Thinking about buying a sloping block of land to build on? It can seem like an attractive deal as often land with a slope is considerably cheaper than a flat block, plus the views you get with an elevated piece of land are sometimes too good to say no to.

It’s easy to get caught up in all the positive things that come with this type of block of land, but just like everything with building a home, you need to know exactly what you are dealing with, so you can make an informed decision.

Here are some things you should consider before buying sloping land.

Angle of slope

The angle and direction of the slope will dictate a lot of the build process. After all, if the highest point of your property is at the back, it’s going to be a completely different build process than if the highest point is at the front boundary. The way your block of land faces will also influence the type of build you go for. Getting a site analysis is an important step you don’t want to miss, so you can get an accurate idea of costs, time, and the overall build process. You can trust that the professionals have seen it all when it comes to sloping land and will have a pretty good idea of what you’re in for once they’ve seen your site.

Underlying costs

Sloping land is likely to need a bit of extra groundwork to make it safe to build on. Between excavation, retaining walls and proper drainage, the costs can quickly add up. Sloping blocks will just naturally require more work before the land is ready for construction, so ensure you have some extra room in the budget if you find a sloped block that you like.

Land type

It’s important to know what lies below the surface when looking to buy or build on sloped land. Clay and rock are less than desirable to be building on top of and add additional costs to prepare your site for construction. Soil with a moisture content that is too high will also require additional engineering work to ensure that land is appropriately stabilised before building. None of these factors are deal breakers, they just require a bit more work to get ready for building.

Home design

One benefit to sloping land is that it can often come with incredible views and you’ll want to capitalise on this with your floorplan. Together with Lofty, you can design a completely custom home on this type of block, with big windows, high ceilings and split-level living. Consider where you place windows and balconies for the best view and natural light. Work with your design consultant to know how to make the most of your block.

Environmental factors

Consider the general environment of the area the block of land is in, as this will affect the design of the house. If you are in an area with dense trees, you need to consider the bushfire risk, and if heavy rainfall is common, be aware that you’re at risk of flooding. These are all things that your site surveyor will make note of as well.

Accessibility

Due to the slope of the block, you’re very likely to have stairs. It’s important to consider how your home will be accessed and by whom. Consider your older family members or friends and how they will manage moving through your home. Also consider how steep your driveway will be, or consider having a garage under the house with split levels. A steep driveway might not be an issue for you, but may deter buyers in the future when it’s time to sell.

When looking at buying a block of sloping land to build on, it’s important to consult with an experienced custom builder. The quality of design and construction is paramount, along with being able to customise floorplans to suit these types of blocks. At Lofty, we have a team who put your best interest first, helping you build your dream home on any type of block.