looking for in your first home. This gives you a clear direction and sets you up for a smooth journey ahead”, he adds.  

Speed was a major priority for the couple — particularly with their first child on the way. They settled on a block of land in a close-knit, family-friendly community on the Sunshine Coast and, with their now 7-month-old, have loved living directly opposite a neighbourhood park. 

A smooth-sailing construction journey

When construction got underway, the excitement only grew. Living nearby allowed them to regularly drive past the site and watch their home take shape. 

“Our Site Supervisor Adam — he was amazing. He walked us through every step and messaged us every week with updates. There was always a development, something new happening on-site every week. The whole process was really fast, which was what we wanted.” 

For Bianca and Ben, thoughtful personalisations — such as adding a window and extra bench space to their walk-in pantry — have made a meaningful difference. Not only does it provide additional storage, but it also creates a clear line of sight to the backyard, something they know will become increasingly helpful as their son grows and begins playing outside. 

“Our Site Supervisor Adam — he was amazing. He walked us through every step and messaged us every week with updates. There was always a development, something new happening on-site every week. The whole process was really fast, which was what we wanted.” 

Advice for future home buyers

For other first home buyers seeking greater stability and ready to move on from renting, Bianca and Ben have simple advice for those looking to get their leg up on the ladder. 

“Don’t hold back on what you want to do. It doesn’t cost a lot to put down a deposit and take that time to save. Because at the end of the day, it’ll be worth it. You’ll have your own home, your own space, with a sense of stability and you won’t have to worry about landlords or inspections ever again,” they say.