Buying Land
Location and services
When you choose a location, make sure it has the
services you consider necessary for a pleasant
lifestyle. It is no use buying where you will not be
happy to live, although your financial situation may
force you to compromise. You should consider the
availability of schools, child care centres, shopping
centres, parks, medical services, clubs, community
swimming pools and so on. If some services are not
yet available, find out if they are planned and when
they are likely to be available.
An important consideration is public transport, what
is available and how long it will take you to travel to
and from work. Try to picture what the suburb will
look like in 10 years’ time and consider if this is still
the place you want to live.
When buying land, you should consider the costs of
connecting and maintaining services. Including: water, electricity, gas, telephone, sewerage, fire control.
Features and orientation
You should evaluate the land site critically. Consider
any trees and whether they can remain or have to
be removed before building. The cost of removing
trees is likely to be expensive and council permission
is usually required. Also consider whether any rocks
need to be removed.
Remember that steep sites tend to increase
building costs. The stability of the soil may also
need to be checked. The local council may require
geo-technical reports and extensive engineering
drawings before granting permission to build.
If there are any creeks, dams or watercourses on or
near the site, you may need to check any restrictions
about building. Check if the site is prone to flooding
as you may face difficulties obtaining finance and
insurance.
You should consider the aspect and any views from
the block. Will the views be built out or blocked out
by vegetation in the future?
Use the site’s natural features for maximum energy
efficiency. For example, if possible, have the main
living areas facing north for maximum exposure to
the sun.
Access
You will need access to the site for concrete trucks
and construction equipment, including bulldozers
and bobcats if excavation is taking place. If the
site is in a new or outlying area, a road may need
to be constructed first. You should find out who is
responsible for its cost and maintenance.
Boundaries and restrictions
Have the actual boundaries of the land measured.
A registered surveyor should check and peg these.
Also check with the local council about the building
boundaries and zoning for the property.
Check if there are any easements for services (eg.
sewerage, drainage or electricity) on the land. Any
covenants that will limit your choice of building
material or size of house should also be identified.
If you wish to add a granny flat, or subdivide the
property for dual occupancy, check whether this
is permitted by the local council. A check of any
building covenants or restrictions on the title should
also be undertaken.