Buying land to build a new home - lessons from Villawood founder Rory Costelloe

4th September 2023

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Buying land to build a new home? Villawood Properties founder Rory Costelloe shares what to check, from block orientation to schools, parks and estate plans.

Buying land to build a new home - lessons from Villawood founder Rory Costelloe

A block can look like a good buy on paper. But how long will the school run take? Will your living room get winter sun? And will the park shown in the brochure be open by the time you move in?

On the Home Building Hub podcast, hosts Colin Bischof and Darren Brennan spoke with Villawood Properties founder Rory Costelloe about what buyers should look for when choosing land. Rory traced Villawood’s beginnings to a 30-lot subdivision in Bendigo in 1989. The conversation then turned to how developers design neighbourhoods and how buyers can work out whether a particular estate and block suit their plans.

Choose the location before you choose the block

Rory’s first priority is to buy where you want to live. Start with the places you’ll visit most often, then compare estates that suit your budget and routine.

• Test your commute.

  Drive the route at the time you’d usually leave or walk to the nearest public transport stop.

• Check schools and childcare.

  If a particular school matters to you, confirm the enrolment zone and try the route from the estate.

• Walk to the park.

  Check the actual route from your lot, including crossings and footpaths. A park that looks close on the estate map may take longer to reach on foot.

• Look for everyday essentials.

  Think about groceries, medical appointments and the activities your household does each week.

Check whether the block suits the home you want

Rory discussed why Villawood often favours lots that run east to west. For some floor plans, that layout makes it easier to position the living areas and alfresco on the north side. He also described how well-placed shading can help let winter sun in while limiting direct summer sun.

Take the lot plan to a builder and ask them to show you how your preferred design would sit on it. A floor plan you loved in a display home may feel different when it’s turned to suit another block.

• Find the north arrow and mark where the main living room, windows and outdoor area would sit.
• Check the frontage and depth alongside the space the home needs for the garage, driveway and backyard.
• If you’re considering a corner block for trailer or backyard access, ask whether the proposed layout gives you the access you need.
• Ask the builder to show you any changes the design would need and explain which block-specific costs are included in the quote.

Compare buying land first with a house and land package

The episode covered two common paths. You can choose a block through an estate sales office and then select your builder, or you can start with a builder who has matched a home design to a particular lot.

If the land is being sold off the plan, ask the developer for the expected title timing for your specific stage. Rory discussed the gap between choosing a block and the land titling. Use the timing for your own lot to discuss next steps with your builder and lender.

Look beyond the estate brochure

Rory spoke about parks that encourage active play and residents’ clubs where neighbours can meet. He described pools, gyms and community spaces in some larger Villawood estates. The hosts also discussed Alamanda as an example of how completed landscaping, public art and shared spaces can shape the feel of a neighbourhood.

When you visit an estate, ask which facilities are open, which are under construction and which are proposed. If the estate has a residents’ club, ask about access, fees and how it’s managed. Visiting a completed stage can also give you a clearer idea of what the streets and public spaces feel like once people move in.

Glossary of terms

• Frontage

  • The width of the lot along its street boundary.

• Lot orientation

  • How the block sits in relation to north, south, east and west.

• Master planned community

  • An estate planned as a whole, with residential lots, streets and shared spaces designed together. It may also include shops, schools or recreation facilities.

• Land title

  • The official record that identifies a parcel of land and its registered ownership.

• Buying off the plan

  • In this context, choosing a proposed lot before its individual title has been issued.

Frequently asked questions

Should I talk to a builder before buying a block of land?

Yes. Bring the lot plan and any floor plans you like. Ask the builder to explain how the home would fit, where the living areas would face and what changes could affect the quote.

Is an east-west block always the best choice?

The best fit depends on your floor plan, the position of the street and neighbouring buildings, and where you want sunlight and shade. Check the actual layout with your builder.

How do I check when facilities in a new estate will open?

Ask the estate sales team which stage the facility is part of, who will deliver it and what timing they currently expect. If you’ll rely on a school, park or transport service from day one, visit the alternatives that are already operating.

Key Takeaways

• Compare locations based on the trips you’ll make every week.
• Ask a builder to check your preferred floor plan against the lot dimensions and orientation before committing.
• For a house and land package, confirm the exact lot and what the quoted price includes.
• Check the expected title timing and find out which estate facilities you can use when you move in.

Watch or listen to Insights from Rory Costelloe - Founder of Villawood Properties on YouTube

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.

Buying path What to check before deciding Choose the block first Ask a builder to assess the lot and your preferred design before you commit. Start with a house and land package Ask for the exact lot number, the floor plan orientation and a written breakdown of what the quoted price includes.