Buy & Build – Landing Your Dream Home
If you’re someone who is looking to purchase a house and land package, this is the article for you. Whilst many people go ahead and purchase pre-owned property, there are many who would rather purchase a land package and build their home from scratch for added levels of personalisation, and the ability to control all aspects of how the home is built.
On top of catering to buyers’ needs, purchasing a land package and building your home can also offer great value for money and present the opportunity for added savings as compared to buying a pre-owned home. Opting for the best savings account to manage your funds during this process can further enhance your financial advantages. In this article, we will look at the steps you can take when it comes to landing your dream home, so read on to find out more!
1. Do Your Research
The first step towards any successful endeavour is to make sure you do all your research! Are you looking to purchase a knock down rebuild or truly start from scratch? There are so many things to consider when planning purchasing a land. Always make sure you look into the the estate you are interested in – what is safety like in the area? Is there close access to public transportation, supermarkets, schools, banks and other amenities that you and your family will need?
Considering new housing estates are often on the outskirts of the city, you will want to ensure that you know exactly what you are getting yourself into and that the location suits your personal lifestyle needs. You should also pay attention to the master plan for the area and the long term vision, to ensure you have an idea of what to expect in the future. Once you have thoroughly researched and agreed on an estate that suits all your needs, you have the greenlight to proceed!
2. Find The Perfect Plot Of Land
Once you have decided on your estate, it’s time to pick the perfect plot of land for your future home. When it comes to choosing the perfect lot, always keep in mind that cheaper does not always mean better. Cheaper lots of land usually cost less due to issues such as irregular shape/size, substantial levels of fill and slopes in the land. Whilst the land may be cheaper to purchase, you will end up spending a lot more money than you should for site costs. So, before making land purchase make sure you’ve done comprehensive research. For instance, check local zoning regulations in advance, take into account any additional costs associated with land, consider irrigation issues and mineral rights and there are plenty other factors to consider.
Home orientation is another thing to take note of, as it can affect the amount of natural light that enters your home, affecting overall ambience and even affecting your energy bills. A home that receives more natural light will result in lower energy consumption and less money having to be forked out on utility bills. If you need expert advice on what plot of land to purchase, it is always advisable to consult a land surveyor to measure the site and give you more information and advice on what you should do.
3. Look Into The Reputation Of Your Developer
It is of utmost importance that you do your research into the overall reputation of your developer and builder when it comes to building your personalised home. You need to know if your developer of choice is reputable, can do the job to your standards and are going to work within your budget and time limit.
Look for customer testimonials, online reviews, case studies on work they have done and personally head down to developments they have completed in the recent past to have a look at the quality of their services first hand. You can also speak to local real estate agents who will offer a wealth of information on developments in the area, how they sell and what to look out for.
4. Settle On Your Budget and Stick To It
Budget planning is important for everyone, regardless of your level of income. It is so important that you come up with a budget and stick to it. The last thing you want to do is overspend and end up having to pay off a lot more than necessary. To ensure you are paying a fair price for your development, always compare your house and land package with market rates.
You would expect to pay less for a package deal, so sniff out market prices to ensure you are not being charged more than you should. You should also split the land package and home cost into two seperate parts – check for the market value on a similar block without a house package and then look individually at what the house package is alone is worth.
5. Home Design
Once you have sorted out your land package and have chosen a developer, it’s time to plan your home design. Select a floor plan, interior fixtures, fittings, materials and finishing touches with the assistance of a colour design consultant or interior designer if you choose, and always remember to work within your budget as always. You can always create vision boards, look online for some inspiration or even visit other developments to see what others have chosen for their homes. The best part of a land and home building package is how highly customisable it is, and how you can truly build the home of your dreams, so take full advantage of this step!
We hope that this article has been helpful in guiding you through the process of landing your dream home!
Thank you for reading this article!