When planning to build a home, the first step is choosing a block. 

It’s a decision that can have a significant impact on the outcome of your building journey, so it’s important to get it right. Choosing the wrong block may limit the options you have available to you when it comes to choosing a home design, or it may see you paying far more to build your home. 

Taking the time to do some research before you purchase a block can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. So, what should you consider when searching for a block?

Location

When it comes to buying property, location is always key. Whether you’re looking for a block because you plan to build your dream home, or you’re looking to make a wise real estate investment, it should always be the thing you consider first and foremost. 

If you’re planning to live on the property, think about your lifestyle and what matters to you most. If you commute into work, you may be looking for proximity to the CBD and access to major roads or public transport links. On your weekends, you may like to spend time outdoors. If you have kids, proximity to great schools, playgrounds and open spaces may be top priority - or perhaps you’re looking for a suburb that is close to restaurants, cafes and shopping. If you’re planning to invest, you should consider many of the same location factors as tenants will be looking to move in for the same reasons!

A great place to start when looking for a great block is by looking at already well-established, popular suburbs - like Guildford. 

Thanks to its enviable location close to Perth CBD, the airport and the Swan Valley, Guildford has always been an in-demand suburb. A bustling town centre, a train station and beautiful natural surroundings have seen it become so sought after that it’s difficult to find infill blocks in the area. Luckily, it’s still possible if you know where to look! 

Take Rosehill Waters for instance, which represents a rare opportunity for homebuyers to get into Perth’s fast growing central ring and the ever-popular Guildford area - at a very affordable price!

Cleverly master planned for the future, it’s an amazing place to live. With Guildford’s historic town centre just minutes away, residents enjoy easy access to the charming cultural scene the area is so well known for, while living amongst beautiful streetscapes. Top quality housing, beautiful open spaces and close access to key amenities like schools, shopping centres and restaurants, make this area one of Perth’s most desired locations. 

If you’d like to know more about Rosehill Waters, visit our About page.

Size and shape

When it comes to choosing a block, size and shape matters. A larger, more sizable block will provide you with more space to build and may leave you with room for a backyard, a shed or a pool - but it’s also likely to cost more. That being said, if you choose a small block and find you need to build a two storey home on it, you may end up spending more than if you had purchased a slightly larger block and built a single storey home! 

The trick to finding the perfect block is balancing how much space you need with how you can afford to spend. 

At Rosehill Waters you’ll find a great range of blocks in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to suit almost every budget and lifestyle. For an overview of the types of blocks you’ll find available, current offering here. 

Orientation

The orientation of the block that you choose will have a big role to play in the home design that you eventually end up with. It is also likely to influence the cost of your build, as well as the energy efficiency of your home. In WA, north-facing rear blocks often get more sun in the winter, which usually means that you’ll get better warmth from winter sun into the rear of your dwelling and be a great place to entertain on a winter's day. 

Slope

It’s important to consider the slope of the block’s that you are considering buying. A block that is on a slope will need to be cut and filled or your home design may need to be adjusted to suit the block - this will add to the cost of constructing your home and is generally excluded from base house costings. 

Soil

When purchasing land for sale, you should check the quality of the soil in the area. Some soil types are more reactive than others, meaning they’re likely to shift more than other homes over time. This will need to be taken into account when building your home, as the soil type will affect slab and footing design requirements, which often leads to other costs. 

Future development

What’s planned for the area where your block of land is located? New developments or changes may affect the value of your property in the future. 

Consider any known plans for road changes, rezoning or commercial and residential development before you decide to buy into an area. 

At Rosehill Waters, we have plans to breathe new life into the Rosehill Lodge Precinct. Our vision for the future, if approved, will transform the future area into a vibrant hospitality hub and increase the tree canopy, making Rosehill Waters an even better place to live. You can read more about it here. 

Need help choosing the perfect block?

If you’re considering building around Guildford, browse our land for sale or get in touch with Ryan today. He can help you find the perfect block of land and connect you with reputable builders in the area - but hurry, lots are selling quickly! Secure your perfect block now while blocks are still available.