Top tips for choosing a block of land for your dream home

It’s not a difficult process but there are plenty of considerations you should be mindful of when buying a block of land to build your new home. We’ve outlined 20 handy tips below – we hope they are useful!

1. Choose your builder first.

Who you build with is the most important aspect of your new home journey. You want to partner with a reputable builder is financially secure and puts their customers first. The right builder will be able to assist you sourcing the ideal block of land and will find the best home design to match.

2. Is the block within a reputable estate?

Regardless of whether you are buying in a new or established suburb, research the local area and know what community you will be moving into. Is the new estate being developed by a reputable developer or does the established community have a safe reputation with strong resales? Speak to local agents and residents – the last thing you want is to move into an area you don’t like.

3. How accessible is the location?

Where is the block located within the suburb? Are you in a quiet or busy street and how easy is it to jump on and off main roads? It is important to consider the ‘bigger picture’ as well as the local street appeal.

4. What public transport options are available?

Historically blocks located close to public transport always retain their value. If public transport is a priority for you, explore what train stations or bus routes are close by or what is planned for the future. This could have a major impact on your lifestyle and weekly expenses.

5. What amenities are nearby?

Where is the block positioned in relation to shops, schools, child care, petrol stations and community facilities? Are there plans for amenities to be developed nearby in the future? If you don’t want far to travel – do your research!

6. What orientation is the block?

North facing orientation is always the most highly sought after because you can enjoy the sun throughout all seasons. Consider the orientation, plus your preferred house design, to ensure your new home will receive as much natural sunlight as possible.

7. What shape and size is the lot?

Is the size of the lot appropriate for the house design? Some developers create estates with smaller lots to encourage two or three storey homes, but this will substantially increase your building costs. Different councils can have very different rules regarding where on the block you can situate your home.

8. Are there any views?

Do you have views of parkland or the coast? Views add to the price of your block, but they are always in high demand and your land should retain its value which will be a bonus if you decide to sell.

9. Is it surrounded by parks or open space?

It is always beneficial to have parks nearby – especially if you have kids or a dog and your new home will be limited by a small backyard. Drive around the area or closely review the masterplan for the estate so you know what public spaces will be in walking distance to your property.

10. Are there any privacy issues?

If you are in a small-lot subdivision you will want to ensure there will be no privacy or overlooking issues with the neighbouring properties. Conversely, if you are in a rural or secluded location, you will want to consider safety and security.

11. Is the block level?

Be aware of sloped lots as they can increase your building costs. The general rule is that a sloped site will add an additional $10k for every metre of fall. This can add up quickly – especially if your block requires retaining walls or a split-level design.

12. Check the soil condition.

Check out the soil classification and ask the developer for a copy of the report. You need to know if the land is remediated or if the soil contains rock, fill, reactive soil, trees or a higher water table. It is important to know the soil quality as it can impact on compaction plus result in drainage or soil movement issues or possibly increase the cost of footings and foundations. Identify if there are any covenants or items affecting the quality or condition of the soil or engage the services of a qualified engineer to provide an independent assessment.

13. Are any site works required?

Site works are the preparatory works that must take place on a lot before the house is built and are generally additional costs. They can vary greatly from site to site and can be minimised with the selection of the right lot so do your homework. They may include works such as earthmoving, storm water disposal, connections, retaining plus more. Some builders will offer fixed siteworks, to help eliminate any confusion.

14. What services are you connected to?

Establish what utilities and services are available for you to connect to such as gas, telephone, water, electricity, NBN, fibre optic, sewer and stormwater. These utilities are usually provided in suburban estates, but it always pays to check.

15. Are you in a rural location?

If you build in a rural location, you need to be mindful of bushfires which can impact what materials you build with plus ongoing clearing and maintenance to your property.

16. What design guidelines and covenants apply?

In new estates, excessive covenants may restrict your preferred design and the building materials you want to use plus add additional building costs. Covenants are generally shown on the Title so thoroughly check your documents and have your agent and/or conveyancer provide you with further details if applicable.

17. Be aware of any easements.

An easement is a section of your property that has an underground service installed which services the surrounding neighbourhood and you can’t build over it, effectively reducing the ‘useable’ area of your lot. Establish if any exist within your lot and what impact they will have.

18. Check out the street front.

Check the following to make sure they don’t impact on your lot or the preferred position of the house – verge trees, side entry gullies, power poles, light poles, connections, sewers, hydrants, footpaths and access ramps.

19. Will you receive any rebates or incentives?

Many land developers offer a landscaping and fencing rebate as it helps create some uniformity throughout the estate. Many additional incentives are also on offer (such as cash bonuses or vouchers) to attract buyers to their estate and when combined with the landscaping and fencing rebates it has the potential to save thousands of dollars so shop around!

20. Buy now and for the future.

Always consider the resale potential of where you buy and what you build. Don’t overcapitalise and think of the future – can you subdivide down the track? Is single or double storey a better option? Be smart and go for it!

If you would like a helping hand to select your new block of land, call us on 9242 9200 or head to a Dale Alcock Homes Display Home near you and one of our experienced New Homes Consultants will assist you to find the perfect block.