Thinking about buying a rural or acreage lot for your new home? In this episode of the Home Building Hub, hosts Colin Bischof and Darren Brennan dive into everything you need to know before jumping in. Unlike suburban developments, rural blocks can come with a unique set of challenges, responsibilities and additional costs that many home buyers simply aren’t prepared for.
Here’s what to know if you’re dreaming of wide-open spaces.
A rural or acreage lot is typically a large block of land located outside urban zones. These blocks are often:
Surrounded by natural settings
Used for lifestyle living, hobby farming, or just extra space
Located in areas with fewer developed services
You might picture motorbikes in the backyard, vegetable gardens, and football goals set up for the kids. Sounds ideal, right? Just make sure you’re ready for the extra work involved.
Unlike lots in greenfield estates, rural blocks often lack essential connections. Here’s what might be missing:
Power: May be far from the site, expensive to connect
Water: Town water isn’t always available; tanks may be required
Sewer: Most require a septic system
Gas: Rarely connected; bottled gas or electric alternatives are common
Stormwater: Proper drainage must be planned
Internet and phone: May require satellite access
These factors affect the overall cost and complexity of your build.
Provide all-weather access (e.g. gravel driveways to remote home sites)
Clear trees or debris from the building envelope
Arrange power or water to site if unavailable
Investigate connections or overlay restrictions
Supply power or water during the build if not already connected
Builders often expect these things to be handled by the owner before work can begin.
Before you commit:
Check the Section 32 of the land contract for existing services
Visit the site to assess topography, tree cover, visible services
Speak to council for overlays, bushfire requirements or zoning rules
Use VicPlan to look up planning overlays like Bushfire Management
Ask your builder for a site assessment
Don’t skip due diligence. You could be signing up for more than you bargained for.
Building in a bushfire-prone area? Expect:
Extra building requirements (metal roofs, ember guards, sprinkler systems)
Cost increases depending on your BAL rating (12.5 through to FZ)
Potential need for water tanks accessible to CFA
Bushfire Management Overlays (BMOs) with specific clearance and water access rules
Make sure your builder can handle these additional requirements.
There’s a big difference between a lifestyle lot on the edge of town and a full-blown paddock kilometres from services. Ask:
Is this block part of a development?
Does it already have connections?
Has it been recently subdivided?
These details will impact the cost and complexity of your build.
Check if builders service your area – many won’t travel far out of town
Get a site inspection – ideally with a construction manager present
Assess power, water, sewer and driveway requirements
Review your BAL rating and any overlays
Budget for extra costs like tanks, septic systems, generators, or drainage
Rural blocks offer lifestyle benefits but come with added responsibilities
Connections like power, water and sewer may be unavailable and costly
Bushfire overlays and high BAL ratings can significantly affect your build
Always consult a builder early and get a site assessment
Research is key: check the contract, visit the block, use VicPlan, and speak to council
Listen to the full episode here: Tips for building on rural and acreage lots
BAL (Bushfire Attack Level): A measure of how prone your site is to bushfire exposure.
BMO (Bushfire Management Overlay): A planning control applied to areas prone to bushfire risk, requiring specific safety features.
Section 32: Part of the property sale contract disclosing key information about the land.
Septic System: A private waste management system for properties not connected to a sewer.
All-weather access: A road or driveway that remains usable in all weather conditions.
Q: Can I build any home design on a rural lot? A: Not always. Your BAL rating, overlays, and access to services will impact what’s possible. Check with your builder.
Q: Are acreage lots more expensive to build on? A: They can be. Added costs for services, access, septic systems, and BAL compliance all add up.
Q: How do I find out if a builder will build on my rural block? A: Contact them directly and provide your block location. Some builders won’t go outside their service zones.
Q: Can I go fully off-grid? A: Yes, but not all builders are equipped for off-grid builds. You’ll need to consider water tanks, power supply, and access for trades.
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 www.homebuildinghub.com.au and join our growing community of informed home buyers.
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.