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Another option for building is to buy a block of land and build on the land at a later date. You should be aware that choosing a block of land can affect the cost of building and the design of house that will be possible to build. Making a good choice of block will depend on a number of factors, some of which are discussed below.
When choosing a block, consider:
Land features (or site conditions) can affect the price of building and the layout or design of the house that will be possible to build. Site conditions will have an impact on the cost of building as it affects the amount of preparation (or site works) required to lay the foundations for the house. Site conditions include:
Some of these factors can be assessed before you build. It may be a good idea to employ an expert who can assist you (as accurately as possible) to determine whether the block you are thinking of buying will involve a lot of site works.
For a copy of the Building Commission's Site investigations fact sheet, phone 1300 489 099 or visit the Building Commission online.
It is crucial to talk with the local authority about:
As a rule of thumb, the Dividing Fences Act 1961 requires that owners of adjoining land pay half the cost of erecting a "sufficient fence" between their properties, regardless whether the land is vacant or has been built on.
You should discuss details about any boundary fences to be erected with the owners of adjoining land. The agreed details should be confirmed in writing and signed by all parties.
It should be noted that retaining walls forming part of a dividing fence are regulated by the relevant local authority and are not covered by the Act.
The Building Commission provides extensive information on dividing fences, including the information booklet Dividing Fences - a guide. You can also contact your local government authority for relevant local requirements.
The standard contract for buying real estate and land in Western Australia is often called an Offer and Acceptance contract.
The Offer and Acceptance contract is in two physically separate, but equally important parts:
The O & A Contract is produced by the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) and the General Conditions booklet is produced by REIWA and the Law Society.
Many of the details about the O & A Contract in relation to land and a dwelling apply equally to the purchase of land only.
It is important to note that the law in Western Australia does not require that contracts for the purchase of land contain a cooling off period. If the contract does not include a cooling off period, you cannot get out of a contract to buy land because you have changed your mind.
When making an offer to buy land, you will need to consider:
These general conditions include the amount of any rates and taxes required to be paid by you or the seller in the first year, what happens if either party does not go through with the contract and what happens if settlement is delayed.
Remember that you can protect your interests by:
You will also need to consider the tasks associated with settlement or you may consider employing a conveyancer to do this for you.
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