Building your dream home is an exciting prospect for many Australians.
While it’s fun and easy to get carried away choosing paint colours, flooring options and kitchen appliances, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make before building your home is choosing a block of land.
Knowing what to look for when you’re searching for land can make a huge difference to the type of house you can build – and save you thousands in construction and maintenance costs along the way.
So, if you’re ready to start the process of building your dream home, read through our top five tips for choosing a block of land (before taking a look at all the lots for sale at Springwood!)
Tip #1: Consider the orientation of the block
The orientation – or the direction that a block of land faces – is the most important factor when it comes to choosing land.
A house designed on a well-oriented block will take advantage of sunlight and wind patterns throughout the year to increase both the energy efficiency and liveability of your home.
With electricity prices at record-high levels, this could mean you don’t need to use your air conditioner or heater as much – and who doesn’t want cheaper power bills! You can also take advantage of the house’s position and install solar panels, another fantastic way to reduce your energy bill.
Tip #2: Consider the outlook of the block
A home that takes advantage of stunning views can add significant value to your property.
So, when it comes to selecting land, be sure to identify the main views or areas that you might want to feature – both outside and within the perimeter of your block. By doing this first, you’ll be able to design a home that’s able to capture these views.
It’s also important that you feel safe and comfortable in your home – no one wants to see into their neighbour’s bathroom! So, consider the placement of neighbouring properties, including balconies, and fencing, when choosing a block of land too.
Many of the lots in Springwood’s new Highfield release feature sweeping views over the brand new, $1 million Highfield Reserve, and rolling hills of Gawler.
Tip #3: Consider the street profile of the block
Thoroughly investigate the street, and make sure the following items won’t impact your block, or where you’d like to position your house on the land:
- Trees
- Stobie poles
- Connections
- Hydrants
- Footpaths; and
- Access ramps.
At Springwood, all general services like power lines and fire hydrants are located underground, providing you with greater flexibility when it comes to building your home. It’s also important to consider things like the width of the road, car parking for visitors, how busy the street is (and will become), landscaping verges and the general ‘street appeal’.
Tip #4: Investigate the amenities nearby
When you’re choosing a block of land, think about the amenities you would like to have nearby now, and into the future.
How close is it to public transport, your work, local schools, shops, cafes and medical facilities? Having amenities like these near you will not only make life more convenient for you but will also impact the future potential value of your home. Living close to parks, playgrounds and cycling paths also come with many healthy lifestyle benefits.
Construction has started on Springwood’s new Village Centre, which will be home to a childcare centre, petrol station, supermarket, specialty shops and more. The completion of the Gawler East Link Road, which runs through the Village Centre, will also provide faster access to Gawler and beyond.
The first residential lots in the new Village Centre have just been released too – take a look at the lots for sale here.
Tip #5: Look at re-sale values of homes in the area
Finally, consider the potential future value of your home.
To do this, investigate how well established homes in the area are selling. Things like the location of a block, surrounding businesses and amenities will affect how easily your house may sell in future.
It’s also wise to choose land in an area where property prices are on the rise. Future planned construction of things like new schools and shopping centres are a sign that property values will increase.
Gawler East, home to Springwood, has been listed as one of South Australia’s top performing suburbs for climbing property values, a recent CoreLogic report has revealed!
If you’re ready to start building your dream home, take a look at the range of lots and house and land packages for sale at Springwood, and contact Sales Manager Nathan Cag on 0402 532 693 today!