Got Land. What’s Next?

So you’ve signed a contract to purchase land at Deanside Village. As you may guess this far into your property journey, there are endless things that need to be done before you can begin building on that land. Here’s a quick guide to the main things you’ll need to do!

1. Prepare for your settlement date

Signing a contract, paying a deposit and getting past the “cooling off” period is only the beginning. Preparing for your settlement date is key. When you purchase land at Deanside, you will be provided with an estimated period of when your land will title, which could be anytime between now and 12 months time. As construction works are near completion, the Sales team at Deanside will contact you regarding your settlement date. Settlement is when you’ll pay the outstanding money for the land, get the property title and become the real owner. Your conveyancer or lender will typically sort this out and represent you.

2. Sort your finances

You did the smart thing and arranged pre-approval for a loan before you signed the contract, didn’t you? As you near your settlement date, it’s time to contact your lender/broker to get full approval. They’ll do an evaluation on the land, and your house build if you have sorted the cost of it too.

3. Set your boundaries

Consider putting up temporary fencing around your land once your land has been titled and settled. This prevents dumping which you’ll have to pay to clear. Check that your lot pegs are present – these show the boundaries of your land. It’s also a good time to visit and take photos for the memories!

4. Make your design dreams come true

Finally, the fun part: dreaming about your new home. Make a list of “deal breakers” that must be included in the design. Think about rooms and features you need now and in future. Make a wish-list of things that are nice but not essential. Search floor plans and facades online or visit your nearest display villages to get a real feel for what your future home could look like, and the size of it too. Familiarise yourself with the estate’s design guidelines, council restrictions and things like covenants and easements on your land.

5. Find a Builder 

Contact a few different local builders to see who you want to work with. Check who’s already building nearby and visit their nearest display centres. Look at portfolios to see who has experience building the kind of home you want. Ask the top two or three builders for a quote or tender. Once you’ve chosen a builder there will be lot of consultation so they can prepare documents, design plans and contracts.

6. Contract time, again

You’ll need to sign a final building contract and pay a portion (usually 5%) of the build costs before any work can begin. Good builders will also be able to help you negotiate through any soil tests, site prep and other approvals you may need. At this stage they’ll be able to give you a start date and an estimated end date for your build.