What makes a perfect block of land for your dream home

Not every property buyer manages to find their dream home for sale and with numerous government grants on offer for newly build properties, many Australians are planning to build their dream home instead.

If you dream of building your very own home, the first step in that journey starts with finding the right block. This is the land where your dream house will soon live. So, it pays to ensure your block is absolutely right for you.

Focus on what will stand your property in good stead when it comes time to sell up one day.

Choosing the perfect block of land isn't always easy. Here are some important factors to consider before buying your first block of land…

Location, location, location

It’s an old real-estate adage but it’s still completely relevant – your block must be situated in a spot that makes sense for you. Consider its proximity to public transport and the distance to local amenities, including shops, cafes, schools and medical facilities.

Being close to lifestyle features such as parks and playgrounds may also make a big difference. Nearby barbecue facilities, playgrounds or fitness equipment also provide significant lifestyle benefits including the chance to connect with your neighbours.

Easy access to bikeways and parks also means a smaller lot could be more appealing as it will be more affordable and require less maintenance. Everyone’s needs are different, where some local amenities are must-haves for some don’t matter for others.

But before you eliminate any, think of what will stand your property in good stead when it comes time to sell up one day.

Check how your home loan compares

Zoning

There could be nothing worse for new homeowners than finding an ideal plot of land only to discover it’s located in a flood zone. Chances are your developer has done the hard work for you by selecting a site zoned as residential.

But if you want to double-check, contact your local council. This is also a good way to check how neighbouring properties are zoned.

A question of space

Growing families always need a lot of room to move – an extra bedroom here, another powder room there and space to kick the footy out the back. Singles and couples tend to need less space, but still need storage indoors and room to entertain outdoors.

This is where an idea of your home design becomes integral to the size of block you choose.

Home designs are usually determined by the lot width, which means your desired floor plan will also determine the block size. Also don’t forget to consider the shape of your block.

A rectangular lot might be the most popular option, but different shapes and even sloping sites can add a point of interest to your home.

Check orientation

Architects and interior designers are always banging on about orientation, and with good reason. In the Southern Hemisphere, northern orientation is the most popular. Northern sun can passively heat a home and offer protection from eastern and western sun for better energy efficiency.

And this could mean significant savings on your energy bill, with the placement of rooms and windows further determining the likely temperatures in those parts of the house at different times of the year.

Utilities

Ask your land developer when the land will be connected to utilities – electricity, gas, internet and phone. Determine the connection costs and allow for these in your budget.

Tell us: Enjoyed this article? Don’t forget to like and share.

And while you’re here, take our mortgage shredder challenge and discover how much you can save on your home and investment loans by using loansHub technology as your personal mortgage manager. To get a discover why loansHub and what we do, click here.

This article does not constitute advice; readers should seek independent and personalised counsel from a trusted adviser that specialises in property, a tax accountant and property design specialist.