Points to ponder when buying a section

We've put together this brief list of things you should take the time to think about before buying a section. It could save you thousands in the long run!

Location:

Consider urban, rural, coastal – which meets the needs of you and your family. Is view important? Is living near to schools and stores and sports facilities important?

Lay of the land:

Orientation toward north allows for all day sun and your home being designed to maximise the benefits of morning and afternoon sunlight and warmth.

Consider - how level the building site is and the soil bearing qualities – this impacts on earthworks / foundations required. An elevated site may mean views and may mean retaining walls – all costs money. Driveway on a low section may be an issue.

Covenants:

Always check covenants, property file at Council, registered survey plan and consult local knowledge of the land to ascertain flooding/soil bearing qualities/historical site implications. Your real estate agent should be of help here.
Buyer beware – the age old saying, and oh so true! What is entitled to be built around you?

Site visits:

Visit often, at different times of the day to get ‘a feel for the land’. Take an architect or building contractor to discuss the ‘disciplines and potential’ of the building site. Is power, water, telephone at the site? If not, assess these costs.

Consider section shape – does the shape cater for what you envisage on your property?

Budget:

Buying land on ‘emotional attachment’ is one thing – budget is another.
Draw up a Construction Budget before you purchase. Consider all Council and Development fees, drainage, excavation/retaining, and services costs and then the cost to build your home. Buy to your budget.

We welcome the opportunity of inspecting a section before you buy it