BUYING LAND TO BUILD · VICTORIA
What Should I Check Before Buying Land to Build a Home in Victoria?
The block can shape the cost and design of the house as much as the house itself.
Short answer
Before buying land to build, check planning controls, title restrictions, easements, slope, access, service availability, drainage, vegetation, neighbouring conditions and likely foundation requirements. A block that looks straightforward can still create significant design or site-cost constraints, so early due diligence can prevent buying land that does not suit the home you want to build.
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Building Site Costs in Victoria
This EBC site-cost explainer highlights soil, slope, access, services, demolition and retaining factors worth investigating before committing to land for a new build.
Check what the planning controls allow
Zoning, overlays and local planning controls can affect building form, vegetation, setbacks, neighbourhood character and other design considerations.
Do not rely only on the sales listing when assessing what may be possible on the block.
Read the title and look for easements or restrictions
Easements, covenants or other title restrictions can affect where a home, driveway or services can be located.
These issues should be understood before the house is designed around an area that may be constrained.
Understand slope, access and services
- ✓Ground slope and levels
- ✓Vehicle and construction access
- ✓Stormwater requirements
- ✓Sewer, water, electricity and gas availability
- ✓Retaining requirements
- ✓Trees and vegetation
- ✓Neighbouring buildings and boundaries
Think about the house and block together
A design that works well on one block may be expensive or impractical on another. Split levels, retaining, deep excavation or service extensions can materially affect the build.
Where possible, involve design and construction professionals before purchase if you already know the type of home you want.
Planning a project like this? EBC builds custom new homes across Melbourne's Eastern Suburbs, and can talk through how this applies to your home.
Questions homeowners ask
Should I speak to a builder before buying land?+
It can be useful if you already know what you hope to build. A builder can identify practical site and access issues that may affect construction cost.
Does a flat block always mean low site costs?+
No. Soil, services, drainage, access, easements and other constraints can still create significant site work.
Should I check easements before buying?+
Yes. Easements and title restrictions can affect where and how you can build.
Do I need a soil test before buying land?+
Not every purchaser arranges one before settlement, but understanding likely ground conditions can be useful where foundation cost is a concern.
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EBC services Melbourne's Eastern Suburbs. View service areas.
Related EBC pages
- Real EBC New Home Case Study
- New Home Building Costs
- Site Costs Explained
- Soil Tests Before Building
- Site Survey Guide
- Easements and Home Extensions