The questions to ask before buying land in the incredible Hunter region
It’s the real estate answer to the blank canvas: buying a block of land and building a new house is the stuff of dreams for many Australian families.
But before you and your loved ones start arguing about who gets the biggest bedroom, it’s important to do your homework, especially when looking at a competitive market like the Hunter region, north of Sydney in NSW.
Identifying the perfect spot for a young family that meets its growing needs comes with some serious considerations. While navigating these waters might seem intimidating, we’ve got the expert lowdown.
Due diligence
Make sure you’re walking into the purchase with your eyes wide open. If you’re buying land in a new estate, take the time to do your research into the developer behind the project.
“There is no substitute for going to the area and driving around or walking the streets to really get a feel for it,” says Victoria De Marchi from off-the-plan property experts Kapaula Advisory.
“If it’s a new residential development, go to a neighbourhood the same developer has created. You’ll be able to tell if their interest is in creating a real community.”
It is important to know what the developer’s track record of delivery is like and also the expected registration timelines on the land you are considering, as this can affect the timing of your family moving into a new home.
Reports such as bushfire assessments, lot plans and a soil test are essential to ensure you don’t have any surprises with expensive extra work on foundations.
In NSW, reputable developers will provide overarching reports per stage of development, which is a good starting base. Your selected new home builder will then include a lot-specific geotechnical report within your build contract.
Location
We can’t state it more strongly: location is key. Choosing the right community for your family is important, especially in the Hunter region.
Factor in key needs for your family: proximity to local school catchments, access to transport, and community amenities like parks, playgrounds, and sporting fields. Considering these will benefit your long-term investment.
“People want to be strategically located with convenient access to schools, shops and places to work,” says Shane Boslem, development director of the Hunter-based developers, McCloy Group, who are behind the new master-planned residential community in Maitland, The Loxford.
“Creating exceptional living environments in proximity to amenities is core to our communities, and The Loxford builds on this philosophy.”
The Loxford ticks all of those boxes, starting with its location in the Maitland to Cessnock housing growth corridor that links directly with the Hunter Expressway.
“You’ve got Greenhills Shopping Centre and central Maitland just 10 minutes away and you’re 40 minutes straight down the road from Newcastle. Not to mention the proximity to the new Maitland Hospital and leading schools in the area,” Boslem says.
Orientation
Consider the right lot for the style of home you intend to build. A home with a north-facing rear yard will benefit in terms of natural light-filled living for the inhabitants and bill-slashing energy efficiency. Call it a double win, then.
And De Marchi says, while irregular blocks are trickier to build on than a regular proportioned block, they can often offer potential like better views, breezes and return on investment after your build.
“Flat blocks are easier to build on and they’re great if you’re older, but if you want high ceilings, loads of natural light and differentiation of living spaces without having to use hallways and doors, a sloping block can give you the most spectacular split-level home with all those things you wouldn’t get on a flat block.”
Got kids? A cul-de-sac can also provide a safe street for families, with the youngsters likely to play with other families in the front yard.
Know your area
Understand your block in the context of its neighbourhood. The best way to do this is to drive there and take a really good look around to get a feel for it.
It’s a great way to understand the location, amenity and transport links in practice rather than just in theory: “It puts it into the context of your own life, so you can get a real feel for the lifestyle you will be living,” says De Marchi.
A matter of size
Many families, particularly over the past two years, have made their move to the Hunter region for access to open space.
This has been highly considered in the planning of The Loxford, with lots to be delivered ranging from 450 square metres to more than 1000 square metres to ensure there is property to suit a wide range of needs.
“Some smaller lots are just across the road from the one-hectare district park, so if you are budget conscious on your land size you have that amenity right on your doorstep,” says Boslem.
“It’s attractive to all sorts of buyers, from first-home buyers to families and empty-nesters.”
He points out that The Loxford works with the landscape, providing larger blocks on steeper sites, while smaller blocks take the flatter land, allowing them to maximise the building footprint and creating opportunities for unique home designs that capitalise on the natural topography.
The new community also boasts 800 hectares of conservation area, ensuring The Loxford will retain an abundance of nature around the new home sites and present green credentials unlike any previously seen in the Hunter region.
Think of the future
When you’re looking at a block of land, think not only about your current requirements but future ones as well.
Will more children be arriving on the scene – and what of meeting the needs of teenagers?
Consider whether you will be able to add an upper floor extension if needed or expand outwards on the ground level without compromising too much on your precious garden.
Ensuring the right design for your family will ensure the longevity of your investment. This includes everything from choosing the most efficient floor plan if you work from home to deciding what building materials are being used to keep your home at the optimal temperature year-round.
Thinking of the future also involves imagining your preferred lifestyle. With a move to outdoor living, The Loxford has been designed with this at the forefront.
“We think about how we like to live,” says Boslem. “That’s why we believe it is important to create great public spaces including large-scale public artwork, with modern and diverse parks and playground facilities.
“Plus, the broader picture includes the Hunter wine region as well as the beaches and waterways of Port Stephens – all in the backyard of Newcastle with a broad range of amenities you can’t get in the large cities.”
After all, buying property is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Factoring in these key considerations will ensure your family can reap the rewards of building a brand new home, in the right location and community.
DOMAIN | 8 SEPTEMBER 2023
Larissa Dubecki
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