Tips for Buying a Rural Property or Lifestyle Block
Turn your rural dream into reality
Dreaming of escaping the hustle and bustle of the city? A rural property or lifestyle block offers endless possibilities. Buying further out will usually give you more land for less, leaving more in the budget to build your dream home. From sustainable design solutions to bespoke architectural builds, the Peaky team are here to guide you through the building process. Before you pull on your gumboots, there are some things to consider.
The dream versus reality
Don’t get caught up in the dream of country life without considering the practicalities. From mowing the lawn, to maintenance and fencing, be prepared for the time and hard work that can be involved in owning a lifestyle block.
Weigh up how far you’ll be from major roads, public transportation and the nearest supermarket, petrol station, doctor and pharmacy. Check out the local schools and how long your commute will be.
Do your due diligence
Before you sign on the dotted line:
Check whether any land covenants could restrict your future plans. For example, Council regulations might rule out having livestock or subdividing the property.
Easements on your property title can give someone else the right to use your land for a particular purpose, such as water, power or access to their own property. Ask your lawyer how any easements will impact your rights and responsibilities as an owner.
Find out whether GST applies to the property you’re interested in, and ask your lawyer or accountant about the tax implications.
A Peaky Builders site consultation is a valuable investment. One of our Directors will visit your property, evaluate the scope of your project and identify potential issues. Our expert consultations include a professional estimate, land/build consult, discussion around your project ideas and potential cost saving options.
Going off grid
Get experts to assess the ground conditions and terrain of the section. Extensive groundworks may be necessary to prepare the site for construction and ensure structural integrity.
Rural areas can have varying degrees of infrastructure development. Evaluate the availability and quality of infrastructure and utilities such as electricity, water supply, septic tanks and internet connectivity. You may need to get professional advice on the cost involved to establish or improve these services.
Whether you envision a sprawling rural property or a more modest plot, greater Wellington offers a range of options to suit your preferences. As with any property purchase, we recommend getting advice from experts who can help you turn your rural dream into a reality.