How to Find Land to Build a Home in Australia | OpenLot

7th August 2023

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Looking for land to build a home in Australia? Learn how to use OpenLot to compare land estates, track new releases and shortlist blocks with Qi Chen.

How to find land to build a home in Australia - tips from OpenLot founder Qi Chen

Finding land for a new home can mean opening a dozen tabs, checking estate websites and calling sales offices, only to find the block you liked has already sold. OpenLot founder Qi Chen knew that feeling. After spending a Saturday driving around Melbourne’s west looking for available land, he wanted an easier way to see which estates were in an area and what stage they were at.

On the Home Building Hub podcast, Qi joins Colin Bischof and Darren Brennan to explain how OpenLot came about and how buyers can use estate listings, release updates and buyer demand data to narrow their search.

Start with the suburb, then compare land estates

If you’re looking at house and land packages, it’s easy to start with a floor plan you love. Try looking at the area first. Which suburbs work for your commute and everyday needs? How much choice do you have within those suburbs?

In the episode, Qi explains that OpenLot was designed to bring estate information together in one place. The platform’s approach, as he describes it, includes developments at different stages, from early planning through to sold-out estates. He also discusses searching by suburb, council, developer or builder, with some estate pages linking to council planning information.

As you put together a shortlist, record:

• Estate and developer.

  Keep the names together so you know who to contact about a particular release.

• Development stage.

  Separate estates with blocks available from projects still in planning or estates with upcoming releases.

• Lot details.

  Note the advertised price, lot area, frontage and orientation where available.

• Timing.

  Ask the developer which blocks are available and when titles are expected for any untitled lots.

A simple shortlist gives you a reason to visit each estate. You can spend your Saturday comparing locations that already look promising on paper.

Make your land enquiry specific

Qi describes a buyer profile that lets people share what they’re looking for when they enquire. Details such as your preferred lot size, price range and orientation can give the land agent a better starting point for the first conversation. He also discusses estate updates and alerts that help buyers follow releases over time.

Before you enquire, write down three things:

1. Your preferred area.

   List the suburbs you’d consider and how far you’re willing to look beyond them.

2. What your home needs.

   If you already have a floor plan in mind, ask your builder what lot width and depth it needs.

3. Your timing.

   Decide when you’d ideally like to start building and how much flexibility you have if the land release or expected title date moves.

If a block looks promising, ask for the current lot plan and have your builder review it against your preferred design. Two blocks with the same area can have different frontages and shapes, which can affect how the home and driveway fit.

What can OpenLot’s Buyer Demand Index tell you?

Qi explains that the Buyer Demand Index draws on information buyers provide in their profiles. In the episode, he describes using the data to look at preferences by suburb or council area over time, including lot sizes, home types, building budgets and preferred settlement timing.

For example, Qi recalls a period when buyers were actively looking for titled land, followed by a shift towards longer time frames as some wanted more breathing room to choose a builder. That example reflects the market discussed in the episode. It shows how preferences can change and gives you a question to ask locally - which blocks are available now, and what could be coming up by the time you’re ready?

Read the index as a snapshot of what people using the platform said they wanted. To compare specific blocks, ask developers for current prices and availability, and ask builders for quotes that reflect the lots you’re considering.

Glossary of terms

• Land estate

  • A residential development made up of individual blocks, often offered in stages.

• Land release

  • A group of lots made available by a developer at a particular stage.

• Frontage

  • The width of the block along its street-facing boundary.

• Orientation

  • The direction the block and its boundaries face, which helps you work out where the home will get sunlight.

• Titled land

  • A block that has its own registered title.

• Settlement

  • The stage when the purchase is completed and ownership transfers.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find new land estates in a suburb?

Start with an estate directory such as OpenLot and search by suburb or council area. Shortlist the estates that suit your location and timing, then check directly with the developers for current stock and upcoming releases.

Should I choose my block or my house plan first?

Research them together. If you have a preferred design, ask the builder what dimensions it needs before you narrow your land shortlist. If the block is your priority, use the lot plan to discuss suitable designs with the builder.

Can I use buyer demand data to work out what a block costs?

Use buyer demand data to understand what other buyers are looking for, such as preferred lot sizes or budgets. For the actual cost of an available block, request the developer’s current price and get a build quote that reflects the specific site and design.

Key Takeaways

• Search by suburb or council area to see which land estates are worth exploring.
• Compare lot dimensions, orientation and expected title timing alongside the advertised price.
• Tell the land agent what you need so they can point you towards suitable blocks or releases.
• Use buyer demand data for context, then confirm prices, availability and floor plan fit directly.

Watch or listen to the Home Building Hub episode with OpenLot founder Qi Chen

About the Home Building Hub Podcast

The Home Building Hub podcast, hosted by industry experts Colin Bischof and Darren Brennan, is Australia’s premier resource for new home buyers. With weekly episodes featuring special guests, the podcast provides objective, high-quality insights into the home building process - completely free and without sales pitches. From understanding financing options to navigating the complexities of building a new home, each episode is packed with actionable advice and tips. Explore more episodes at http://www.homebuildinghub.com.au and join our growing community of informed home buyers.

Disclaimer

This article was generated by AI based on a transcript of our podcast episode and may contain inaccuracies or omissions. Whilst we’re all about providing value to you, this article should not be considered as legal or financial advice. It contains general information only and is based on the content discussed during the podcast episode. This information is relevant to the episode’s release date and may not be applicable at the time of reading. Always seek independent professional advice tailored to your personal situation before making any legal or financial decisions.