Often when we start the home building journey, we do so with the conversation that seems most natural. We need somewhere to build!   

If only it were as simple as picking a nice patch of land for the right price. 

Choosing the right lot of land is essential as you may find yourself restricted to the type of house you can build on your selected block.

The great news is, you do not have to search alone! Involving a builder from the outset can be advantageous in many ways. The right builder can equip you with the knowledge you need to enhance your journey and ensure you gain an outcome you are happy with. 

We have put together some key factors to consider when searching for the perfect block of land. 

Experience 

Builders are vastly experienced. The builder you speak with will most likely have experience in a particular area or estate; they will be able to provide you with advice on what to expect based on their experience with previous projects. 

To the untrained eye, most blocks of land look alike, but an experienced builder will be able to advise of the necessary work needed to prepare the block for construction. Their expertise early in the process could end up saving you thousands in site costs and just as many headaches down the track

Floorplan Suitability

Deciding on your floor plan is one of the most exhilarating decisions in the building process. It is the one that will significantly impact how you experience life in your new home as it will support your future lifestyle.

One of the biggest pitfalls is not taking into consideration how your floor plan choice will work on your chosen block of land. Countless times buyers will enter a builder’s office with a lot of land, a handful of their preferred designs to ultimately realise that it may not work as well as they had initially hoped.

To avoid such disappointment, it’s a good idea to enter conversations with builders early in the process and discuss what you seek in a floorplan. 

Working closely with a builder ensures you choose the right floor plan to accommodate your lifestyle and the right land to accommodate your home.

This is particularly important if you are considering any lots or designs with the following features: 

Easements – Many lots will have easements on the property. When building a home you cannot build the dwelling over an easement. Your floorplan choice maybe restricted as a result. Also if you do have a design that goes up to or very close to the easement, this may require reinforcement and additional costs. It is always best to consult a builder when choosing a floorplan and understanding the impact any easement has on your choice.

Fall (Slope) – The condition of your land will impact site costs based on how much work is required to prepare the site for construction. Many builders offer flexible designs that are ideal for sloping blocks. Your builder will help you maximize your opportunities to achieve the best possible outcome. 

Corner or Irregular lots – Building on a corner or irregular block offers a range of advantages but faces significant challenges too. An irregular block can feel spacious due to being open to good lighting and views. However, you might face additional building restrictions. Make sure you discuss your options with a builder to gain an understanding of the challenges a block might face. 

Lots in established areas – Before you consider buying a block, you should be aware of all building restrictions associated with the site that may affect your build. A builder will help you weigh up the pros and cons based on your circumstances. 

Double storeys –  Double storey houses are a great way to maximise space, but they can also max out your budget. The size of your block and location will be taken into consideration as not every block can accommodate a double storey building.

Land availability and visibility 

Searching for the right block can be an overwhelming and time-consuming process. You are in decision-making mode from the outset! 

Did you know that builders often have greater visibility into what land is available across your selected region? 

Often full land availability is not advertised on leading real estate platforms, and you will only get a sample of what is available!  

It’s a good idea to talk to your preferred builder and request to see a full catalog of land that’s available. Their insider knowledge will assist you in making an informed decision with confidence.

Design Guidelines 

Finding the perfect lot of land-based on area, orientation, and your preferred floorplan is just part of the equation when you build in a new community. You will be introduced to a specific set of design guidelines that your new home will need to comply with.

These guidelines are commonly enforced by the developer of the new community to maintain a certain standard and visual appeal across their development. Navigating these documents can be quite tricky as they are often long and tedious with a lot of details. Your builder will have an in-depth understanding of these documents and what will be required of your build. 

Many estates will have their own unique requirements when it comes to guidelines. In addition, if you are building in an established area, your lot may have certain overlays on the property such as a heritage overlay. This dictates what you can and cannot do on the property. 

Often these guidelines may incur additional expenses for you when it comes time to select your builder or chosen floor plan. The sooner you engage in the conversation with the builder, the sooner you will gain greater clarity on any expenses you may need to incur to meet the community guidelines. 

Conclusion

When looking for the perfect block of land, there is more to consider than just price and location. 

Selecting the right lot of land will be the most significant decision you make regarding your home. It will be one that faces many challenges that can impact the quality of your build. 

Navigating the home-building process can be challenging; you don’t have to do it alone! A hasty purchase might end up costing you much more time and money than anticipated. The process can become a lot easier if you engage with a reputable builder from the outset — common pitfalls when the building can be easily avoided with the right help and guidance.

The sooner you engage with a builder, the more informed you will become on making the best purchase to suit your lifestyle and accommodate your dream home. 

nce you have built your house, the location of your lot is the one thing you can never change about your home. Building a house on a standard lot can seem daunting enough. 

What about a corner lot? 

Yes, a corner block can offer the flexibility of dual access, but will their setbacks impact the design of your home? 

Yes, it’s true, you will have one less neighbor to worry about, but are they noisier than a regular block? 

We have compiled some common questions that arise when considering a corner block. Their unique positioning offers distinct advantages, but can their drawbacks impact your build? 

Let us find out! 

Unique setback rules

The most common concern that arises with corner lots is that they are subjected to specific setback rules. 

You should be aware of the distance you can build from the boundaries may vary for your corner lot. This can result in less land being available to build on, which can be an issue if you are considering a smaller block of land. 

An example of this is when the lot might be 14m wide, so you immediately think you can build a floorplan designed for a 14m wide lot. In many cases, this may not be the case due to the additional setback requirements, so you may have to consider designs that are suited for 12.5m lots instead. 

Setback rules will vary depending on the location of your block; your sales consultant can advise you correctly.

Setbacks may impact your floor plan choice

Given you may have additional setback requirements, it is essential to emphasize that this can reduce your building envelope (the area on the lot of land where you can build). This may result in being limited to the floor plan you can select. So, if you have your heart set on a floor plan, make sure you consult your builder before purchasing the land.

During your quest to find the perfect block of land, remember to consider the future. A highly functioning floor plan will not only add value to your lifestyle, but it can also determine the value of your home too.

Corner treatments

Corner treatments are created to encourage visually appealing streetscapes designed to benefit the entire neighborhood. As your home will be addressing two streets, most developers will require your floor plan facade to attend to the secondary street frontage as well. 

Your builder will accommodate this by placing a design feature to address both streets. This can include additional windows or pillars. Check your estate covenants to see the guidelines that apply to your block of interest so that you don’t overextend your budget.

Fence 

The rules get interesting when it comes to corner blocks. Depending on where you build, there may be additional considerations concerning fence height. In some areas, you might have to install a fence at a reduced height. This should be discussed with the land agent or builder to determine if this applies, as you may need council consent and a building permit if you wish to construct a higher fence. 

Solar access 

It’s a well-known fact that solar panels add value to the environment, but did you know that they also increase the value of your home? Every home needs some form of electricity. Solar panels help reduce the cost of your bills, which in return adds to the resale value of your house!

Depending on the orientation of your lot, your corner block might be perfect at capturing sunlight.

You can test your lot here to determine if that would be the case. 

Noise consideration

Commonly people bring up the idea that you will have more noise due to your block addressing two streets. This concern is entirely location-dependent and may apply on busier streets. However, if you have found a corner block of your dreams, but you are concerned about noise pollution, the great news is, there are plenty of sound-reducing solutions that cover a range of budgets.

Double glazed windows are the simplest and most effective way to minimize external noise. Not only do they keep your home a quiet haven, but they also improve the thermal insulation within your home, reducing energy costs!

Dual Access

In some situations, you may get the opportunity for side access. This can be particularly helpful for tradespeople as it provides clear and easy access for large machinery and tools. The flexibility of direct access can reduce the cost of construction and limit the disruption to your home!

Value

One of the primary reasons people are attracted to corner lots is the value they provide; often, these lots are avoided by buyers because of a lack of understanding. The prices on corner lots, as a result, will be at a more favorable price when compared to the lot next door. 

If you are on very specific budget, corner lots present an excellent opportunity to get into the market. 

Conclusion 

If you find a corner lot that you think maybe the ideal buy, but you’re concerned it might harbor drawbacks, we suggest you engage in a conversation with your preferred builder early in the process. 

Chances are they will have experience in that area so they can advise you of any building regulations associated with that lot. Their expertise will help you weigh up the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision. Doing this will ensure you don’t have to compromise on the design of your home without overextending your budget.

Each property is unique, and your home will reflect your taste and lifestyle.

Now that you understand some of the ins and outs of building on a corner block, the only thing left is to get out there and find your dream block of land!