Getting Started / Home Building /31.10.24
Fields of dreams: your estate build
Building from scratch or buying a new home on an estate? Welcome to our guide to all things greenfields.
Building from scratch or buying a new home on an estate?
For all kinds of Australians, building a home on an estate or buying a house and land package is the perfect way to make dreams come true. First-home buyers are generally attracted to estates as they offer an affordable way to break into home ownership and become part of a young community. This group of buyers may shy away from buying land in an established area where the population tends to be older and the prices are usually higher.
That’s not to say estates are solely for those starting their home-ownership journey. Mortgage downsizers can benefit from selling their existing house and as a result be in a better financial position even after building a brand new home on a greenfield site.
Growing families are also attracted to building in new estates as they may not be able to afford a considerably larger house in their current suburb, or the substantial renovation required. With roughly the same mortgage, this group has the opportunity to end up with a larger house that suits their growing needs perfectly.
Finding your block
Haven’t found your land yet? No problem. In NSW, Clarendon owns estates in the Illawarra, Sydney and North Coast, and works closely with developers to secure other blocks before they are released to the public, so the team will be able to find a site that meets your needs. You can start by checking out the range of estate locations and site options on our website before making an appointment with our experienced sales team.
Package it?
Whilst you can essentially build any home design that fits and complies on a vacant block, there are benefits to choosing a pre-determined house and land package with Clarendon. Because it has already been prepared and priced, you know upfront exactly what the cost is going to be and have confidence that that price remains fixed for the whole process. To make it even easier, Clarendon can arrange finance for you as well.
Importantly, the house that has been packaged with the land will have been specifically chosen to maximise the size and shape of the block. Most of the technical decisions such as orientation and where to put the driveway have already been made. You can check out our house and land packages online or talk with a Sales Consultant; the perfect home on the perfect block might be waiting for you.
Personalising your home
If you’re planning to buy land and then choose the Clarendon home design of your dreams, the team can help you work out what type of house best suits the block you have purchased. Utilising specifically designed software programs, we will be able to visually show you how different house designs fit on your new block of land. Our Sales Consultant will also explain aspects that will affect your decision, such as the fall of the land, amount of excavation required, and whether there are any easements.
In greenfield areas block sizes tend to be smaller, therefore single storey homes tend to take up the majority of the land. In this case we might suggest a double-storey home to maximise your outdoor area.
At this stage we’ll also discuss budgets so you can be realistic about which house style you’re going to be able to build. If you don’t have an idea of what you can afford, we have a finance team to give some guidance.
Let’s go house hunting
Visiting one of the many Clarendon display villages is an essential part of the home building process. If the team has recommended a certain size home or assisted you with shortlisting a couple of designs for your block, we strongly encourage you to walk through a display home. Additionally, jump onto our website and take a virtual tour of the relevant designs. Take note of the floor plan: does it feel too big, too small or just right?
Also notice how the space flows. Do you like how the kitchen is positioned? Do you want a façade that offers a balcony off the main bedroom? Would you prefer that main bedroom to be at the front or the rear of the home? Where would the sun come in if the house was on your block?
Speak with a Clarendon Consultant
Once you’ve settled on a design and size with the help of a consultant, we’ll prepare final costings for you, followed by a formal tender. This comprehensive document outlines details such as the building approach for your block, the house design you have chosen and allowances for any customisation.
A lender will ask for a copy of your preliminary building tender or contract, so it’s a good idea to include allowances for any upgrades or customised aspects, even if you don’t plan to incorporate everything immediately. Once you approve the tender, you enter the formal contract stage for the build.
Colouring in the outlines
Whether you’ve bought a house and land package or have chosen to separate the processes, your sales team will then introduce you to Clarendon’s Lifestyle Studio. These are the people who will help make your house a home. They will guide you to select colours, textures and all the little details that will make a big difference to the way you will enjoy your new space.
In the background, all the building approvals and site preparation will be underway. Leaving the entire building process to the Clarendon team removes a lot of stress from your shoulders and means you can enjoy the ride – until you receive the keys to your brand new home.
Ready to take the next step towards your dream home?
Talk to our Sales Consultants about our range of 70+ modern designs, with floorplans, options and styles to suit your family, lifestyle and budget. Not quite ready to visit us in person? Take a virtual tour of our Display Homes or browse through our video gallery. For more information, call us on 13 63 93.
Greenfield builds
How a Clarendon Sales Consultant can help you
- Find your perfect patch: our consultant will provide expert guidance on sites in new estates.
- Building on your own block, or a Clarendon site? Either way, we’ll guide you through our range of 70+ home designs and suggest display homes to visit.
- With specifically designed software programs, we can show you how different house designs fit on your block.
- Is a house and land package right for you? We’ll take you through a great range of options.
- After you've settled on the design and size of the home, we’ll prepare costings and a formal tender.
- Paperwork time! We’ll walk you through every step, from site reports to the contract and schedule of payments.
- Need an interior style guide? We'll suggest inspiring display homes to walk through.
- Facade, fixtures, fittings (and fun!) – introductions to our design specialists and appointments with our Lifestyle Studio Team.
- Any fine-tuning needed? We’ll check in 90 days after you move into your new Clarendon home.
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