Buying Land? Make sure you ask the right questions!

Purchasing a piece of land on which to build your dream home is a big investment, and there are many things to consider. First you need to work on your finances and understand what you can borrow, you will need to meet with a Finance broker or bank, once you understand what budget you have to work with then you can start your land search!

Frasers Landing Project Sales Manager - Kaylene McTernan says the best thing prospective land buyers can do before they even start looking is to do some personal research. Sit down and write a list. What kind of lifestyle do you want? What kind of home do you want to build, and what areas do you want to live in? Do you have children at school, a job you need to commute to? Do you travel away from home a lot? Do you want to live close to town for convenience, or close to nature? Is the location within my budget?

There is also research to be done about the land buying process itself, but if you don’t know what questions to ask, it’s hard to find the information you need. So, while you’re thinking about how and where you’d like to live, arm yourself with these questions before you hit the land sales office.

What is the masterplan (long-term plan) for this development? Is it invested in items like sustainability and community?

Along with the number, size, and location of available homesites, the masterplan of a community will highlight the key features you can expect locally, like schools, parks, public transport and shopping centres. If reducing your impact on the environment matters to you, ask about how the developer is approaching sustainability issues: how the project fits into the existing landscape, how much conservation is being retained, the type of water systems, solar power initiatives, recycled roading and EV charging stations. 

How important to you is community? Some developers offer community initiatives and regular events on their projects. Ask questions about which council the community belongs to, and what community groups are active in the area.

Lots - titled or untitled?

Every individual lot must have a Certificate of Title before ownership can be transferred. Issued by Landgate, the state government titles office in WA, it describes the piece of land and who owns it. When you buy it, the title is transferred to you, in your name, which means it’s legally yours and you can then start building on that parcel. Most new land developments offer untitled lots off the plan and will advise you of an estimate timeframe when titles will be issued.

Are siteworks required?

Lot sizes and shapes vary greatly - some are level, some can be sandy or sloping. Whatever the state of your block, you will more than likely require siteworks, which can include things like surveying, compaction, and soak wells. These costs are charged by your builder – make sure you ask about them prior to signing your building contract.

How much freedom do I have with my home design?

Most estates will have design guidelines to assist you with designing your home, ensuring your home complements the natural surrounds and streetscapes, to enhance the overall quality of the community. These may include colour and material specifications. Some blocks will also have restrictions placed on them by the local council, such as side loaded designs or retaining walls that may affect the design of your home. Just ask your land sales team, they will have the answers!

What are the timeframes once I’ve signed the contract?

Depending on where you buy your block, you may be required to start building within a certain time following settlement.  Some developers only impose a time frame to build where there may be a bonus, such as a front landscaping and fencing package, so be sure to ask about this.

At Frasers Landing, Kaylene is the person to go to with all your questions.

“I love helping people fulfil their property buying dream,” says Kaylene. “Building something from new is exciting, and I enjoy every facet of matching the perfect block of land with the right home design and the client’s budget. I like helping to make the whole buying process as easy as possible and seeing people really delighted with the choices they make.” 

If you’d like more information about buying land at Frasers Landing, you can either email Kaylene: kaylene.mcternan@frasersproperty.com.au or call 13 38 38.