If you’re looking at building a new home, you’re going to need to buy a block of land (obviously). While the Move Homes team can help you in your search across Perth’s suburbs, we know that you might want to do the research yourself.
While it’s tempting to choose the cheapest block in a suburb or estate, there could be factors that result in you having to pay more.
So, to help you pick a block that gives you the best value and home design, here are some of our tips.
Zoning
It’s not the size that counts, but how you use it. This saying applies to land because each block has a zoning code which outlines what home design can be used. For example, a block with an R20 zone will require a 6m setback from the front, so that big house might not fit.
Zoning can be quite technical, but it’s good to know when buying land. We’ve written a blog that goes into more detail about the different R-Codes here.
Noise
Busy streets will produce more noise, so you may want to factor in extra items to your home design. For example, window shutters or a rear Master Suite can assist. New estates may also require noise attenuation on blocks that are close to major freeways or under a flight path. Your builder will be able to provide you with a cost depending on what inclusions are required.
Slope
You can’t pour a concrete slab on an angle, so buying a block of land with a slope will require extra fees to make it flat. It’s common to see split level homes on these types of blocks (especially if there are elevated views), but that can also add an extra cost.
Soil
Not every soil type is easy to build on. Some soil types require a thicker slab and extra slab mesh to ensure the structural integrity of your home. We’ve listed the three most common soil types in Perth, and the land developer should advise what the soil type is (especially if it is S or M soil).
- A Class soil is the preferred because there is little to no ground movement thanks to the predominantly sand or rock sites. As such, it requires no extra materials (or costs) to build a home.
- S Class soil is slightly reactive clay and can experience slight ground movement, so it needs a thicker slab. It can be commonly found on some blocks in suburbs like Byford, Beckenham, East Cannington and Henley Brook.
- M Class soil is moderately reactive clay or silt and can experience moderate ground movement, so requires an even thicker slab and possibly an extra slab mesh. It is often found on some blocks in suburbs like Armadale, Brookdale, Bullsbrook and Maddington.
Vegetation
Every site must be cleaned before a home can be built. So if you buy land with lots of shrubs or a large tree on site, then you will need to pay extra to have them removed.
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Finding the right block can save you tens of thousands of dollars. So if you need help, let us know what type of block you are looking for and we will get back to you.
