Cost estimates only: Any building, material or upgrade figures on this page are indicative, not fixed prices or quotes. Confirm current written costs, specifications and inclusions directly with your builder, supplier or relevant trade.
What Is "Turnkey"?
In real estate and residential construction, "turnkey" means the property is ready to occupy immediately at handover — everything is done, from the home itself to the landscaping, driveway, letterbox, and window furnishings. The term comes from the idea that you simply "turn the key" and walk in to your new home.
In practice, "turnkey" has become a marketing term that different builders and developers define differently. Some use it to mean the home is complete (no extra trades needed). Others use it to mean an all-inclusive package with specific additional items like fencing, landscaping, and appliances.
Watch Out
What a Genuine Turnkey Package Should Include
A genuine turnkey package — one where you can move in at handover without any additional contractor work — should include all of the following:
- ✓Complete house construction: All internal finishes, fixtures, and fittings
- ✓Driveway (finished surface): Concrete, exposed aggregate, or pavers — not just a formed sub-base
- ✓Fencing (perimeter): At minimum, boundary fencing to the rear and side boundaries
- ✓Turf / landscaping to front yard: At minimum, turf and garden edging to the street frontage
- ✓Letterbox: A working letterbox at the front boundary
- ✓Clothesline: Functional clothesline in the rear yard
- ✓Window furnishings: Roller blinds or similar to all habitable windows
- ✓All kitchen appliances: Including oven, cooktop, rangehood, and dishwasher
- ✓Flyscreens to windows and doors: Often excluded in non-turnkey packages
What "Turnkey" Often Doesn't Include
Even in builder-marketed "turnkey" packages, the following items are frequently excluded:
- ✕Back yard landscaping and turf
- ✕Swimming pool or spa
- ✕TV antenna or NBN installation
- ✕Soft furnishings, furniture, and décor
- ✕Outdoor furniture for alfresco
- ✕Garden irrigation / reticulation
- ✕Smoke alarm testing and certification (varies)
- ✕Solar panels and battery storage
- ✕EV charging infrastructure
- ✕Security system or cameras
Turnkey vs Standard Package
| Item | Standard Package | Turnkey Package |
|---|---|---|
| Home construction | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Driveway (finished) | Varies — often concrete only | ✓ Usually included |
| Front yard landscaping | Varies | ✓ Usually included |
| Fencing | Rarely included | ✓ Usually included |
| Letterbox | Not included | ✓ Included |
| Clothesline | Not included | ✓ Included |
| Window furnishings | Not included | ✓ Usually included |
| All appliances | Varies | ✓ Included |
| Flyscreens | Varies | ✓ Usually included |
Turnkey Due Diligence Checklist
Before signing a "turnkey" contract, confirm each of these items in writing:
- 1Is the driveway a finished surface (what type) or just a formed sub-base?
- 2Does landscaping include back yard or front yard only?
- 3What fencing is included — rear only, or full perimeter?
- 4Are window furnishings included, and to which rooms?
- 5Is a dishwasher included in the appliances?
- 6Are flyscreens included to all windows and doors?
- 7Is there a letterbox and clothesline included?
- 8What is the turf species included and is it roll-on or seeded?
- 9Are there any items described as 'provisional' within the turnkey price?
Varies by Builder
'Turnkey' Definition
No legal standard exists. Always request a written schedule of all items included in any 'turnkey' advertised price. Have your solicitor review before signing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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