How to Determine Which House Design Will Fit on Your Block

11th December 2023

Finance & Budgeting Pre-Construction Design & Trends

Not sure if your favourite house design will fit on your block? In this episode, Colin and Darren explain how to work it out, covering key rules for setbacks, orientation, and lot size. A must-listen for anyone comparing plans online or preparing to buy land.

How to Determine Which House Design Will Fit on Your Block

When you're dreaming of your future home and scrolling through house designs online, it's easy to forget one crucial step - will the design actually fit your block of land? In this episode of the Home Building Hub podcast, Colin Bischof and Darren Brennan break down how to work it out, with some great tips to save you time, money, and headaches.

Whether you already have a block or are just browsing, this guide will help you understand the basics of site fit and key things to ask before signing anything.

Block Sizes: Over vs Under 300 Square Metres

Blocks over 300sqm (ResCode applies):

• Front setback: 4 metres minimum

• Rear setback: 3 metres for private open space

• Side setbacks:

• • 1.15m to 1.2m typically for single storey (builder dependent)

  • 1.8m for double storey homes

• Garage boundary rules:

• • Can be built on the boundary (0mm)

  • Or 200mm off boundary (to allow for gutter/fascia)

  • Next option is 1 metre off boundary (not allowed to be in-between)

Blocks under 300sqm (Small Lot Housing Code):

• Type A block: 3m front setback, 3m rear setback

• Type B block: 1.5m front setback possible

• Garage, wall height, and sunlight rules apply depending on block orientation and surrounding homes

• Orientation matters: East or west facing blocks are easier to work with than north or south

Quick Fit Check Example

You’ve got a 12.5m x 30m block and a design that is:

• 11.1m wide

• 22-23m deep approx

To calculate backyard space:

• Block depth: 30m

• House depth: 22m

• Front setback: 4m (for over 300sqm block)

Calculation: 30 - 22 - 4 = 4 metres of backyard

Easy.

What Else to Consider?

• Neighbouring properties: If they’ve set their homes further back, you may need a planning application (report and consent)

• Estate-specific guidelines: Building envelopes or MCPs may override ResCode

• Unshaded private open space: Especially relevant for small lots facing north or south

• Garage placement: May dictate if your whole design fits

• Gutter and fascia widths: Can affect how close to the boundary your house can sit

Tips for Small Lot Buyers

• Check your Plan of Subdivision for small lot housing code references (usually at the back)

• Aim for east or west-facing blocks to reduce shadow-related setbacks

• Make sure both neighbouring lots are also under 300sqm – this gives you more freedom with wall placement

• Always verify with a builder or sales consultant before locking in land

Key Takeaways

• Not all house designs fit every block - setbacks and restrictions matter

• Small lot buyers have different rules - and different opportunities

• Orientation and neighbouring homes can impact how your house must be positioned

• Never assume - always ask a sales consultant or builder to verify the fit

• A little homework upfront avoids massive headaches later

Listen to the Full Episode: How to determine which house design will fit on your block

Glossary of Terms

• Setback: Minimum distance required between your house and the property boundary

• ResCode: Victorian residential code for blocks over 300sqm

• MCP: Memorandum of Common Provisions - outlines design rules in an estate

• Private Open Space: A minimum area of outdoor backyard required for livability

• Small Lot Housing Code: Guidelines for building on land under 300sqm

FAQs

Q: Can I build my garage right on the boundary? A: Yes, you can build right on the boundary (0mm) or exactly 200mm or 1m off. Nothing in between.

Q: What if my block is 12.5m wide and the house is also 12.5m wide? A: It won’t work - you need to allow for side setbacks (usually 1.15m to 1.2m on one side).

Q: How do I check if my block is under Small Lot Housing Code? A: Look at the Plan of Subdivision - usually on the last few pages. It’ll state Type A or Type B if applicable.

Q: Will the house fit if my block is bigger than required? A: Yes, you’ll just have more backyard space (as long as other rules like setback and coverage are met).

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

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.