A driven Port Macquarie couple with an ambitious 5-year plan has claimed the final $5,000 house and land deposit voucher at Sovereign Hills.First home buyers Tarnia Hall and Ben Griffin were thrilled to learn they’ll have a spare $5,000 to put towards their finishes touches after signing on with a display village builder.They decided on a custom design with Hotondo Homes and look forward to proving to themselves and their families if you put your heart and soul towards something it will pay off.“It’s pretty daunting,” admitted Tarnia.

“But Hotondo has been amazing,”“Heaps of people have laughed at us because we’re dreaming big.”Tarnia (19), a property manager at Elders, and Ben (20), an apprentice carpenter who runs his own fencing and property maintenance business after hours, share a common goal.“It was in my 5-year plan to buy a home by the time I was 25, Ben had the same dream,” Tarnia shared.

“I work 12 hours a day basically,” said Ben. “I don’t drink. We rarely go out.”They thanked their parents for their immense support. Living at home has allowed them to stick to their savings plan.

The couple attended the Sovereign Hills First Home Buyers Workshop in July. An initiative of Sovereign Hills and the Display Village, the event was aimed at helping attendees fast-track their savings plan in today’s economic climate.

Five $5,000 home and land deposit vouchers were also made available to the first five people who both purchased a block of Sovereign Hills land and signed a building contract with a display village builder.

Winning the last voucher was a bonus for Tarnia and Ben who plan on putting it towards furniture or turf.They’re building a 4-bedroom home with an enclosed media room in Sovereign Hills’ Stirling Green precinct and have been tracking the area’s rapid growth with interest.“It’s fresh, it’s new, which is what Port needs,” added Tarnia.

The couple has customised the build to suit their budget, which meant the double vanity in the ensuite had to go, however the butler’s pantry and 900mm stove were non-negotiable.

“The kitchen was off limits,” laughed Tarnia.They’re both looking forward to watching their new home take shape, and of one day living on acreage. It’s a vision which will certainly come true if the early signs are anything to go by.