Buying the right block of land for your family is probably as important as the new home that you want to build on it. There are lots of different factors to consider when selecting your block of land – so we’ve put together a list of things you should think about before buying.

Location

Sometimes you will know the exact location you want to live in before you even start looking, but if you’ve recently relocated, or just fancy a change, then you’ll need to do some research about where you want to build.

Infrastructure

Pay attention to your lifestyle now, and also how it might change in the future and factor that into the location you choose. For example, if you’re a family (or thinking of starting one soon) – then it’s important to investigate schooling and nearby amenities, such as shops and public transport.

Block size & type

When thinking about the size of your block, you need to also consider its shape. It doesn’t need to be a perfect rectangle of course – irregular shaped blocks can actually offer opportunities to create a unique and interesting home, however, a builder is required to maximise space, so angular or elongated blocks can sometimes present problems.

It’s usually better to buy a block of land that’s flat in order to avoid additional site costs such as extra levelling & retaining walls.

Bush fire zoning

Building in a bushfire prone area introduces a number of additional design, specification and construction parameters that cannot be ignored.

These additional requirements can add extra costs to a new home, so it is important to note that there is usually more than one option available to designers and builders to meet the requirements of the building regulations and standards.

Easements

Keep in mind there are many different types of easements. When selecting your block ensure that there are no easements running through the middle of your block as building over easements can be extremely expensive or in some cases prohibited.

Usually when purchasing in master planned estates easements will run adjacent or along fence lines within 1.5 metres of the boundary. Whilst this does not usually cause an issue you must be mindful of the repercussion if planning to install a pool later down the track.

Restrictive Covenants

A developer designing a new estate will commonly require buyers to enter into restrictive covenants; however, in practice such covenants are not generally enforced against anyone other than an original covenanter.

It has been the generally accepted view for many years that restrictive covenants are not registerable and there is a real doubt as to whether a scheme of development would be enforceable against a subsequent buyer.

• There are a couple of pertinent questions for a subsequent registered owner to ask them self has the building covenant been registered on the land
• Was notice given of the building covenant prior to entering into the contract of sale for the land?

Get advice

Before purchasing any block of land it is always advisable to get some professional advice from a solicitor or conveyancer. Don’t feel that you need to rush and sign today and if you do sign anything make sure you have a cooling off period.