Where to build

Deciding where to build is a very important decision, both in terms of location and the suitability of land.

If you’re building a new home, chances are you’re planning to live in it for a while, so talk to industry experts and do your homework. The more informed you are from the start, the fewer surprises you’ll have when you begin building.

Where to start

A good first step is to research:

• How much land is currently available?
• Where is available land located?
• How much does the land cost?

Lifestyle and neighbours

When deciding where to live, be sure to choose a neighbourhood that can cater to yours and your family’s needs and suit your lifestyle.

When researching a location, find out:

• The ages and lifestyles of people living in the area?
• Whether the neighbourhood is quiet or active?
• Whether the area offers a variety of things to do?
• Whether there is a comfortable distance to the nearest neighbour?
• How close amenities like shops, schools and public transport are?

Local amenities

Ensure the area you choose has all the local amenities and conveniences you need, or is in close proximity to them. Storm water easements, soil conditions and availability of power, water and sewerage can add substantial costs to building.

If you’re interested in regional acreage, factor in the costs associated with installing a household sewerage treatment plant, power lines, water tanks, telephone and internet connection, and access roads.

Choosing land

Ensure that any land you buy is suitable for the design, size, shape and orientation of your desired home. We have a few display villages throughout the Great South East, which is a great place to start looking.

Land types

Types of land include:

• Land in a new estate (lots may be smaller than in older estates)
• Land with a dwelling to be demolished
• Subdivided land
• Vacant land
• Regional acreage.

Soil conditions

Land in Queensland comprises the full spectrum of soil, ranging from rock to highly expansive clay – which can create difficulties during construction.

Soil conditions are especially important for slab and footing construction, so when you’ve decided on a block you like it’s worth obtaining a soil report or talking to adjoining property owners or local builders.

Challenging blocks

Some blocks, such as sloping blocks, can end up costing you more money, either because they'll impact the design of your home or have limited access.

If you’re building a considerable distance from the property alignment, you may also need to factor in additional costs.

Contact your local authority

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, talk to your local authority planning branch to check flood levels, landslip, buffer zones and other easements.