How to choose the right rural block to build on

If you’ve been thinking of creating a rural escape in NSW, but haven’t found the perfect block yet, this is for you.

We’ve put together a list of 6 top tips to help you find the right rural property, and bring your dream to reality.

1. Choose your location

A lot of our clients have a dream location in mind, based on proximity to their home, family or a favourite city.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few prompts to get you started: 

• It’s a good idea to buy rural blocks that aren’t too far from established towns. This means you have easy access to facilities and/or trades to help complete your build.
• There are a few relatively undiscovered rural gems close to popular tourist regions. Think of popular areas (such as the Hunter Valley, Kangaroo Valley, Shoal Bay, Blue Mountains or the Southern Highlands), and take a look at the smaller surrounding suburbs.

2. Think about how you’re going to use your block 

Thinking about how you’re going to use your block will help you narrow down which one you should purchase.

• Planning an Airbnb?  Choose a block close to beaches, tourist attractions and a small town with at least one cafe. (Your guests will need things to do and places to eat!)
• Dreaming of a remote, off-grid escape? Look for somewhere out of range, so you can truly disconnect.
• Looking at setting up a winery? Look for a block in established wine regions such as the Hunter Valley, Mudgee, Orange, Macarthur or Canberra. If there are no wineries in the area you’re thinking of, it’s probably not the right soil or conditions to grow vines! 

3. Level or sloping land?

When looking at purchasing a block to build on, finding flat, level blocks can be difficult.

These blocks are often sought-after for farming, so a sloping piece of land will usually be a better price.

Here’s the good news! Greenspan’s building system is very adaptable, so sloping land is not a problem. Our raised timber floor system set on piers means our buildings can easily be installed on sloped land without needing major earthworks and levelling.

4. Check the zoning

There are a few things to look out for with the land zoning of your dream property.

Land zoning related to Bushfires, Environmental Zoned or Sensitive Land,  Easements or Aboriginal Significance can impact your ability to build on the property, so it’s important to look into these before you sign the contract. 

You also want to ensure that the property has a building entitlement if you intend to put a dwelling on it.

Planning information is usually available from the real estate agent. You can ask for it when you enquire about the property.

Another great resource to use is this online portal, where you can search by address to find out more about property zoning. 

If you’re not sure, we recommend speaking to a local independent certifier. They are familiar with the zoning and approvals of the local council.

Properties zoned RU1 – RU4 or RU6 can be used for the development of a shed or barn that is exempt from council approval (up to 200m2 in size). Click here to find out more about exempt development. 

5. Speak to real estate agents in the area 

When you’re in search of land, a real estate agent is your best friend. 

A good agent doesn’t just sell properties. They connect the right buyers with the right properties. 

They’ve got excellent knowledge of the local areas; what sells and what doesn’t.

It’s a good idea to tell a few agents what you’re looking for and ask them to let you know if anything suitable comes up.

You could find out about a new property before it even hits the market, giving you a golden pass to secure that property before someone else does. 

6. Setup a search on realestate.com.au

Did you know you can save searches on realestate.com.au, to be alerted when new properties come on to the market that match your search?

Simply search for your ideal location, filter to “vacant land” or the land size you are after, and click ‘save search’. 

You’ll need to create a realestate.com.au account. You’ll be notified as soon as something becomes available, and have potential properties delivered to your inbox.

Inspired?

We hope this helps you in your search for the perfect rural block!

When you’ve purchased your rural block and are ready to build, we’re here to make it as easy as possible for you.

Cedarspan buildings from Greenspan are prefabricated in our western Sydney factory to lock-up stage (externally complete) in just a few weeks. They are then delivered for onsite assembly which can take as little as a few days.

We have partner installers we can connect you with, or you can use any qualified local builder to assemble the kit on your property. If you’re feeling handy, you can even DIY!

It really is the quickest and easiest way to build on any rural property and this has been proven time and time again since we started in 1976.

Download our Cedarspan Design Price Guide and get started with your dream rural build.