There’s a lot to consider when you’re building a new home -  budgets, floor plans, design choices and whether you’d want to live in an established estate or a new development - so it can become a little bit difficult to know where to start. One of the most common questions that first-time home builders ask themselves is; land or house design, which comes first?

There isn’t really a right answer to this question. The order in which you choose your block of land and your house design should depend on factors like your lifestyle and budget. If you’re planning to choose your block and home design separately, read on below to find out what you should consider. 

Prefer to choose your block and your home design at the same time? Take a look at our house & land packages!

Choosing a house plan first

If you’re planning to choose a house plan first, there are some pros and cons to consider.

On the one hand, selecting a house plan first allows you to have a clear vision of your dream home and can help you determine the budget needed to build it. It also enables you to make important decisions about the layout, size, and style of your home early on in the process, which can save you time and money in the long run.

On the other hand, choosing a house plan before you have secured the land can limit your options, as not all house plans will be suitable for every piece of land. Additionally, selecting a house plan without first considering the lot orientation and consulting with a builder or architect, can lead to unsustainable and undesirable living outcomes in the long run.

Purchasing land first

Securing your lot first is beneficial for locations where there isn’t a huge range of choice. A house can be built anywhere, but the best homes will be built in the best locations, with the best access to convenience and amenities including parks, schools and transport links.

In addition, buying your block of land first allows you to carefully choose the location and orientation of your home, taking into account factors such as natural light, views, and privacy.

One of the biggest factors to consider when it comes to choosing a plot of land, is the orientation of the land itself. 

The aspect of your land, its views, crossover position, and service connection points can have a big impact on your floorplan, build cost, as well as your future electrical bills. For example, north-facing living spaces are the best orientation for keeping cool during the summer and staying warm during winter. This is also the best direction for plenty of sunlight.

Purchasing your land first will also give you access to a range of builders and designs to choose from, which in turns, enables you to see which design suits your home best. Additionally, having a selection of builders to choose from enables you to compare prices, as well as their likely build timeframes. 

Finally, purchasing your block before choosing a home design will also give you the flexibility to design a custom home that fits the specific features of your land, and results in a more unique and personalised living experience.

Of course, purchasing your block of land before you have a house plan can limit your options, as not all house plans will fit the dimensions and features of your land. 

Which should you choose first?

Every choice comes with its own upsides, which is why it is crucial to consider both options before making a decision. Securing land provides you with flexibility, and aligns with the known number one factor in real estate which is “Location is the most important factor when buying property”.  So to position yourself well, it’s recommended that you choose the land before settling on a builder and floorplan. After all, it is much easier to design your floor plan around the land that you’ve chosen, rather than the other way around. 

Find the perfect block

Rosehill Waters is a well-established, mature estate with a range of affordable blocks to suit your future, but if you're looking for a packaged approach our house and land packages are available for you to choose from.

Want to know more? 

If you’re interested in building in the well-established community of Rosehill, get in touch with us today!

Or, take a look at our suburb profile, to find out more about the estate and the South Guildford area. 

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