What is a Master Planned Community? Understanding House & Land vs Townhouse Options
When searching for a new home or investment property, you may come across the term master-planned community (or MPC). These large-scale developments are becoming increasingly popular across Australia, especially in growing suburban and regional corridors. But what exactly is a master-planned community—and how do house & land packages compare to townhouses within these developments?
In this article, we break down the concept and explore the key differences between these two popular property types in a master-planned setting.
What are Master Planned Communities?
Master planned communities are a thoughtfully designed residential development, typically built in stages over several years. Unlike smaller subdivisions, MPCs are designed with a long-term vision in mind. They often include a mix of:
- Residential homes (house & land, townhouses, apartments)
- Parks and playgrounds
- Schools and childcare centres
- Retail and shopping precincts
- Community centres and sporting facilities
- Walking and cycling paths
- Transport links and road upgrades
These developments are often led by a single developer or consortium, ensuring consistency in quality, layout, and infrastructure. The goal? To create a well-connected, liveable neighbourhood that supports a high-quality lifestyle.
House & Land in Master-Planned Communities
House & land packages are a common offering in MPCs. Buyers purchase a block of land and then select a home design—either from a range of builder options or by working with a preferred builder.
Key features of house & land packages:
- Customisation – You can choose your own layout, façade, and finishes, giving you greater control over the final result.
- Space – These homes typically sit on larger blocks with backyards, ideal for families or those wanting room to grow.
- Stage-by-stage process – Land must title and settle before construction begins, so the overall timeline can be longer.
- Stamp duty savings – You usually only pay stamp duty on the land component, which can lead to significant savings.
- Suited for – Families, upgraders, and those looking to build a personalised home or long-term investment.
Townhouses in Master-Planned Communities
Townhouses are increasingly featured in MPCs, especially near town centres, parks, or key amenities. These homes are usually designed and built by the developer or a partner builder, offered as a complete turnkey package.
Key features of townhouses:
- Low-maintenance living – Compact designs with minimal outdoor upkeep, ideal for busy lifestyles or investors.
- Fixed-price convenience – Often sold as ready-built or off-the-plan packages with no need to manage the build process.
- Efficient use of space – Multi-level layouts make the most of smaller land footprints.
- Potential for shared amenities – Some townhouse precincts include shared gardens, BBQ areas, or even community spaces.
- Suited for – First-home buyers, investors, downsizers, and professionals seeking low-maintenance homes in a well-connected location.
Which One is Right for You?
Choosing between house & land and a townhouse often comes down to your goals and lifestyle:
- House & land is great if you want more space, value flexibility in design, and are happy to go through the building process.
- Townhouses offer a simpler, lower-maintenance option that’s often closer to key amenities and quicker to occupy or rent out.
Both options benefit from the broader advantages of being in a master-planned community – access to essential infrastructure, long-term vision for growth, and a sense of belonging to a thriving, well-designed neighbourhood.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re building your dream home or securing your next investment, master-planned communities offer a compelling opportunity. They bring together lifestyle, liveability, and long-term value in one location.
At Crest Property Investments, we specialise in sourcing both house & land packages and townhouses in some of Australia’s most sought-after master-planned communities. If you’re unsure which option is right for you, we’re here to guide you every step of the way—from search to settlement.
Get in touch today to learn how we can help you make a confident and informed property decision.
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While we have taken care to ensure the information above is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances and legislation after the displayed date may impact the accuracy of this article. If you want to learn more, please contact us. We welcome the opportunity to assist you.
June 2025
