The Times Australia
The Times Real Estate

.

Top Tips for Finding the Ideal Block to Build Your Home


There’s something deeply personal and exciting about building your own home. You’re not just choosing paint colours or furniture, you’re creating a space that reflects your lifestyle, your dreams, and your future. However, before you start sketching layouts or shopping for kitchen tiles, there’s a very important step that often gets overlooked - choosing the right block of land. If you're serious about building your ideal home, here are the top tips you need to keep in mind when hunting for the perfect patch of earth.

Understand the slope

Flat blocks might look boring, but they’re often the most cost-effective when it comes to building. This is because building on a slope usually means extra foundation work, retaining walls, drainage considerations, and a good chance your build cost will rise faster than you expected. Hence, a sloped block isn’t a dealbreaker. In fact, it can offer beautiful views and creative design opportunities. Just make sure you’ve budgeted for the extra engineering and construction work and always consult with your builder or architect before you fall in love with a hilly plot.

Choose the right location

Everyone wants a great location that is close to schools, shops, transport, and maybe even a decent café for your weekend latte fix. But location isn’t just about what’s nearby. It’s also about the vibe of the neighbourhood. There are numerous outstanding suburbs in Australia that may tick the box for you, but you have to walk the streets and visit at different times of the day to see what fits. Check how noisy it is in the evening, whether there is a lot of through traffic, etc. And if you do find vacant land for sale in Byford, for example, know that you’re not just buying a piece of land,  you’re choosing your everyday environment.

Size and shape matter

A massive block sounds appealing, but if it’s narrow or awkwardly shaped, it can really restrict what and how you build. Check the frontage (the width at the front), depth, and whether the block has any strange angles or unusable corners. Think about your dream home layout. Do you want a big backyard? A wide driveway? Room for a pool or a granny flat down the track? The block should complement your goals, not limit them.

Check for easements and covenants

Unfortunately, this is one of those less glamorous parts of buying land, but it’s crucial. Easements are parts of your land that others (like utility companies) have legal access to. Covenants are restrictions placed on the land by the developer or council, like limiting the type of home you can build or requiring specific building materials or fencing. Before signing anything, ask for a copy of the title and have a solicitor go over it carefully. Hidden restrictions can seriously throw a wrench in your design plans.

Orientation is the key

You’d be surprised how much of a difference orientation makes. A north-facing block generally means your home can soak up natural light in living areas all day long which can be great for comfort and even better for energy efficiency. Pay attention to where the sun rises and sets. Make sure to think ahead because how your home sits on your block affects everything from heating costs to garden planning.

Think about services and access

Check what services are already connected to the block. Is there sewer, water, electricity, and NBN? If not, check whether there would be any cost of getting them there. Don't forget about access, and see if delivery trucks and trades can easily get in and out during construction. Blocks in newly developed estates often come ready with services, but rural or older blocks might require a lot more legwork. These practicalities might not be the most thrilling part of home planning, but they can save you thousands and a whole lot of stress.

Talk to locals

If you’ve got your eye on a particular area, take a little time to talk to the people already living there. Locals are a goldmine of real-world insight. From traffic problems and storm drainage issues to which parts of the neighbourhood have better internet coverage or rowdier weekend crowds, they may know it all. Plus, it gives you a better feel for the community you’ll potentially be joining. You’re not just investing in land, you’re planting roots.

Think long-term

Lastly, buying a block of land is exciting, no doubt. But it’s also a decision that will impact your lifestyle, finances, and future. Take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Property Times

Flipping vs. Holding: Which Investment Strategy Is Right for You?

Are you wondering whether flipping a property or holding onto it is the better investment strategy? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Both strategies have distinct advantages and risks, and choosing the right one depends on your financial goals, ...

A Guide to Smarter Real Estate Accounting: What You Might Be Overlooking

Real estate accounting can be a complex terrain, even for experienced investors and property managers. From tracking rental income to managing property expenses, the financial intricacies of real estate demand more than just basic bookkeeping. A si...

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by respected private hotelier John Azar, the Good Beer Company has a proven t...

Top Tips for Finding the Ideal Block to Build Your Home

There’s something deeply personal and exciting about building your own home. You’re not just choosing paint colours or furniture, you’re creating a space that reflects your lifestyle, your dreams, and your future. However, before you start sketchin...

Times Magazine

Why Social Media Marketing Matters for Businesses in Australia

Today social media is a big part of daily life. All over Australia people use Facebook, Instagram, TikTok , LinkedIn and Twitter to stay connected, share updates and find new ideas. For businesses this means a great chance to reach new customers and...

Building an AI-First Culture in Your Company

AI isn't just something to think about anymore - it's becoming part of how we live and work, whether we like it or not. At the office, it definitely helps us move faster. But here's the thing: just using tools like ChatGPT or plugging AI into your wo...

Data Management Isn't Just About Tech—Here’s Why It’s a Human Problem Too

Photo by Kevin Kuby Manuel O. Diaz Jr.We live in a world drowning in data. Every click, swipe, medical scan, and financial transaction generates information, so much that managing it all has become one of the biggest challenges of our digital age. Bu...

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

The Times Features

Could we one day get vaccinated against the gastro bug norovirus? Here’s where scientists are at

Norovirus is the leading cause[1] of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. It’s responsible for roughly one in every five cases[2] of gastro annually. Sometimes dubbed ...

Does running ruin your knees? And how old is too old to start?

You’ve probably heard that running is tough on your knees – and even that it can cause long-term damage. But is this true? Running is a relatively high-impact activity. Eve...

Jetstar announces first ever Brisbane to Rarotonga flights with launch fares from just $249^ one-way

Jetstar will start operating direct flights between Brisbane and Rarotonga, the stunning capital island of the Cook Islands, in May 2026, with launch sale fares available today...

Introducing the SE 2 and Mini hair dryers from Laifen

The Mane Attractions for Professional Styling at Home Without the Price Tag Fast, flawless hair is now possible with the launch of Laifen’s two professional quality hair dryers th...

Home Gym Recovery Routines: What Pro Athletes Do After Workouts

Training is only half the equation. What you do after your workout has just as much impact on your progress, performance, and long-term health. Professional athletes know this, w...

Flipping vs. Holding: Which Investment Strategy Is Right for You?

Are you wondering whether flipping a property or holding onto it is the better investment strategy? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Both strategies have distinct advantages a...