What to Look for when Buying a Block of Land

Buying a block of land on which to build a house is often the Australian dream. There’s nothing quite like coming home to that brand new home feeling where you’ve created a haven that’s designed to enhance your family’s unique lifestyle. But before you buy a vacant lot – rather than a house and land package – do know that there are a few extra factors to consider. Here’s your block-buying checklist.

1. It’s the golden rule of property: location, location, location. Is your block close enough to shops, schools and public transport? Perhaps your family needs the convenience of parks, sporting facilities or medical centres nearby. Are there firm plans for these amenities to be developed in the near future?  Not only are such things good for your own lifestyle, but it helps with your home’s value and reselling. If your budget is tight, try to spend more on the best piece of land in the best suburb you can afford now and aim to upgrade the home you build later with extensions, renovations or more luxurious finishings.

2. Keep an eye out for extra building restrictions placed on your block by your developer in addition to council regulations. These may determine elements like the style of the house, materials used, the maximum allowable height or even how many cars you can park in the street and for how long. Restrictions aren’t necessarily a negative, however. It means your neighbours have to be in keeping with the street’s atmosphere too! Good developers will be upfront about design guidelines.

3. Look to the future! Find out what future roads and infrastructure is planned through your local council, this can definitely have a positive impact on convenience and livability. Another (near) future factor is whether the block’s orientation is north facing – this will help you save plenty on power bills over time through passive heating and cooling!

4. Understand what easements (that you can’t build permanently over) apply to your block plus how far you need to set the house back from the street and fence lines. These will determine the size and shape of your new home.

5. In general, building on a sloped block can add more costs in terms of digging and retaining walls. So look for land that is as flat as possible to save some funds. It’s also easier to build on a block that’s a regular shape like a square or rectangle. Monument in Plumpton has 11 builder-friendly lots of land left. So drop into the sales office at 1392 Plumpton Road, Plumpton for more information. We’re open 7 days a week from 11am to 5pm, or call us on 1300 040 563