Purchasing Land

So you’ve found the piece of land that you’ve either fallen in love with, or you think would be perfect for that next investment project. Before signing a purchase contract, there are a number of things you should consider.

These include:

-       site inspection;

-       encumbrances;

-       services ie: electricity, water and gas;

Site Inspections

The first thing you should do is drive past the site and have a look at what you are purchasing. Consider the following:

Block Shape

Is it a suitable shape to fit an attractive, spacious home on. If the block has an odd shape, such as a triangle, or a short side, may be consider the types of house designs that will suit.

Boundaries

Are the boundary pegs present and visible? Before you can start building on the site, you will need to have the block surveyed and pegs installed.

Have any of the fences already been erected. If so, are they on the correct boundaries? This will be determined by a survey. You may have to relocate some of the fences to the correct boundary. This will require negotations with your neighbour.

Significant Trees

A significant tree is a tree that has been recognised as requiring protection on the basis of its age, size, aesthetic merit, connection to history, scientific value, Aboriginal importance, or unique location. A significant tree can also be a tree that has a trunk circumference of 2 metres or more, at a point 1 metre above the ground.

Generally, significant trees are not recognised until such time as the proposed construction is in Council for planning approval.

If there are trees present on the block, it is suggested that you speak with the Local Council with regards to the significance of the trees, and the possibility (or not) of removal.

Road Access

The transport agency of South Australia requires that all new properties constructed on main arterial roads have a “forward” access only. That is, a vehicle must be able to enter and exit the property in a forward motion, as opposed to reversing.

If the potential site is located on a main road, you will need to consider in your construction design, enough room to park a vehicle, turn around and exit, all in a forward motion. It is suggested that you speak with the Local Council, or transport department before designing your new home.

Encumbrances

Encumbrances are building guidelines that are set by the Local Council and in new sub-divisions, the Developer. Encumbrances include such things as set back distances from the road, styles and colours of front elevations, fences and garages, shading, the length of time you have before you are required to commence construction etc, to name a few.

Certain encumbrances may increase the cost of the construction.

It is recommended that you are aware of and understand the encumbrances, prior to singing the purchase contract.

Services

Generally, most pieces of vacant land already have such services as electricity, water and gas present. Within new sub-divisions, these services are present within the area, but may be further down the street.

Where there are no services to the site, you, or your Builder will need to arrange them, prior to construction.

In Summary

Although it is an exciting time purchasing a vacant block of land, whether it be for your new home, or next investment project, by reviewing these few items and considering the costs involved, will save you heart ache, time and money later down the track.

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