If you’re building your first home, one of the biggest questions is: “Where do I even start with finding land?”
The good news? It’s not as overwhelming as it seems once you know what to look for — and what to avoid.
Here’s the simple breakdown.
1. Start with your budget
Before you scroll through land listings or visit estates, the first step is knowing how much you can comfortably spend.
Your budget depends on:
- Your borrowing capacity
- Your deposit
- Whether you’re using the FHOG or Home Guarantee Scheme
- Build costs + land costs together (your “total package”)
Land is only one part of the price — the home you build matters too.
So it’s best to work backwards:
What total budget do you qualify for?
Then figure out how much of that can go towards the land.
This prevents you from falling in love with a block that blows out the build price.
2. Where to look for land
Once you know your budget, you can start searching.
Good places to look include:
- Developer websites (e.g., Stockland, Villawood, Satterley)
- Realestate.com.au land listings
- New estates and display villages
- Local land agents
- Upcoming estate releases and pre-release opportunities
Land often sells quickly, especially in new stages — so being registered with estates and agents gives you early access.
Tip: Look for areas with new infrastructure, schools, transport upgrades or planned growth. These become strong long-term investment pockets.
3. What features to consider (to avoid expensive surprises)
Not all blocks are equal — and choosing the wrong one can add thousands to your site costs.
Here’s what matters:
✔️ Flat, cleared blocks — These mean lower site costs, fewer surprises and a smoother build. Steep, rocky or heavily filled blocks can be very expensive to build on.
✔️ Shape and frontage — Your house plan must fit the land width and depth. Narrow or irregular shapes can limit your design options.
✔️ Soil type — Hard soil or clay-heavy sites can add costs. Your builder will check this in a soil report.
✔️ Easements & restrictions — Easements (like pipes running under part of the land) or developer rules may limit where you can build or what design you can choose.
✔️ Orientation — North-facing backyards often get better natural light and warmth — and can be more energy-efficient.
Little features like these can make a big difference to cost and comfort.
4. Think about the future
When choosing land, consider:
- How the suburb is growing
- Future infrastructure (schools, parks, shops, transport)
- Investment potential
- What the area will look like in 5–10 years
Buying in a developing suburb can mean more growth and better value long-term.
5. How to secure land (and what the builder needs)
When you’ve found the right block, securing it usually involves:
- Paying an initial holding deposit
- Providing ID and finance details
- Signing a land contract (often subject to finance)
Your builder will then need:
- Contour and disclosure plans
- Estate guidelines
- Soil testing (once the land titles are released)
This allows them to prepare your site costs, drawings and final build price.
Securing the land early helps lock in pricing and gives your builder everything they need to start designing your home.
