Build v buy in 2026: what actually stacks up?

FOR today’s buyers, the decision to build or buy isn’t just about property, it’s about possibility and long-term value.

Across Ballarat and Bendigo, builders like Simonds Homes are seeing more buyers enter the market with a clearer understanding of not just what they want in a home, but how that home will perform over time.

“As buyers become more informed, we’re seeing a real shift towards long-term thinking,” says Mel Goodwin, local New Home Specialist at Simonds.

“It’s not just about getting into the market, it’s about choosing a home that supports your lifestyle and reduces costs over time.”

In 2026, that’s changing the way we think about the age-old question: should you build, or should you buy?

Buying: confidence in what you can see Established homes continue to offer a sense of certainty.

You can walk through the space, get a feel for the neighbourhood, and move forward knowing exactly what you’re buying.

For many, that immediacy is a major advantage, especially when you’re ready to make a move now.

And with the right property, there is also opportunity to add value over time.

Renovating, upgrading, and improving energy performance can all be part of the journey.

But it’s here that many buyers are asking a new question: what will this home cost me to run?

Older homes, while full of character, often weren’t designed with modern energy standards in mind.

Heating, cooling and insulation can quickly become ongoing expenses, particularly in regions with cooler winters like Ballarat and Bendigo.

 

Renovations can also be less predictable than they first appear, with costs often increasing once work begins, especially in older homes where hidden issues can surface.

For many buyers, it is not just the purchase price to consider, but the potential for ongoing repairs and upgrades over time.

Building: designed for the way you live today

This is where building is gaining real momentum, and where builders like Simonds are helping reshape expectations.

A new home is not just about how it looks, it is about how it performs.

Today’s homes are being designed with energy efficiency front of mind, from improved insulation and glazing to smarter orientation and more efficient systems.

At Simonds, homes are built to meet or exceed a 7-star energy rating, setting a new benchmark for comfort and efficiency. Many designs also incorporate inclusions like photovoltaic solar panels, helping homeowners reduce their reliance on the grid and take greater control of their energy use from day one.

“We’re having more conversations about energy performance than ever before,” says Goodwin.

“When you can design a home that’s more comfortable to live in and cheaper to run, that’s where building really stands out.”

 

What that means in real terms is a home that stays warmer in winter, cooler in summer, and relies less on heating and cooling. Over time, that can translate into meaningful savings on energy bills, as well as a more comfortable day-to-day living experience.

With more streamlined processes, clearer pricing, and turnkey options available, building has become a far more accessible and transparent pathway than many expect.

For many buyers, that combination of comfort, control, and long-term savings is a compelling advantage.

So, what actually stacks up?

The answer is the option that supports your lifestyle now and into the future. For some, that will be an established home in a location they love, with the potential to improve over time. For others, it will be the opportunity to build a home that is efficient, considered, and designed to reduce costs from day one.

What has changed is the level of control buyers have. With more choice, more transparency and a deeper understanding of long-term value, buyers are in a stronger position than ever to make decisions with confidence.

If you want to learn if building is for you, reach out to the Simonds team or find a display near you at simonds.com.au

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