Opting to build over buy is becoming increasingly popular right across Australia. With house prices on the rise in the hugely competitive market, building can be a way for prospective homeowners to get their dream house. 

If you want to know more about the benefits of building over buying, check out our recent blog post.

But if you’re already thinking about taking the exciting plunge, it isn’t always as straightforward as just picking a block you like - size, shape and location and just a few of the things you’ll need to consider. 

This is an absolutely crucial step when buying land. Find out what zoning or development codes the council has in the area, and whether the area is likely to have higher density or large lot residential constructions down the track. This could easily impact the feel of the area. Could your current view be interrupted by a high rise apartment block? 

If the land you’re looking at hasn’t had a soil test, get this done as soon as possible. Soil classes E, H and P can be difficult and costly to stablise. In addition, rocky surfaces can make building problematic and tree removal is a costly exercise, so consider this when looking at your budget. 

This is particularly relevant if you’re buying land in a new estate. There are often developer restrictions that might limit the height, bulk and style of your home, as well as exterior finishes. You’ll notice that estate houses are often consistent in style and shape, so you might need to comply with certain regulations. 

Are there plans for new highways or roads to be built in the future? Will this have an impact on traffic flow and increase noise? Even if this doesn’t bother you, having a nearby highway will impact your property’s resale or rental value, so it’s worth keeping this in mind. 

In short, an easement is the right to cross over or use part of somebody else's land. There are various types of easements so do your research - they can be both a benefit and a burden depending on the easement rights of that particular block. 

M+J Builders are always happy to give advice on buying land to suit your future home vision - just get in touch with us.