If you're contemplating building a new home you're probably considering purchasing some land. Here are four key issues to consider when looking at land:
Topography: Steep, flat, timbered, restricted access or battleaxe lot; consider building logistics, access, and local building requirements.
Location: City, suburban, rural. Choosing location will largely depend on your commitments, such as the need for employment or schools for your children, and personal preferences.
Size: Standard suburban lot, rural acreage. Consider purchase price, land requirements and council rates.
Soil type: Subsoil is the major issue. Some soil types require extensive landscaping or retaining walls before you can even lay the foundation for your home.
Now you've got some idea about land, what about your needs? It's so easy to fall in love with a totally unsuitable lot because it has a gorgeous tree on it, only to find out you won't be able to fit your house on the lot and still satisfy local laws. Ask yourself a series of questions to work out what your requirements are:
Q. What do I want to use the land for?
A. You might want to build a single home, or you may want to subdivide and sell off excess land to finance building your house. This won't be possible with some lots you look at.
Q. Is location important?
A. You might be restricted to living in a certain part of the country or you could want to start a new life in a remote area. You might be determined to have privacy and any lot with close neighboring homes won't suit your needs.
Q. Is there a minimum size building that I am prepared to consider?
A. Many lots have existing outline planning permission which can be difficult to change should you wish to build a larger house. It pays to think carefully about the house design prior to buying the lot.
Q. Will there be enough room to store materials during the build?
A. Building materials such as roof trusses and prefabricated elements can be bulky. Make sure there is sufficient ground area to store them otherwise it could make the build more complex. Similarly, consider access for contractors, vehicles and deliveries.
Q. How much will service connection cost?
A. Some lots already have water, gas, electricity and drainage services on site; others may need to be connected over a distance and this can add up to a considerable cost. Rural lots may even require you to bore for water and utility companies may even require you to maintain their infrastructure on your land.
A developer or real estate agent can help you to determine how well the property you have found fits with your desired house plan. This will incorporate the needs for the home's size, back and front yard sizing, ponds and other elements that you will add into your home. Talk with your developer to determine if the land ultimately fits your home desires.
Tip: Ask for a signed statement that discloses facts about buried items, such as oil or gas storage tanks. Their removal and cleanup can be expensive.
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