Building a new home 

It is very popular here to self build. Large blocks of land, subdivided into plots starting at 400m2 are being released by the government and private sellers on a regular basis. Dotted in amongst existing suburbs and in well placed locations prices generally start at around 250 000$AU.  

Alternatively there are new suburbs and housing estates being planned and built in mass. These houses range in style, generally are brick and can be viewed prior to buying at display homes and village sites. In suburbs such as Springfield lakes, North Lakes and Forest Lakes, a little way out of the city but still within the 25-30km radius. House and land packages for a four bedroom brick house, modern kitchen, two bathrooms, open plan living area and with a double garage, sitting on 400m2 of land start from 160 000$AU and go up to 500 000$AU. Generally each village has a price range for the houses of that suburb which dictates the buyers.

Choosing to build independently on a bought block of land gives more freedom in house style. A Queenslander, wooden in construction is very typical for this state (hence the name). It is also possible of course to self build a brick home. Both house types require like any building work a great deal of liaison with architects, draftsmen, engineers, local council and builders. It’s typical at the moment for builders to be quoting for jobs 12 months in advance. Plus it’s good to get more than one quote, costing and reference (3 is recommended).

{mosgoogle left}Having one or two friends who have taken the plunge and bought land in an established suburb, it does seem very possible to manage and co-ordinate. Designing a home which fits in with building regulations and then having all plans passed by the local council does at present take 6 months in the planning stage.

Renovating

Similarly to building, renovating is a long process with any extensions and structural change needing to be approved in advance by local council. There is a lot of red tape surrounding house alternations. Trades men do seem to be in short supply and they must have their tradesmen qualifications. Asking neighbors and for several quotes for each job is a must, as is the flexibility with starting dates for jobs. Not all workmen show up or complete a job within the time frame promised! 

To appreciate the outside living lifestyle its worth having a large deck or shaded entertainment area. As to the advantages of brick verses wooden houses it does come down to a matter of taste and ability/desire to maintain.

A useful site for renovation tips and contacts is: www.ourbrisbane.com/living/renovations

Methods of Purchasing

If a first time buyer in Australia you are eligible for a first time buyers deal, which is worth roughly 7000$AU and covers a bit more than your buying costs. 

Auctions are a popular way to buy/sell, allowing the buyers to bid until the minimum asking price is achieved.

There are some draw backs such as no cooling off period or possibility to allow for pest or building inspection prior to purchase.

Putting in an offer at the real estates office if fairly simple and only involves filling in one or two forms. Don’t feel pressured to fill them in then and there. Consult your buyers agents or at least sleep on it. You can make several offers if your first is rejected.

What’s standard

Here in Brisbane, it is possible to have 600m2 or more of land but the standard in suburbia is 400m2. Housing and pest inspectors prior to purchase advise on termites (this problem does exist here), age of the property, condition and foreseeable work. Very few Brisbane houses have insulation, more common are the air conditioners which are convertible in winter to heating. Asbestos is being removed from property and schools at the moment with a big awareness campaign, but does still exist. All in all though it’s a great place to live and have a home or investment property.