What Every Homeowner Should Know Before Buying a Block of Land

Picture this: You snap up an 800-square-metre block, thinking it’s perfect. Then you find out you can only build on 640 of it because of setbacks. 

Or worse, you realise the block is in a flood zone, and now you’re forking out for elevated foundations you never budgeted for.

Land isn’t just an empty canvas waiting for your dream home. It comes with hidden complexities — like council-mandated setbacks that eat into your buildable area, soil conditions that demand costly drainage systems, fire zones that require compliance upgrades, and sewer lines that restrict where you can build.

If you jump the gun and buy a block without consulting a builder…

You’re Setting Yourself Up for Costly Surprises

Take what happened to the Collins family in Moore Park, Bundaberg, for example.

They purchased a block of land that seemed perfect on paper, but it turned out it sat in both a flood zone and a fire attack level. As soon as they started planning, the compliance requirements began piling up. In the end, they had to reduce the size of their home, give up features they’d dreamed of, and spend far more than expected just to meet regulations.

Then there were the Walkers, who jumped the gun by putting up a large shed before consulting with a builder. The placement turned out to be a nightmare. Just moving it half a metre could’ve made all the difference — freeing up enough space to improve the layout of their home and fit essential features, like the septic system. Instead, they ended up using every millimetre of the block, forcing compromises that left their home feeling cramped.

So how do you avoid all that?

How Patient Homeowners Save Money and Stress

The best way to avoid costly mistakes and design compromises is to involve a builder before you buy your block of land. A quality builder knows how to identify potential issues and make sure your block works with your plans, saving you from surprises that can blow out your budget or limit your options.

Let’s break down the benefits:

Benefit #1: Spotting potential problems early. Builders evaluate factors like soil type, slope, and zoning to identify challenges before you commit. For example, a block with clay-heavy soil might need specialised drainage to prevent long-term foundation issues, while a sloped block could require retaining walls and additional drainage infrastructure to remain stable.

Benefit #2: Making your design work with the block. Builders start by checking if your dream home actually fits the block — not just in size, but in function. They’ll look at things like whether setbacks leave enough room for your layout or if a steep slope might make your plans impractical. Then, they’ll adjust the designs to enhance the block’s natural features. For instance, they might suggest split-level living on a sloped site to take advantage of views or reorient the home to maximise natural light and airflow. The goal is to give you what you want without major compromises.

Benefit #3: Navigating rules and regulations. Builders are familiar with local requirements, such as setbacks, zoning restrictions, and environmental compliance. For example, they’ll flag if a sewer line or easement limits where structures can be built, helping you avoid the frustration of reworking plans to meet regulations.

Benefit #4: Planning for the long-term. Quality builders think ahead to the practical stuff you might care about in the future. For instance, they’ll check if the block’s wide enough for side access, so you can drive a car or a trailer down to your shed instead of squeezing through a narrow path. They’ll also let you know if the setbacks or easements will leave you with enough usable backyard space for things like a pool or a veggie garden. It’s all about avoiding layout reworks (and headaches) down the track.

The Takeaway: Your Block Isn’t Just Dirt

It’s the foundation of your dream home. When you involve a builder before buying, you’re giving yourself the best shot at getting it right. No surprises. No compromises.

Of course, asking your builder to help you find the perfect block is just one of the many key decisions that can make or break the homebuilding process.

That’s why we’ve put together this free guide for you to download:

7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home

It’s loaded with tips and tricks to help you dodge the common pitfalls and build a home you love.

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