Choosing Land for Building Your Custom Home in Perth
Building a custom home in Perth is an exciting journey, and it all begins with finding the right piece of land. Your choice of lot will not only determine where you’ll live but also shape how you’ll live. It influences your home’s design, your daily lifestyle, and even your long-term financial outlook.
Perth’s diverse landscape offers a range of options for custom home builders, from coastal suburbs with ocean views to lush hills with panoramic views of the city skyline. Whether you’re dreaming of a spacious family home in the outer suburbs or a sleek urban residence in the inner metro area, the perfect lot is out there waiting for you.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key considerations for selecting land for your custom home in Perth. We’ll explore how a wide variety of factors, including location, size, shape, and local regulations can impact your building project and help you make an informed decision that aligns with your vision for your custom home.
Essential Steps in Selecting Land for Your Perth Custom Home
Before we explore specific areas and lot types, let’s outline the key steps in evaluating potential lots for your custom home:
1. Initial Research
Start by understanding what’s available and what’s possible. Research different areas that align with your lifestyle needs and budget constraints. Investigate recent sales in your target areas to understand market values, and familiarise yourself with local council zoning and development plans.
2. Professional Assessment
Once you’ve identified potential lots, it’s time for a detailed evaluation. This stage involves professional assessments of the physical characteristics of the land. You’ll need soil and contour surveys to understand what you’re building on, confirmation of utility and service availability, and assessments of any environmental considerations like bushfire or flood risk ratings.
3. Design Compatibility
Finally, consider how well each lot will accommodate your dream home. Think about your desired design features and how they’ll work with the lot’s orientation and shape. Review setbacks and building restrictions to ensure you can build the home you want while meeting all local requirements.
Remember, each step builds on the previous one, helping you make an informed decision about your future home site. Taking time with this process can save you from costly surprises later.
Where to Buy Land for Your Custom Home in Perth
Choosing the right location for your custom home is one of the most fundamental decisions you’ll make in your home-building journey. The land you select not only determines your daily lifestyle but also influences your home’s design possibilities, long-term value, and how well it meets your future needs.
In Perth, we’re fortunate to have a diverse range of locations, each offering unique benefits for custom home builders.
Let’s explore the general characteristics of different areas in Perth and how they might align with your custom home aspirations.
Coastal Suburbs
Perth’s coastal suburbs offer a unique setting for custom homes with proximity to the beach. This is an excellent choice for ocean lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a relaxed vibe, with easy access to water sports and alfresco dining.
| What You’ll Love | Key Considerations |
|---|---|
| Stunning ocean views and beach access. Potential for designs that maximise views (e.g., double-storey home with a balcony). | Expect to pay more, especially for beachfront properties or lots with unobstructed ocean views closer to the CBD. |
| Relaxed, outdoor-oriented lifestyle. Especially great if you love water sports and beach activities. | Coastal erosion and sea level rise are growing concerns in some coastal areas. Make sure you check your local council website and the latest geotechnical reports to ensure your chosen lot will stand the test of time. |
| The sea breeze provides natural cooling, although you might want to plan your garden and home design to create sheltered outdoor areas. | Salty air can rust metal and wear down building materials faster. You’ll need to choose your building materials carefully and might have to clean and maintain your home more often. |
| Some areas have specific coastal building codes and restrictions that apply, which can potentially affect your design options. Your custom home builder can help you navigate these regulations and achieve a design you’ll love. |
Inner Perth Metro
Perth’s inner-city suburbs offer a vibrant setting for custom homes in established areas. This is ideal for those who enjoy an urban lifestyle with easy access to cafes, restaurants, and cultural venues. Building a custom home in these areas often means being close to the CBD, which can be great for professionals looking to minimise their commute.
| What You’ll Love | Key Considerations |
|---|---|
| Excellent access to a wide range of amenities, including top schools, hospitals, shopping centres, cafes, restaurants, and cultural venues. | Land prices are generally significantly higher, especially in sought-after suburbs close to the CBD. |
| Often in established areas with mature trees and infrastructure. | Lot sizes are often smaller, which may require creative design solutions to maximise space. This could lend itself to interesting multi-story designs or clever use of indoor-outdoor areas. |
| Public transport options are usually excellent, with shorter commutes to work. | You’ll be living in a higher-density area, which means the potential for increased noise levels, especially on weekends or during events. |
| Parking can be limited in inner-city areas, so consider incorporating adequate parking in your home design. | |
| Inner-city areas often have smaller, possibly irregularly shaped lots. While these can be challenging to work with, they can also serve as a source of inspiration for a truly unique custom home design. |
Outer Suburbs
Perth’s outer suburbs often provide more space and will come with a more affordable price tag. This is a great choice for families, those seeking a quieter life, or anyone who dreams of a larger property on a budget.
| What You’ll Love | Key Considerations |
|---|---|
| Land is generally more affordable compared to inner-city or coastal areas. This might allow you to build a larger home or allocate more budget for custom features. | Be prepared for longer commutes to the CBD. |
| The bigger lot sizes also allow for more expansive home designs, including features like spacious backyards, pools, or extensive outdoor entertaining areas. | Infrastructure and amenities might still be developing in some areas. It’s worth researching future plans for shopping centres, schools, and public transport to ensure the area will meet your long-term needs. |
| There’s often potential for greater capital growth in developing areas. | There may be some ongoing construction near you in the short-term. |
| Outer suburbs typically offer larger, more regularly shaped lots, which can be easier to plan for. |
Perth Hills
This setting is perfect for those who appreciate a cooler climate, lush surroundings, and the potential for panoramic vistas. Custom homes in the Perth Hills often feature large windows to capture views, and designs that work with the natural topography of the land.
| What You’ll Love | Key Considerations |
|---|---|
| The elevated terrain can provide stunning views of the Perth city skyline and surrounds. It can also be an opportunity to create a unique custom home design that fits in with your natural surroundings. | Sloping land may require more complex (and potentially more expensive) building techniques. Discuss these challenges with your custom home builder early in the planning process. |
| The bigger lot sizes also allow for more expansive home designs, including features like spacious backyards, pools, or extensive outdoor entertaining areas. | Be prepared for longer commutes to the CBD. You may also end up further from urban amenities. Think about how this aligns with your lifestyle needs. |
| The elevation offers a noticeable escape from the urban heat island effect of the city, resulting in cooler and more comfortable summers. | Bushfire risk is a significant consideration in many hills areas. This will impact your home design, material choices, and ongoing property maintenance. |
| Perfect for nature enthusiasts, with abundant hiking trails, national parks, and opportunities for wildlife spotting right on your doorstep. | The cooler climate can be a draw for many, but it may also mean higher heating costs in winter. |
| Access to some hills properties can be challenging, especially in wet weather. Consider how this might impact your daily life and any potential resale value. | |
| Some more remote hills locations may not have existing access to mains water, sewage, and other amenities. Make sure you ask about this before you buy. |
Each area of Perth offers its own set of advantages and considerations, and what’s ideal for one family might not suit another. It’s worth taking the time to explore different areas, visit potential lots at various times of day, and really envision your life in each location.
Understanding Your Ideal Land Qualities
When trying to find the perfect lot for your custom home, the size, shape, orientation, and soil composition of your land will play important roles. These factors will significantly impact your home’s design, your lifestyle, and your budget. Let’s explore how these different factors can influence your custom home project.
Choosing Land Size
Large lots (600m²+)
Large lots are ideal for those who value space and outdoor living. These lots allow for sprawling single-story designs or impressive two-story homes with generous outdoor spaces.
| Pros | Cons | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Room for features like pools, large garages, sheds. | Higher purchase and maintenance costs. | Entertainers who love hosting big gatherings. |
| Potential for future extensions or additions. | More time required for upkeep. | Families who need room to grow. |
| Greater privacy from neighbours. | May be further from central amenities. | Avid gardeners who want to create their own slice of paradise. |
Medium lots (400-600m²)
Medium lots offer a great compromise for many custom home builders. They provide enough space for comfortable living and entertaining, without the extensive maintenance requirements of larger lots.
| Pros | Cons | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| More manageable maintenance. | May require more creative design to fit all desired features. | Anyone who wants a nice outdoor area but doesn’t need vast spaces. |
| Still plenty of room for a large home with outdoor areas. | Less flexibility for future large-scale additions. | People who prefer to spend their weekends enjoying their home rather than maintaining it. |
| Often found in well-established suburbs with good amenities. |
Small and Narrow lots (10-12m frontage)
Narrow lots are becoming increasingly popular in Perth, especially in inner-city areas where land is at a premium. While they present some design challenges, narrow lots can result in striking, unique custom homes that make excellent use of vertical space.
| Pros | Cons | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Often in desirable, central locations with good amenities. | Requires clever design to maximise space. | Lovers of city life who value convenience and accessibility. |
| Lower maintenance requirements. | Usually best suited to multi-story homes. | Minimalists who prefer a low-maintenance lifestyle. |
| Can lead to interesting, unique custom home designs. | May have limited outdoor space. |
Choosing Land Shape
Shape influences the layout and orientation of your home.
Rectangular Lots
Rectangular lots are the most common and typically the easiest to work with. They offer straightforward options for home placement and outdoor space allocation.
However, if you want your custom home to stand out from neighbouring properties, be prepared to embrace bold and striking designs.
Corner Lots
Corner lots can be excellent for custom homes, offering the potential features such as wrap-around verandahs, multiple entries, or even a side driveway. They lend themselves well to those who want to make a statement with their home’s street presence. Note that corner lots often have specific setback requirements.
Irregular or Pie-Shaped Lots
Irregular-shaped may cost less to purchase but can increase building costs. However, they are also an opportunity for some truly unique custom home designs. They often require innovative design solutions, which can lead to a one-of-a-kind property that perfectly fits your lifestyle.
Flat vs Sloping Land
Flat land offers easy access and a straightforward building process, making these types of lots a popular choice for many custom home builders in Perth.
On the other hand, sloping lots offer a unique opportunity to create a spectacular home with innovative split-level designs and extraordinary panoramic views.
However, it should be noted that building on a slope requires careful planning and often involves specialised construction techniques. This can increase costs, so it’s important that you discuss these factors with your custom home builder before committing to a sloping lot.
Remember, the perfect lot balances size and shape to meet your current needs and future aspirations. Consult with your custom home builder to understand how different lot configurations could work with your dream home design. They can help you visualise how your home will sit on various lot types and identify any challenges or opportunities each presents.
The Role of Lot Orientation
When choosing land for your custom home, land orientation can also affect your home’s comfort and energy efficiency.
A north-facing backyard allows for:
- Sunny winter living areas
- Natural warmth in cooler months
- Good solar panel efficiency
A south-facing backyard can offer:
- Cooler living spaces in summer
- Protected outdoor entertaining areas
- Morning sun in front rooms
Note that while north-facing lots are often promoted as ideal, good design can make any orientation work well for your needs.
Your custom home builder can help design your home to work with any block orientation through clever placement of rooms, windows, and outdoor spaces.
Perth’s Soil and Site Conditions
Understanding your lot’s soil conditions and site characteristics are a must when building a custom home in Perth. Different areas of our city present unique challenges and opportunities that can significantly impact both your design possibilities and construction costs.
Before purchasing any lot, you’ll need soil testing and site investigations to understand exactly what you’re working with. These investigations will determine your foundation requirements and help identify any potential issues that could affect construction costs.
Coastal Areas
Perth’s coastal areas typically feature sandy soil, which is generally good for building. However, you might encounter limestone outcrops that need breaking down, or loose sand that requires deeper footings.
Inner and Middle Ring Suburbs
Established suburbs often have more varied soil types, and the presence of mature trees can affect soil stability. These areas might have unknown factors like old fill or varying clay content that could influence your foundation design and construction approach.
New Development Areas
New estates often come with detailed soil information and site works documentation from the developer. However, many new developments need significant site works to achieve level building areas. When considering these locations, be sure to factor in these additional costs and timeframes.
Hills Region
Building in Perth’s hills presents unique challenges due to the varied terrain. Rocky outcrops are common, and you’ll likely need retaining walls to create usable outdoor spaces. The sloping land often requires special foundation designs, which can impact your construction budget significantly.
Remember, understanding your site’s conditions early in the process helps ensure your custom home design works harmoniously with your lot’s natural characteristics while avoiding unexpected costs later.
Future Considerations
When choosing land for your custom home in Perth, it’s important to look beyond the physical characteristics of the lot itself. Understanding local regulations and future development plans can significantly impact both your building journey and long-term enjoyment of your home.
Local Regulations and Zoning
Perth’s planning regulations vary across different areas, affecting what you can build and how you can use your property. R-Codes and local planning schemes determine everything from basic setbacks and height limits to whether you can run a business from home or add a granny flat in the future. Some areas also have special design requirements, particularly in heritage zones or character areas.
Make sure you take the time to research council development plans for your preferred areas. Your custom home builder can help you navigate local regulations while designing a home that meets both current requirements and future needs.
Work with your early to understand how local regulations might affect your custom home design. They can help navigate these requirements while achieving your vision.
Future Developments
Different locations in Perth offer varying prospects for the future.
Developing Areas:
- Expect new infrastructure and amenities over time
- Higher potential for property value growth
- Some construction disruption in the short term
- Community facilities and character will evolve
Established Areas:
- Predictable environment with mature trees and landscaping
- Existing amenities and strong community feel
- More stable property values
- Less dramatic change over time
When planning your custom home, consider how these factors align with your long-term goals. A developing area might offer better value and growth potential if you’re patient, while an established area provides more certainty about what you’re buying into.
We’ll Help You Choose the Right Lot For Your Custom Home
Selecting a lot to build on is more than just about the land. It’s the foundation for building the life you want to lead.
At Trendsetter Homes, our designers, builders, and architects all work as one team, giving us a unique perspective into choosing the right lot for building your custom home.
While many builders focus solely on construction challenges, our full-service team is able to consider how your lot will affect every aspect of your custom home, from how the morning sun will light your kitchen to how the slope of your block could create opportunities for stunning design features.
Let us help you find a block that not only works for today but supports your dream home vision for the future.
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