Last week, we covered the physical properties of a section. This week, we’ll focus on practicalities and logistics, plus a few other tips.
How Will You Use the Section?
Before buying, think about how you’ll use the land. This can help determine the size, location, and must-haves. Consider your lifestyle—how much garden space do you want, and can you maintain it? Do you have or plan to have animals? Is privacy or proximity to main roads important to you?
For retirees, a section where you can enjoy gardening or relaxing on the deck might be ideal. Families may prioritise garden size, privacy, and safe access points for vehicles.
Site Access
Evaluate how accessible the site is. For steep or less accessible sites, consider how construction vehicles and equipment will reach the building area. Limited access can significantly increase labour costs. Even flat sites can have issues, such as wet ground, which can make construction difficult. Establishing a good driveway in drier months might solve this problem.
Distance of Driveway & Services
The distance of services from the building platform affects costs. For back sections, consider how far services need to travel down a driveway. Also, think about where you want your outdoor areas and how the driveway fits into your plan.
Rural or fringe sections may lack town water or septic services, adding an estimated $10,000 to $20,000 to your costs. If you plan to work from home, check the broadband quality in the area.
Distance to Amenities
Consider the distance to schools, shops, and medical facilities. If you have children, how far is the school or bus route? If you’re elderly, where is the nearest medical help? Think about the convenience of nearby facilities and transport options.
Councils & Covenants – i.e. Rules
Check with the local council for any future development plans that might affect your section, like new roads or mobile towers. Be aware of any covenants on the land, which dictate what you can and can’t do. For example, there may be restrictions on building materials or house size. Sometimes, you can request a dispensation, but you’ll need a clear idea of your house plans beforehand.
Examples:
We recently submitted a request to the developer for a home in a subdivision where garage frontage should not be forward of the main house. With an approved landscaping plan which reduced the visual impact of the garage from the street we were allowed to continue.
Conversely, in Hanmer there are tight cladding covenants which we have found are non-negotiable.
Legal Boundaries and Title
Is the Title available at the time of purchase? Sometimes sections are sold before this is finalized, which can delay your project. When the Title comes through, make sure you understand any conditions and have a legal option to back out if needed.
In new subdivisions, sections sold “off the plan” may have unclear boundaries, and developers can sometimes change the final site layout. Always seek legal advice before purchasing land.
Final Tips
If access or driveways are shared, understand everyone’s responsibilities. Maintaining shared areas can be a hassle if neighbours aren’t cooperative. Talking to neighbours can give you valuable insights that you might not get from the real estate agent.
If you’re considering buying a section for your new home, getting a builder involved early can be beneficial. Give us a call at 03 3130103 to see how we can help!
