Buying land in new housing estates

DudleyDog · Feb 08, 2007 4:15 pm

We want to build a house and the land we want will be in a new housing estate in an already established area. We have established what we want in a piece of land ie. proximity, size etc but don't know what else to. These are some of our other questions:
1. Can you still negotiate the land price or is that "fixed" (for want of a better word) and just pick your plot off of a development plan (after having a look at it of course)?
2. Do we need to get any other inspections done of the land or do you assume the developers have done everything that needs to be done?
3. What else do we need to do (other than finance)?
I just want to be fully prepared for when the day comes

ausdesign · Feb 08, 2007 5:35 pm

Always buy subject to a satisfactory soil test report

http://www.ausdesign.com.au/articles/article42.html

epiphany · Feb 09, 2007 12:47 am

Always get a soil test done ASAP (& your contract should be subject to one). Don't assume it'll be fine. We ended up having issues with our soil test & were glad we'd had one done.

If the land has a fence on it, remember you'll be liable for half the cost (& it won't be included in the purchase price).

Also ask if the subdivision incurs additional council fees - we weren't aware beforehand that our council charged a one-off levy for building in our area to cover maintenance of the parkland.

ausdesign · Feb 09, 2007 7:53 am

Are you sure about the fence epiphany ?

DudleyDog · Feb 09, 2007 10:15 am

Thanks guys. I take it I have to find someone to do a soil test? What are these people called (who would I ring)?

With regards to the fence, I assume we go 1/2's with the neighbours?

epiphany · Feb 10, 2007 12:54 am

ausdesign

Are you sure about the fence epiphany ?

Yep. We purchased a block of land last year (currently building on it) & the ones that had existing fences attracted a separate cost for half the fence. Normally you'd arrange with the neighbour to pay them directly but in this case, the developer was acting as a middleman.

I can't remember the specifics (I'm sure someone can help) but there's some law where you are liable for up to half the cost of a wooden fence (just a basic one).

Touchingcloth · Feb 11, 2007 10:07 am

epiphany

ausdesign

Are you sure about the fence epiphany ?

Yep. We purchased a block of land last year (currently building on it) & the ones that had existing fences attracted a separate cost for half the fence. Normally you'd arrange with the neighbour to pay them directly but in this case, the developer was acting as a middleman.

I can't remember the specifics (I'm sure someone can help) but there's some law where you are liable for up to half the cost of a wooden fence (just a basic one).

Seems as though you've been had. Consultation/attempted consultation needs to take place prior to erection of a fence. However, to stay start of on the right foot with a neighbour it is sometimes advisable to pay something.

http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/lawref ... efault.htm