Picking the right block is one of the most important steps in building your new home. So it’s important to consider if you want to build on a greenfields or infill block. A greenfield block is in a new land development whereas an infill block is surrounded by existing homes in an established suburb.
Understanding the advantages and risks of both types will help you make your decision. That’s why we’ve listed several categories to look and the pros and cons!
Siteworks
Your block of land needs to be prepared before you can start building. This preparation involves a cost which is referred to as siteworks. There are plenty of features that are included in your siteworks, and you can read our article What are Siteworks and How Much Does it Cost for more info.
Greenfield blocks tend to have smaller siteworks costs because less preparation is needed. This is because when you buy in a new land estate, the developer has done a lot of work such as removing vegetation, levelling, and installing retaining walls.
Infill blocks have a higher cost because there is a lot more preparation involved. You’re buying the block of land in the state it is, which often includes a slope, vegetation (like an established tree) and rubbish. But there are also other items that need to be included. Rear blocks will require a limestone track before the driveway is installed so vehicles don’t get stuck in the sand. Additional materials for the power, gas, and water connections are common as well.
Surrounding Infrastructure
It’s not just factors that are on your block of home that add costs, but surrounding features can add more complexities when building.
Land developers tend to install verge trees, landscaping and fencing after the homes have been completed. While your front yard may be a sand pit for a while, it reduces the risk (and cost) of extra costs for damages in greenfields.
In contrast, infill blocks may need a provision for tiger tails for nearby powerlines, temporary fencing around established trees, and damages to the neighbour’s fencing. If they have a pool or a DIY shed, they also have the potential to cause problems. Traffic management may also be required if you’re near a busy street or school.
Titles
Before we can build a home, your block of land needs to be titled. This means ownership can be transferred to you and we can order the necessary site reports. You can read our article What is Titled Land for more information.
Title availability varies for greenfield blocks. Some blocks are already titled, but some will title several months after you buy your block. In busy markets like the one Perth is experiencing in 2024, titles can be due over 9 months from signing your land contract. This means you won’t be able to start construction for at least another 9 months.
The majority of infill blocks are already titled. This means that we can order your site reports at the start of the process and get you to site.
Home Design
We could write plenty of articles on the many features in a home design, but we’ll pick some of the major considerations.
Greenfield blocks tend to come in standard sizes, so you can start from our range of home designs and modify to suit. We need to factor in the developer’s design guidelines and ensure we meet the necessary setbacks and zoning.
Infill blocks normally require a custom design as the block dimensions aren’t standard. Our team love designing a unique home, but sometimes we need to factor in other restrictions like zoning (especially medium density codes) and council requirements. This means there can be a difference between the design people want and the design that complies.
If you’re looking at building, you probably have plenty of questions. Online research is a great tool, but if you’re struggling to find an answer to your questions you can fill out the form below and we will reach out.
