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If you’ve decided to build a home instead of buy an existing home, chances are you’ll be looking into buying a suitable block of land. The land you choose is just as important (if not more important) as the house itself. This is where your ideal home will be built – so it would be in your best interest to be sure that the block you choose is right for you.
Finding the right block of land is not easy, land is in itself is becoming more and more scare. Then there are the more technical aspects to consider that will make or break the convenience (and budget) of the building experience to – size, shape, orientation, location etc. Knowing how to buy land will help you make a sound investment decision for the future property value of your new build.
Here are some important factors to consider when buying your first block of land;
Location is key
It may be an old real-estate saying but its importance and relevance can’t be ignored – your block of land must be located in a spot that makes sense for you and the lifestyle you wish to enjoy in your new home.
Ideally, the block you buy should be close enough to the nearest amenities – schools, medical facilities, cafés, parks, shops and access to public transport. Not only does this enhance your experience whilst living in your house, it can also significantly impact the value of your home should you wish to sell down the track.
In addition, you are advised to pay attention to the details too, there could be nothing worse for new homeowners than finding an ideal plot of land only to realise it’s located in a flood or fire zone. Most experienced home builders will offer house & land packages where they have done the hard work for you by selecting a site that is zoned as residential. You can also contact your local council for further information.
Allotments of land comes in all shapes and sizes and the type of block you buy will inevitably influence the style and dimensions of the house you build. The most common blocks are generally flat, rectangular lots (giving a wider variety of house designs to choose from) as opposed to say a sloping block.
Block Specifications
Allotments of land comes in all shapes and sizes and the type of block you buy will inevitably influence the style and dimensions of the house you build. The most common blocks are generally flat, rectangular lots (giving a wider variety of house designs to choose from) as opposed to say a sloping block.
Size
The size of your block will be determined by your personal preferences and circumstances. It goes without saying, the larger the block of land, the higher the cost will be. We should also point out that when choosing a size, you should always keep in mind your future plans. For instance, a young couple looking to grow their family will need sufficient bedroom & living space to accommodate that, whereas a single owner will need/want less bedroom space but may want additional garage space or entertaining space.
Sloping block
This type of block may offer better views of the surrounding neighbourhood but it’s just as important to realise that they often limit your choice of home designs and tend to increase building costs as it requires more land preparation and at times can be quite challenging. Master builders like Valcon Homes will have suitable sloping block house designs and the expertise to successfully carry out the home build.
Orientation
An integral part in any construction project is orientation. Why? Because if you get this wrong during your design and build process, it could be an expensive and uncomfortable mistake. In Australia, the most popular orientation for a home build is north-facing. This orientation allows the sun to comfortably provide heat and natural light to your home throughout the day, helping you improve on your energy efficiency and save on your electricity bill. It is important to consider the orientation of the block and the ideal house design before purchasing land.
Utilities
If you are considering building your new home on land that is yet to be developed, it’s a good idea to contact utility companies to get costs for connecting the block to electricity, water and sewage. When buying land in a development project, the developer or your home builder will likely have arranged for these connections.
Ultimately, you should always be an educated home buyer or new home builder. So, as you’re narrowing down your options on land, keep track of all the extra costs associated with each site. Then you can choose the right block for your new home.
The team at Valcon Homes is committed to ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable build journey whether you already have a block of land in mind or are considering one of our sourced house & land options. Contact us, if you have any questions or would like to discuss options.
