Over time, your land investment will return much more than your home, making it crucial that you choose the best block. Consider the following three factors when choosing your perfect block of land:
1. Location
As one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make, it’s important to find the right location for your home. Budget, transport links, accessibility to schools, recreation and other facilities should all be considered when looking for the ideal community to call home.
2. Lifestyle
You’re investing in the entire neighbourhood, so matching your lifestyle with the location is very important. Focus on what lifestyle you and your family like to live, such as going on walks, playing in the park with your kids, great coffee at a local café – consider everything that would make a location your perfect place to live.
3. Block and shape
This will determine which ‘off the plan’ home designs you can choose from. The size of the block will influence the cost, maintenance required and footprint of your home.
- Flute or Terrace: 140sqm to 225sqm, with frontages of less than 8.5m (rear-loaded).
- Cottage or courtyard: 225sqm to 450sqm, typically with frontages of 8.5m to 12m (rear-loaded).
- Traditional: over 450sqm, typically with frontages of 13m or more (front-loaded).
- Homestead or acreage: 1000sqm or more.
FAQ’S
How much should I budget for site works?
It all depends on
what lies beneath your block,
how much it slopes and where
you are building. Some sites are
rocky, sandy or contain heavy
clays. Site works include all
the work it takes to prepare a
site for building and it can be
difficult to estimate the exact
price. Builders will be able to
advise you of an approximate
cost based on previous work in
the area so make sure you allow for the maximum price advised
in your building budget so you
don’t get caught out.
What does titled or registered land mean?
For any property to be legally
sold including a new land lot, it
must have a certificate of title or registration confirmation statement.
This is a legal document issued
by a state/territory government
which details the description of
the piece of land and who owns
it. When you buy a property the
title or registration will officially be transferred
to you.
What is a rear-loaded block?
A rear-loaded block offers vehicle
access or accommodation from
the rear. This generally means
your garage is located at the
back of your house. This has the
advantage of creating walkable,
more intimate neighbourhoods,
free of driveways with more
attractive streetscapes.
What is a setback?
A setback is
the distance from a boundary
to a building. The setback
of buildings from the street
has a significant impact on
the character and feel of a
neighbourhood. The ideal
setback for your neighbourhood
will depend on the lot type and
style of the estate. Large rural
blocks will have bigger setbacks
encouraging a sense of privacy
whereas smaller, cottage style
lots will have smaller setbacks to
allow for the creation of friendly
street frontages.
Why is the frontage important?
How wide the front of your block
is will determine the style and
size of the home you build. It
may also impact on whether
the garage is placed at the
front or rear of the block. Most
estates have building covenants
and guidelines to protect your
investment and ensure a quality
street appeal throughout the
entire neighbourhood. For more
information, talk to your builder
or architect before choosing your
home design.
DISCLAIMER: This document is a guide only, buyers should make their own enquiries before making their purchase.
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