House and land packages: What to look for

Many home buyers still choose to get into the market the way our parents did – signing up for a new house and land package. Selecting a neighbourhood, a block and builder can prove daunting, so to help get you started here is our new home buyers guide. The right estate To get an insider’s view on how to choose the right estate or ‘community’, I spoke with Edward Krushka, Senior Development Manager at Stockland, one of Australia’s largest developers. “When it comes to selecting the right community, start with your lifestyle and make sure the community you choose meets your needs,” he told me. “Also pay attention to infrastructure nearby, particularly transport like rail back to the CBD and areas where there is work.” New estate check list Travel time to work, family and friends Community design – takes advantage of the landscape and incorporates social infrastructure like childcare and schools Good transport and shopping options nearby Open public space like parks and walking trails. The lot Krushka tells me that blocks typically start at 300 sqm and rise to up to around 600 sqm with smaller lots typically close to open spaces, convenience retail and collector roads. “There is a tra...