What to consider when choosing a section to build on

Finding the ideal piece of land is the first step in building the house of your dreams. Your choice of section will affect not only your home’s overall cost and design but also your future lifestyle, so it’s a decision that needs to be made with all due care. So, what factors should you take into account before making a purchase?

This blog will list key attributes to look for when searching for the perfect section for your new home. We’ll also discuss how Location Homes can assist you in your search for the ideal section, making the building process seamless from start to finish.

Key considerations when buying a section

At the start of the journey, questions such as which section should I choose? What should I be looking for? Why is the section across the street less expensive? Are not only common but also valid. Every site has possible hidden costs, which significantly influence how much it actually costs to build a house on. Below we break down the different factors that should be addressed before you start your journey.

Budget

Identifying your budget should be your first call to action, as there is no point in looking if you cannot afford to buy. By understanding your overall budget, you can break down the costs further. It’s a big step to invest a tonne of money in something that doesn’t yet exist, but the returns can also be significant if done right. 

The land you buy is only a portion of the total cost. Even though it is the first purchase you will make, it is critical not to overspend at the start. Setting a budget from the beginning can help you determine how much you can spend on the section, including any maintenance work or amenities. After you’ve determined your overall budget (including landscaping), you can calculate the cost of your section and the amount you can spend on the build.

Location

They say that location is the most crucial factor to consider when buying a home. The location creates desirability, desirability creates demand, and demand raises real estate prices. If you are building in a town or city, you need to consider how convenient the section is to shops, schools, public transport and anything else you need for the smooth running of your daily lives. It would help if you also considered the proximity of neighbours, whether you can create privacy from them, and whether the section is close to a busy road or factory that could cause undue noise problems.

North-facing sections are the most sought-after to purchase, as the garage can be placed on the south side, leaving the sunny northern side for the living areas or bedrooms. They are typically the first to sell and the most expensive when compared to other sections of similar size. Sections on the south side are another popular option as the sun can set into a private outdoor area in the afternoon, maximising your outdoor living area.

Rural sections

If you’re planning to build a bach or rural home, you will likely be looking for a section with privacy, beautiful natural surroundings and breathtaking views. However, if the location is remote, you must consider the extra expenses related to establishing power, installing water storage tanks, septic tanks, and building a driveway from the property gate to the house.

Sections aspects

The section's aspect is yet another important factor. Will it be possible for you to build a house with a north-facing orientation, allowing you to maximise winter daylight and reduce summer heat? Also, consider the prevailing wind directions. Will you be able to get good cross-ventilation in your home in hot weather while providing sufficient protection from high wind

A flat section on solid ground suitable for a concrete slab foundation will require minimal excavation or engineering work, keeping building costs down. A sloping section where the ground conditions are unknown may require significant excavation or geotechnical evaluation, pushing costs up.

What is the composition of the soil? The soil quality will be crucial to your success if you plan to grow your own fruits and vegetables, are an avid gardener, or have significant landscaping plans. Composting can gradually improve soil quality, but it obviously takes a lot of persistence.

Choosing the right house plan

Chances are you have probably already spent hours scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest looking for your dream kitchen or outdoor entertaining area imagining the hours you will spend with family or entertaining guests. From the little pieces of luxury that will make your home yours, the number of bedrooms you want to the street view. If these things matter to you the most, then the section you choose to build on needs to be selected with even more care. If location is more important than the design, then it pays to lock in that section first before you fall in love with your dream house plan.

How Location Homes can help

After building custom design and build homes for over 15 years, our team has learnt a thing or two about the ideal section to build on. Because of this, we can offer advice and assistance during the search process. As avid developers, we are also in the know of available and upcoming sections for sale. Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your new build goals, and we can see how we can help.

Considering your choice of section with care, and keeping the above points in mind, can lead to lower building costs for your new affordable luxury home and lead to a higher quality of life for you and your family for a long time into the future. Be sure to talk to our designers before making your final selection to ensure you make the best possible choice. If you’re still unsure about the style of home you want to build, start by downloading our style guide showcasing some of our favourite builds over the years or check out our range of standard plans available.