Browse Forums Buying Land 1 Mar 31, 2016 10:10 am So we are relatively new to Australia and relatively new to the idea of building a home, something us pommies don't get the luxury of in the UK unless you are buying a duplicate copy of every other house on the street. So we are focussing on house and land at the moment, buying seperately but trying to ensure we find a house plan that fits with the lot we are buying to maximise the garden area. We are buying in Townsville in an outer suburb and estate called Sanctum which is known for its larger lots. Lots range from 400 to 1000 sqm. We are currently focussing around the 750sqm price bracket and homes generally match price so 750 = $175,000, 650 = $165,000 etc. We have seen a few lots and are undecided and interested in your help. There are some older streets available which are 804 sqm lots and initially priced at $180,000 with a recent deal of $10k off the land, they are really trying to clear these and I think a deal could be made. These older streets however, have no character and are away from parklands. Just rows and rows of new builds. Our favourite lot is 750sqm and sides on to the 1.4 hectare parkland (no roads in between) and is based in a culdesac with a few new show homes being located in front of the home (hopefully increasing steet credibility). This lot is priced at $185,000 due to its location. It's also one of the remaining lots available on the culdesac and unique. We are still 120 days off proceeding and I am not sure whether it would still be available. Due to our limited position to proceed immediately I think the chance of discount is slim. Then there are smaller 680sqm lots on the road leading too the culdesac, but this is a busier road (or will be when the deveopment proceeds) however lots are around $166,000 and our query is whether once we are in the home, the frontage or location will it matter? Its approximately 20m walking distance from the expensive lot and 10m from parkland. I think $5k would be possible to be deducted off the price too. Finally some newer releases are due to be opened, however timescales unknown. One release opens possible in April/May however despite a few larger lots it is surrounded with 400sqm lots which seem small here in Townsville and cramped and ruin the feel of the development. Land prices would be good value though. There is a triangular corner lot of 900sqm that may be interesting as we could site and acreage property on it that we had seen and give us a unique feel without paying an extra $50k in land for an acreage site. Prices not released yet but due to our 120 days wait, the developer would be in a more welcoming fashion of a deal/hold. Any thoughts? Are my views on the land options relevant? Anything I have or haven't considered? Land sells slowly here, perhaps one lot a week. There are probably around 30 lots on sale at the moment and around another 300 or so to come over the next 5 years. Lots of unemployment recently in Townsville. Do you think we should consider negotiating? First timer... Buying land... 2Mar 31, 2016 3:13 pm I like the sound of the 750 in the cul de sac. We were in a similar position with time restraints, we had to wait 3 months before we could apply for our mortgage due to being relatively new to the country and needing our savings to be in the account, untouched for 3 months (we were a bit slack transferring it over) anyway, in our case, the land people were fantastic and held the land all that time so maybe it's worth talking it through if they know you are serious? Maybe even just ask if there is any chance of any movement in the price? We didn't because we really wanted our plot. Also, I read recently that houses in cul de sacs fetch more $$ when you sell on. Good luck with your decision. Building Simonds Palisade soon.. Re: First timer... Buying land... 3Mar 31, 2016 6:13 pm I would always buy an existing block rather than one that needs to be titled. It's quite common for the date the block becomes titled can slip by ma.ny months or even over a year. Check out this link for more background: http://anewhouse.com.au/2012/02/title-delays/ The Harder You Try - the Luckier You Get ! Web site http://www.anewhouse.com.au Informative, Amusing, and Opinionated Blog - Over 600 posts on all aspects of building a new house. Re: First timer... Buying land... 4Mar 31, 2016 9:25 pm Thankyou for your replies... The land sales are generally pretty good at the moment with releases but I know what you mean by existing lots. I think if we went for one of the untitled lots we wont know when our home will be built. Luckily, the land sales lady knows us well by now. She knew we fell for the culdesac lot back at xmas but being quite unique we presumed it would sell instantly. We were surprised that others in the culdesac sold first for similar prices yet this end lot with parkland to the side was unsold. Initially we were concerned and had builders scope it out for us, but alas no it was an excellent lot of land with views of hills behind and a nice sea breeze blowing in. I know there will be an added cost for wind proofing an end lot but then we will only have one neighbour and 3 sides of parkland (front, back and one side). Plus the value of the land should remain good as the quality of the homes surrounding it will be show homes (500k plus value which in TSV is good). The land sales contacted me today and is taking my offer on the land towards the developer. I have offered a $1500 deposit however stating it would be 90-120 days settlement. My husband also found out he will start work on the 4th April as opposed to the 11th bringing things forward a week. Time will tell I suppose. Now to consider house plans, we have seen two lovely homes we like. One has an acreage front (only 18.2m wide) and produces a huge rear garden and the other is $50k cheaper but has a huge open plan feel to it.... Exciting times... Re: First timer... Buying land... 5Apr 04, 2016 10:12 pm It has been confirmed, the developer will reserve my lot of land till hubby completes his probation period Re: First timer... Buying land... 6Apr 21, 2016 3:53 pm That's excellent the developer is going to reserve your lot for you! It's just meant to be Re: First timer... Buying land... 7Apr 21, 2016 3:55 pm Thats how we felt, we loved the land from day one seeing it on the plan. When we stand on the lot we feel at ease with nature. So many wonderful birds flying over head too. Hopefully not much car noise will ruin the peace as we are tucked away in the corner of the development too. There is a lovely front outlook to maintained parklands to the front, our only regret is not being able to integrate them into our plans for the house. The children will have an amazing view from their bedroom, not that they will appreciate them. 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 6389 11 40687 Thank you. Do I use timber floorboards for stairs or do people use timber treads? Or is both the same? 6 7252 |