The Secret to Choosing the Right Block (and Avoiding Costly Mistakes!)

3rd March 2025

Finance & Budgeting Pre-Construction Sustainability & Energy Efficiency Legal & Contracts

This article explores the key factors to consider when choosing the right block of land for your new home, helping you avoid costly mistakes. It covers estate research, block evaluation, site costs, legal considerations, orientation and more.

The Secret to Choosing the Right Block (and Avoiding Costly Mistakes!)

Introduction

Choosing the right block of land is one of the most critical decisions when building a new home. The wrong choice can lead to unexpected costs, design limitations, and even difficulty in selling the property later. In this episode of the Home Building Hub podcast, Colin Bischof and Darren Brennan break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision and avoid costly mistakes.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Block

1. Understanding the Estate

Before purchasing land, research different estates and what they offer, including:

• Proximity to schools, shopping centres, medical facilities, and parks
• Distance from your workplace and accessibility to major roads
• Traffic flow during peak hours—visit the estate at different times of the day
• The reputation of the developer and their past projects

2. Evaluating the Block Itself

Once you have shortlisted a few estates, consider the specific blocks available:

• Size and shape – Regular rectangular blocks are easier to build on than irregular or ‘pizza-shaped’ blocks.
• Width and depth – These determine which home designs will fit.
• Budget considerations – Make sure you factor in site preparation and house costs when selecting a block.
• Orientation – Ensuring the home gets plenty of natural light will make a big difference in comfort and energy efficiency.

3. Site Costs and Unknown Expenses

Many buyers overlook potential unknown costs, such as:

• Slope or fall of the block – A steep site can require expensive earthworks or retaining walls.
• Soil conditions – Unstable soil (such as fill sites, old dams, or contaminated land) may increase foundation costs.
• Easements and restrictions – These can limit where and how you build on the land.
• Sewer tie locations – A small difference in sewer placement can impact house size or add extra costs.

4. Legal and Planning Considerations

Each estate has its own design guidelines, which can impact:

• Setbacks and facade requirements – Some estates require front verandas, specific materials, or corner treatments.
• Titled vs. untitled land – Ensure the land is ready to build on or check the timeline for settlement.
• Zoning and overlays – Restrictions may apply to double-storey homes or additional structures.

5. Orientation and Maximising Natural Light

• North-facing living areas ensure more natural light and warmth.
• Poor orientation can result in dark rooms and increased heating costs.
• Some estates have regulations affecting window size and placement to comply with energy efficiency standards.

6. Extra Tips When Buying Land

• Check for rubbish on-site – If purchasing an established block, negotiate for rubbish removal.
• Survey pegs – Missing pegs will result in a re-establishment survey being needed, so negotiate to ensure all pegs to be present at settlement.
• Speak to residents in nearby stages – They can provide insight into issues like noise and traffic.

Key Takeaways

• Research different estates, focusing on amenities, traffic, and developer reputation.
• Evaluate the block’s size, shape, and orientation before making a decision.
• Understand site costs, including soil conditions, slopes, and easements.
• Check legal and planning restrictions that may affect home design and budget.
• Speak with builder consultants before purchasing to ensure your home fits the land.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is an easement, and how does it affect my build? A: An easement is a legal right for a third party (such as a utility company) to use part of your land. This may restrict where you can build or require additional planning.

Q: How do I know if a block has high site costs? A: Builders can review engineering plans to identify potential site costs based on slope, soil type, and necessary earthworks.

Q: Why does orientation matter? A: Proper orientation ensures good natural lighting and energy efficiency, which can reduce heating and cooling costs.

Q: Can I build on any block in an estate? A: Not necessarily—some blocks may have restrictions due to easements, zoning, or design guidelines that impact the type of home you can build.

Listen to the Full Episode

For a deeper dive into choosing the right block and avoiding costly mistakes, listen to the full episode here: The Secret to Choosing the Right Block (and Avoiding Costly Mistakes!).

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 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.