Browse Forums General Discussion Re: The Ponds - Land Release 241Jun 05, 2010 9:19 pm Sorry to hijack the thread, But i read somewhere in this thread asking how many lots are sold and how many still available in ponds.. Answer is.. Total Lots in Ponds including Kalina is 3000 Total sold so far is 1200 Still under development and are about to release are 1800. Hope this information helps what percentage of houses are comming up in pnds and how many will be cming innear future... Ta reddy Re: The Ponds - Land Release 242Jun 07, 2010 6:36 pm thanks for that reddy. http://dreamzattheponds.blogspot.com To be invited to our blog send a PM with your email. Settled on land 25th June Exchanged contracts on Land April 14th 2010 Building our First Home Re: The Ponds - Land Release 243Jun 10, 2010 9:42 am Hi All, A slope of 1m maybe okay. Blacktown council allows 900mm of cut and 600m of fill so anything upto 1.5m can be worked to if the builder is fair. Also by having a drop down garage you maybe able reduce the cut and fill (depending on the house design). Take your contours to various builders and get them to site your house on the plot - they should do it for free and know all the limits. You need to have a clearance of 4m to the back fence and 900m on each side (not including eaves). So an easemsnt 1 or 1.5m of the back boundary is not the end of the world (unless you want a pool). Most builders will adapt facades and floorplans to get you to fit their design on your block. Most new designs of single level homes around 27 squares will fit a block 15 x 30 meters (450m2). Houseplans can be fliped to have the drive way either left or right, and bedrooms, living areas, etc moved to make the most of aspect - just ask the sales staff. There are other requirements for the ponds (i.e no straight walls for more than 8.5m) but the builders will accomadate and it maybe possible to get variations through the Ponds Development. I would recommend you visit the bigger builders on dispaly at the Ponds as they are very clued up on all the regs for BCC and the Ponds. Check out Eden Brea, Metricon, Wisdom, Elderton and Alkira and you will see what is possible. Get the sales people to do all the leg work - it is a great service and free! Good luck. Building an Eden Brae Saville 27 http://karry327.blogspot.com/ Building thread https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=44247 Re: The Ponds - Land Release 244Jun 15, 2010 10:27 am New Priority List Opens today for Waterlily release right next to the display village and close to the ovals. New Land Release - A limited selection with pond or park views! On Sale 10am, Saturday 19th June 2010. Choose from a range of premium home sites in the highly sought after "Waterlily" neighbourhood (pale blue colour on the Masterplan), with some lots offering pond or park frontages. HURRY! Don't miss out as demand is sure to be high. * 39 Blocks FOR SALE * Price range from $330,000 - $395,000 * Size range from 450sqm - 550sqm * Frontages range from 15m to 20m * No Community Levies * DELAYED SETTLEMENT: Approximately December 2010 as advised by our Project Management Team * Don't forget you are eligible to receive the $5,000 House Design & Landscape Rebate if you finish building your home and landscaping with 2 years of settling on the land, and comply with the design guidelines. However, there is no time limit to build. Click here to view the "Waterlily 2" Sales Plan: http://www.australand.com.au/ArticleDocuments/57/theponds-waterlilyrelease-brochure.pdf Click here to view the press advertising material: http://www.australand.com.au/ArticleDocuments/57/theponds-waterlilyrelease-press.pdf *** IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS *** Priority Numbers# will be issued at The Ponds for this land release. To be issued with a Priority Number, please attend the following session at The Ponds Sales and Display Centre on: When: Tuesday 15th June 2010 Time: 4pm - 7pm Where: The Ponds Sales and Display Centre, Riverbank Drive, The Ponds Click here to download a copy of the "How to Buy at The Ponds Using the Priority Numbering System" for detailed information on how this system will be implemented http://www.australand.com.au/articledocuments/57/the_ponds_priority_numbering_system.pdf). Please Note: * The first number "1" will be issued to the first person who attends at The Ponds Sales and Display Centre and so on down the queue. If you are unable to attend the issuing of the priority numbers, you can provide written authority for another person to obtain the number on your behalf (you can do this by completing a form you obtain from The Ponds Sales & Display centre or download the form from http://www.theponds.com.au which authorise your representative to act on your behalf) * It is important to realise that once you have obtained a priority number, your interest is restricted to purchasing one lot. You are not able to transfer ownership of a lot to someone else prior to settlement. Building companies are excluded from purchasing lots on the first day of sale. * To obtain a priority number, you must nominate the lot you wish to purchase. If you wish to nominate a different available lot prior to the day of sale, you will forfeit your original priority number and obtain a new priority number for the new lot. The original nominated lot will then be available for nomination or reservation until commencement of the sales process on the day of sale. * A notice will be placed on The Ponds Sales & Display Centre door listing the names of the prospective purchasers and their nominated lot in priority number order so that you can check your position in the queue. Should you have any questions about this land release or the issuing of priority numbers, please contact me on 9629 1212 or visit the Sales & Display Centre. Building at The Ponds Land reg 3/12/09, Land settled 18/12/09 Approved by Design Panel 16/11/09, Submitted to council 24/11/09, Approved by Council 21/1/10 Site Start 21/5/10 http://andyminpondsbuild.blogspot.com/ https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=19800 Re: The Ponds - Land Release 245Jun 17, 2010 3:16 pm Hi, I just picked up a Priority Number and nominated lot 1123 at Waterlily a couple of days ago. I am trying to gather as much information as possible to make an 'informed' decision whether to go ahead with the purchase. Registration/Settlement Date: approximately Dec 2010. Size: 498 sq m Price: $360K Frontage: 16 m, Depth: 30.04m / 31.38m, Back: 16.005m Contour: Reasonably flat plot - gradual slope of 57.5 to 57.0 (starting at an angle from back right corner to front left corner of the lot.) Sewer main is at the front of the property. Electricity Pillar sits up front at the left border to the next lot. (how big is an electricity pillar ??? Is this bad to have it so near to my lot ???) A Hydrant is just in front of the electricity pillar. A Tree Bay is positioned right in the middle front of the lot (not sure if it suppose to be across the street???). This is not good, right??? No easement or stormwater pit on the lot (as per Contour Plan). I have never done this before, buy land and build so I am very nervous about this. Would appreciate some comments and suggestions etc. Is this a reasonable good block of land to build? ie Would the Tree Bay, sloping ground, hydrant, electric pillar be a problem??? Is there any foreseeable additional costs or problems to build on this lot? The back of the property is facing North-East. Is it a good orientation? Is the registration / settlement date usually accurate at The Ponds? Does anyone know or experience longer delays in registration? Naturally I am trying to make the most of the new Builders Bonus. There are a few conditions to comply to be eligible for this bonus. Settlement for the purchase is within 21 days, 1st week of July so this is not a problem here. Laying of foundations has to be within 26 weeks after the agreement for sale. This will be a problem as 26 weeks is around end of Dec. The lot may only be registered then. Of course I can apply to the Commissioner for an extension. My concern is the registration maybe later as Dec/Jan period are slow periods where everything shuts down. This next question will sound like a silly question (sorry ....). How long (average) does it take to build a house (single / 2 storey house)? Any advise / tips on shopping around for a builder / house package??? What kind of additional costs (dollar value) would I have to consider besides land and house? (landscaping, driveway, fence, curtains/blinds ?????) Any comments about the lots at Waterlily? I guess I am keen and excited about owning a new home but at the same time very apprehensive about the whole process of buying land and building (effort, time and stress etc). I understand in this case, it will be at least 14-16 months from start to finish? I have lots of questions ........ Would appreciate any help and comments (tips, tricks, dos and don'ts). Re: The Ponds - Land Release 247Jun 17, 2010 6:47 pm pipphen No easement or stormwater pit on the lot (as per Contour Plan). I have never done this before, buy land and build so I am very nervous about this. Would appreciate some comments and suggestions etc. Is this a reasonable good block of land to build? ie Would the Tree Bay, sloping ground, hydrant, electric pillar be a problem??? Is there any foreseeable additional costs or problems to build on this lot? Is the registration / settlement date usually accurate at The Ponds? Does anyone know or experience longer delays in registration? . Hi Pippen welcome to the forum To answer your questions. 1. Looking at the dimensions of your block this is a good purchase :- It would seem you would have a nice choice of houses to sit on the block between single and double. 2. Hydrant, treebay , electricity isn't a problem really,. we have a treebay on the right hand side if it was to get in the way it can be moved also provided you pay a fee to the council at least you have that option if needed. This tree bay would have to be on grass not on the road...We also have the electricity box. It isn't big and probably the height of a garden tap. It would be on the furthest edge of your front right/left side of the block 3. Costing of this block.. whether it would be a problem ? I doubt you will have any problems with that slope it really isn't much.. and nothing to be worried about.. 4. Orientation whether you go by any principle feng shui or vastushastra thats a different issue. If you have sunlight in your living areas you will be fine and considering you have north east at the back you shouldnt have any issues with sunlight orientation.. All in all i think your block is excellent especially the fact you have mentioned there is no easements! you have plenty of area and you will be expanding your choices more... instead of the choices that can be obvious in a narrow block.. I suggest you study the ponds guidelines. This will help you understand some of the other questions that you will have later on.. You might also want to pop by some of the display homes nearby they would already have the contours with them i knw metr1con do,. just to get an idea of house sitting.. on the block. all the best and be happy that you will own ur own land in a lovely suburb called the ponds http://dreamzattheponds.blogspot.com To be invited to our blog send a PM with your email. Settled on land 25th June Exchanged contracts on Land April 14th 2010 Building our First Home Re: The Ponds - Land Release 248Jun 17, 2010 11:44 pm Hi Pipphen, 1123 is a great block. Even better with no easements. Waterlily is the best part of The Ponds (ducking for cover) but I am totally biased because I am also building in Waterlily. We are about to go to frame stage in that little section full of construction right opposite the front of the school. In the future they will also be building shops on the corner next to the school towards your little section of Waterlily. So you will be able to walk to school shops and parks easily from where your block will be. When we first looked at the masterplan your little section was one of the ones we flagged as a fave. So congrats on getting a priority number for a great block. The electricity box is the little green squarish boxes you see around and if your taps are on the same side thats even better because all of your water and power lines will run through the same general region of your front yard making them easier to locate in the future. You want your tree to be in the middle of the block or slightly away from the driveway side. I am pretty sure you have narrow streets like us so the trees will be on the footpath. You can move it if its too close to your driveway. I think you will have rounded gutters too so you can effectively put the driveway anywhere. The fall of the block is exactly the same as ours but as they are adding extra top soil fill to your area ATM, I suggest you get another survey along with soil samples once you select a builder. You will most likely need a piered H class slab and most builder charge extra for those. Prices vary greatly betwwen builder so make sure you ask when chatting to builders. With the back of the block facing primarily north and a touch east you should get a design with some living areas at the back to take advantage of the winter sun and if you can manage it try to put the bulk of your building on the western side of the block with minimal windows to block the shocking summer afternoon heat. It will also give you some shady outdoor space on a summer afternoon. The Ponds Design Review Panel will also make you add window shading or upgraded glazing to all windows facing north and east so thats a few more $ for you. If they are telling you Dec registration it could very well be Feb before it actually happens. Just know that your loan approval will probably expire and if you sign a building contract too early you may be hit with price increases before you even get started. Likewise for the grants you will need to keep track of expiry dates as you will need to apply for multiple extensions. Quote: How long (average) does it take to build a house (single / 2 storey house)? Hmm How long is a piece of string, so many variables. Most I have seen in The Ponds are an average of 6-9 months with the big builders. Some builders have a track record of consistently taking more than 12 mths. So do a bit of reading on the ones you are interested in. Homeone is the best place I have found for that info. Then you can weigh all of that up to help you decide. Quote: What kind of additional costs (dollar value) would I have to consider besides land and house? (landscaping, driveway, fence, curtains/blinds ?????) That depends on what the builder offers. You can get full lock up packages with just about everything included right down to the bare basics when you do most things yourself after hand over. Again depends on your budget and could you be bothered factor when weighing that up. As for what design thats the fun bit. Work out your maximum possible depth and width (land size minus required setbacks) and then you can start looking at designs Its a lot easier once you know the maximum depth is X metres and maximum width is Y metres. These set back are different for 1 and 2 storeys as well. Also have a look in the other threads about The Ponds http://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=29357 there are heaps of us blogging and you can read them all to give you more info or post any other questions you have. Congrats on getting a great block and good luck for Saturday. Min Building at The Ponds Land reg 3/12/09, Land settled 18/12/09 Approved by Design Panel 16/11/09, Submitted to council 24/11/09, Approved by Council 21/1/10 Site Start 21/5/10 http://andyminpondsbuild.blogspot.com/ https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=19800 Re: The Ponds - Land Release 249Jun 18, 2010 6:25 pm Yes you are right, Fernyhouse, registration / settlement will be probably (earliest) be in Dec 2010. dreamz and andy_min, thank you for your advise. It is so good to get feedback from others who are going through or have gone through the same experience. Your comments and advise are greatly appreciated. This is all so new to me and I am feeling totally out of my depth. I am excited about the prospect of owning a new home but am also at the same time overwhelmed by the mammoth task ahead. The last few days I have been going through this forum and talking to people to get an idea of what is needed or what to expect when building a new home. There is so many things to do, check, follow up. The 'fun' has not even started yet and I am already stressed out wondering if I can do it and last this long haul process to the end. I know Waterlily is a very good choice and you have confirmed it. But I am so apprehensive about this it looks like I am not quite as ready to go through this as I thought. I have tonight to really think this through before the 'Big' day tomorrow. No point in putting a deposit when I will not go through with it, right. Thanks guys for all your help. Re: The Ponds - Land Release 250Jun 18, 2010 10:58 pm If you can afford it, the land would be a good investment even if you don't build. A block the size of yours has gone up in value by $70k + in the last 15 mths. The original first release blocks 2 years ago were bought for $240k to $260k. Recent single storey sales of finished homes are going for high $600k to low $700k with 2 storey going for high $700k to mid $800k. The building process will be a little stressful and frustrating but that what H1 people are there for. Imagine how great it will feel to stand in the house that you chose and watch grow from the ground up. Good luck Min Building at The Ponds Land reg 3/12/09, Land settled 18/12/09 Approved by Design Panel 16/11/09, Submitted to council 24/11/09, Approved by Council 21/1/10 Site Start 21/5/10 http://andyminpondsbuild.blogspot.com/ https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=19800 Re: The Ponds - Land Release 251Jun 20, 2010 1:10 am Min, Thanks for the additional info. Yes, I am going through the blogs to glean as much info as possible. I skipped yesterday's morning deposit session as I was still uncertain and had plenty more questions Ended up attending a couple of open inspection of existing properties instead. Viewing these properties started me thinking about owning a new brand new home again. Buying an existing property also brings its own uncertainties and potential additional costs (unknown problems). A brand new home seems more attractive by the minute. I know the traffic in The Hills district is pretty bad. I am only familiar with the situation from the Castle Hill (Old Northern Road - TAFE) side. Do you know what the traffic is like going to and from Kellyville Ridge eg to North Ryde. How early does one have to leave Kellyville Ridge to avoid the peak hour? Example, from Baulkham Hills to North Ryde I would leave latest at 7am. Min, what would be the best lot in terms of orientation to the sun, fronts facing North, South, East or West? After viewing existing properties and considering the asking prices vs cost of building a new home, the latter is becoming more attractive. One main concern is the traffic getting in and out of Kellyville Ridge. Do you know how bad is the traffic? I will most likely be heading back to the Sales Office tomorrow, oops, this morning, to see what lots are still available. The lots facing the reserve (lots 1127-1130) and those with fronts facing North-East (lots 113-1115) and North / West (lot 1143-1147) were the first to be reserved. I was wondering why lots 1123 and 1124 were not popular? Any comments? Re: The Ponds - Land Release 252Jun 20, 2010 12:30 pm Great Post! My fiancée and i too have secured land in the new Waterlily 2 release! Quite exciting as it is our first block of land and first house! I think i will do the same as a lot of others are doing here and start a blog about the process as i have found a lot of these invaluable learning experiences! December registration will probably mean no action until late Jan / Early Feb 2011, but hey, better late than never! Looking forward to hearing more from the fellow neighbours in the coming months! Cheers, Rob Re: The Ponds - Land Release 253Jun 20, 2010 6:06 pm Quote: My fiancée and i too have secured land in the new Waterlily 2 release! Congrats Rob, what block did you get? You can PM me if you dont want to post it. I like putting a name to a block when I see progress. Might be a bit of a wait till we some progress on yours though. Pop in the other Ponds thread and say Hi and if you do a blog let me know so I can add it to the Ponds/ Kridge blog list. Pipphen- Did you end up going back to get one? We also looked at buying existing before deciding to build and value for money for the size was much better with a build plus I would need extra $ not only for stamp duty but also for repaint decorate etc to my tastes. I didnt see anything even close to what I wanted. Quote: Do you know what the traffic is like going to and from Kellyville Ridge eg to North Ryde. If you go M2 it can be a bit random some days its back back all the way onto M7 and others you get a smooth run till Windsor Rd on ramp at Nth Mead. If you left at 7 you would be fine. I had to go into the city one day last week and I left home at 8 and was in the city by 9.15 the longest I crawled for was going over the Harbour Bridge. Without traffic you can get the airport in 45mins. Quote: traffic getting in and out of Kellyville Ridge Not too bad because you have 4 ways to get out now and you will have even more in the future. The biggest queues seem to be going via Sentry Dr or Merrivale (but lights are pretty generous on this one), You can also go out down Stanhope Bvld towards the markets or out via Newbury. Ive never had a problem getting in during Peak Hr. Quote: Min, what would be the best lot in terms of orientation to the sun, fronts facing North, South, East or West? It depends on what you are building. You want some living areas to get winter sun from the north and it makes a huge difference. But ultimately it depends on how you use the house if you want to have an outdoor area, westerly summer sun is a killer. Do you want the rising sun shining in your window? If its 2 storey how does that change the solar access? So many variables but for any block you can work around any of those concerns I would be more focssed on a good size block, good position, fairly level with no easements for a reasonable price. Quote: I was wondering why lots 1123 and 1124 were not popular? Any comments? I think its because the others are closer or may have views to the ovals/ park areas. There are also some people that dont like their front door to face certain directions. Our old house face sth and that was a big problem when selling it. We lost about 1/2 of our buyers which was funny cause no one had a problem with the 2 massive gum trees out the front . Also it could be simpler reasons, some people look for the biggest block, some want the cheapest some don't really car and just pick the first one on the list. Good Luck. Min Building at The Ponds Land reg 3/12/09, Land settled 18/12/09 Approved by Design Panel 16/11/09, Submitted to council 24/11/09, Approved by Council 21/1/10 Site Start 21/5/10 http://andyminpondsbuild.blogspot.com/ https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=19800 Re: The Ponds - Land Release 254Jun 21, 2010 9:45 am Hi all, Been reading this forum for the last couple of weeks and has inspired me to buy at the ponds. Just sold my house at kellyville ridge on the weekend and my wife and I are now looking to purchase some land and build in the ponds. Not sure if anyone will know but does anyone know when the section i've circled in red in the link picture will be released? Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Does the fact the roads have been carved out mean it will be sooner rather than later? Thanks TP Re: The Ponds - Land Release 255Jun 21, 2010 11:17 am Hmm not sure about that one cause Blackthorn is is the closest too that section and on this map it wasnt even carved out then. Blackthorn was 2 releases ago. I thought the next few releases might be the corner Opposite Bluebell and Alba plus the section near the creek in front of Lorius. Maybe ask them at the sales office about it, though they will probably just try and convince you to buy a current release one. Sorry I am not help. Min Building at The Ponds Land reg 3/12/09, Land settled 18/12/09 Approved by Design Panel 16/11/09, Submitted to council 24/11/09, Approved by Council 21/1/10 Site Start 21/5/10 http://andyminpondsbuild.blogspot.com/ https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=19800 Re: The Ponds - Land Release 256Jun 21, 2010 12:40 pm Thanks for the reply Min. I did try asking at the sales office but they told me they didn't know and directed me to the current ones as you said. Also what has the time frame been between releases? Re: The Ponds - Land Release 257Jun 30, 2010 9:33 pm Hi, I am selling a registered block in The Ponds - 452 sq, 15.3 frontage, no easements on the rear of the block, easy building site. Great location - close to the park.... I am looking for a quick sale. Will consider offers above $323,000. It will sell fast at this price. If you are interested then please get in contact with me ASAP. Thanks Re: The Ponds - Land Release 258Jul 07, 2010 12:49 pm Hibiscus release this weekend prices are on the sales tool . http://dreamzattheponds.blogspot.com To be invited to our blog send a PM with your email. Settled on land 25th June Exchanged contracts on Land April 14th 2010 Building our First Home Re: The Ponds - Land Release 259Jul 07, 2010 9:34 pm Seeking some advice about the Hibiscus release this weekend. We have a priority number on Lot 8113, classified as a corner lot, but it's measurements are good (22.59 frontage). We are required to build a double storey house as it's next to Stanhope Parkway. This was not our first choice of lots as there were some 600m2 lots that we missed, but seeing as this was my first time, I don't think we did to bad, and we are just seeing how Saturday will pan out. As you can see from the sales plan of this release http://www.theponds.com.au/downloads/file/For%20Sale/Hibiscus_Landplan_l.pdf it appears that there will only be a nature strip next to this lot and then the busy Stanhope Parkway, does anyone know how I could find out the actual width of the nature strip between the road and this lot? Should there be a specific distance? The block appears to be relatively hassle free (no easements, padmounts or manholes) but we would have to take into account the requirements for a corner block which doesn't bother me, the only thing I am concerned about at this point is the proximity to the Parkway, will this mean noise issues and would this be a dangerous spot? It appears on the masterplan there will be traffic lights at Waterfall Blvd and Stanhope Parkway, not sure if this will be a good or bad thing? Any thoughts from those of you who have been involved in the Ponds for some time? Sorry if I'm not making much sense, but just need to decide whether or not to deposit this block on the weekend. Thanks, Gemma Re: The Ponds - Land Release 260Jul 08, 2010 1:14 pm Hi bits With regards to noise and things like that.. and well generally if the block is good or bad.. the best thing is to take a ride through stanhope parkway.. you can get in there now.. you will have a good idea of how the block will look like and location. As for that particular block it sounds lovely.. but jus to be clear.. u must check it out i think anyway.. as u may be able to change ur mind if u do decide to ... on another block.. that way you can figure out the proximity to the parkway etc.. fyi: we have seen these lots last saturday at the moment its all jus dirt with no grass.. its along stanhope parkway above waterfall.. all the best. http://dreamzattheponds.blogspot.com To be invited to our blog send a PM with your email. Settled on land 25th June Exchanged contracts on Land April 14th 2010 Building our First Home Shade the brick with large eves. Since going to minimum of 600mm eaves on my build, I've noticed much improved cooling off the house after hot summer days. Can see the… 1 1853 Yeah I don't know why I came to a forum. Place is full of wierdos/pedos thought internet may help but I suppose I'll try my luck with someone in person. Cheers. I tried… 0 6667 Need advice on the backyard plan above. Should I excavate and cut all of the dirt to level with the house slab or semi-excavate as per photo above? Both left and right… 0 25150 |