
Considering Buying a Block of Land? Here are 6 Tips You Need to Know
Buying a block of land to build your dream home certainly has its advantages. It gives you the option to start from scratch, build the home you’ve always wanted that’s tailored especially for your needs. But finding and purchasing a block of land can be an intimidating process and one that you want to get right from the beginning.
Certain factors need to be addressed to assist with your overall decision process. We’ve listed 6 points that you should consider when looking at a block of land, before you sign on the dotted line.
1. Location is key
Location is the number one factor that comes into account when looking to buy land.
The location needs to be situated in an area that makes sense for you. Ideally, your block should be close to the amenities which are going to make your life a little easier – consider schools, shops, cafes, public transport options, medical facilities, parks, and playgrounds. Everyone’s requirements will differ, but it’s good to think about all of the options which may make your home more appealing should you wish to sell in the future.
Depending on your intentions with your new home, the future may also need to be considered. Investment growth generally eventuates from the land, not from the house, making it a smart investment to find the perfect block (suited to your budget) before you even begin to design your dream home.
The right allotment in a good growth area provides the potential for your investment to grow substantially over time.
2. Land Shape and Size
Allotments come in a variety of options– square, rectangular, flat, sloped or steep. There are corner blocks, battle-axe blocks, low-lying blocks, rocky blocks, blocks with trees, etc. and each type of block will present its challenges when it comes to designing your home.
You should consider the space that you’ll require – a family would be looking at a larger block, possibly with space left over for a garden/entertaining area, whereas singles or couples often require less space for their build. When looking at your block size and shape consider your desired home design. A flat, rectangular block may be the most popular choice for many, but blocks of different shapes or gradients have their pros also.
When looking at the block size, shape, and features you should carefully analyse how the home design and construction costs may be impacted, for example:
- A steep block of land that has not been retained will cost more to build upon. Water runoff could also cause a potential issue if the block is located below street level.
- Trees can be expensive to remove, or their removal may be prohibited. It is important to conduct further research in this case.
- Fire and flood risks can affect home insurance policies. You can discuss if your block is at risk with your local council.
Check if there are any easements or council restrictions in place which may affect the use or the resale of the land.
3. Orientation of the Block
The orientation of the block is also an important factor to consider. Your individual and cultural preferences will obviously inform your decision, however generally speaking in Australia, a north-facing build is the most favoured orientation. If a property faces north, this allows the option for your home to be more environmentally friendly and will give your home more natural light. Your energy bills will be greatly reduced and, with proper placement of rooms and windows, further energy savings can be made.
4. Do you know your Soil?
Once you have your ideal block of land in mind, an excellent investment to make is to have a qualified engineer conduct a soil test (if one hasn’t been administered on the block previously). It’s a good idea to include ‘subject to a satisfactory soil report’ when making your offer on the block.
Soils range in strength, reactivity, stability, and quality. The last thing you want to happen is for your foundation to become cracked or damaged down the track due to inadequate soil.
The type of soil present could mean increased costs as reinforcements, additional excavation, or additional draining may be required.
5. Zoning
Researching zoning regulations, of your location as well as the surrounding areas, before you buy your block is vital. It’s also important to be aware of any upcoming plans to build infrastructure in the region.
Strict rules may be put in place by the council which dictates what the land can be used for (residential, industrial, commercial, etc.). You need to ensure that you’re able to build your intended property on the land. You’ll also want to know if there’s the potential to build a warehouse or a complex apartment block next door – this could quickly turn your plans for a dream home into a nightmare.
6. Utilities
Can your land be connected to all of the utilities that you’ll require? Is the water, gas, electricity, internet, stormwater, and sewage already pre-laid?
Should these services need to be installed, this can quickly become an extremely costly process (this can be common in rural areas).
If the utilities are available for connection, it’s recommended to research which providers can service the land, their pricing, and the time needed to connect.
Make the journey stress-free and enjoyable
Buying a block should be an exciting time and by getting the right parcel of land, suited to your property and your budget, you’ll reap the benefits.
When purchasing a block in South Australia to build on, you’ll also save on stamp duty as this component is only payable on the land. Whereas if you purchase an established home, you pay stamp duty on the property as well as the value of the land.
Should you need any help along the way contact the team at Lofty Building Group. We understand that a new building project can become a stressful journey, as well as financially costly if you’re not aware of the complex issue that may be involved. We remove the unknown to allow you to comfortably and confidently enjoy the journey, working within your budget.
We pride ourselves on our extensive experience and expertise in creating a stress-free and transparent service. We offer a range of new build services – project management, custom homes, developments, and House and Land Packages in Adelaide.
At Lofty, we’re 100% here for you.