Building a home in South Australia can be an exciting yet challenging process. Whether it be in the Barossa, Yorke Peninsula, The Adelaide Hills or Adelaide's southern suburbs, each area comes with it's challenges. With land shortages, infrastructure delays, extra cost considerations with certain areas andvariety of builders to choose from, it’s important to understand what’s involved before you commit.
If you’re considering building, here’s what you need to know to navigate the process and make the best decisions for your future home.
1. The Land Shortage & Infrastructure Delays
One of the biggest challenges right now is securing land. Many developments in South Australia’s growth areas—especially around Angle Vale & Two Wells —are experiencing infrastructure delays. This means land can take longer to title, which pushes back build start dates.
What You Can Do:
• Look for titled land or estates with clear timelines.
• Speak with developers and check council planning updates.
• Check for red flags that may hinder your build plans (Easements, Tree protection zones etc)
• Work with New home building consultants who can provide insight into upcoming releases, any red flags to be aware of or assist you with your search for land.
2. Choosing the Right Builder
Not all builders offer the same level of quality, service, or flexibility. Some focus on affordability, while others provide premium inclusions and custom design options.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Builder:
• Timeframes: You’ll want an understanding of each time frame. From deposit to site start, from site start to slab and from slab to build completion
• Inclusions: Every builder will have different standard inclusions. It’s important to have an understanding of these differences as they often reflect on the differences in price.
• Agreements: Everyone will have different terms associated with their agreements, things like deposit amounts, fixed price timeframes etc. Have a clear understanding of what you are signing up to before you put pen to paper.
• Cheap price or quality; these two generally don’t go hand in hand: Quality will naturally attract a higher price due to using high quality trades and having stricter quality control processes. On the contrary, higher price doesn’t always mean better quality either. Set yourself an expectation to the experience you are looking for and find a builder that aligns with those values.
3. House & Land Packages vs. Custom Home and land purchases
House and Land Packages are often misleading.
Two issues;
One, often the land that is advertised is no longer available as it’s been sold within the days of that package being made. Sometimes they don’t get pulled down for weeks after the land has already been sold.
Two, The pricing is almost never reflected as a turn key price so there is often $50-$100,000 extra cost to bolt onto the advertised cost. These packages are mainly used as an enquiry tool for builders.
A custom home and land purchase is what you’ll want to discuss if you want transparency with both land availability and pricing. In this example you’ll work closely with a new home consultant/land agent to find land that can be confirmed is available and be quoted on a turn key price.
4. Other costs to consider
Many first-time builders are surprised by costs that either can’t be 100% accurate with initial quoting or for items that are external to the build. Some examples are
• Siteworks & Soil Testing: Costs vary depending on the block’s location and condition. Builders will give allowances for these items but fixed costs will generally come once the site has been through engineering and soil testing
• Landscaping & Fencing: Often not included but required by many councils.
• Driveways & Stormwater: Sometimes included in quotes, but not always offered by builders
• Extra service connections: Things like septic tanks, long service runs (particularly on rural land), 3 phase power requirements etc. These items can attract considerable costs so it’s important to discuss any of these with your builder.
Having a buffer in your budget helps cover any unexpected costs.
5. The Importance of Research & Professional Guidance
Building a home is a major investment, so it’s important to do your research and seek expert advice. A good builder will guide you through the process, explain costs upfront, and help you choose a design that suits your lifestyle and budget.
If you’re thinking about building and want to explore your options, feel free to get in touch. Understanding the process from the start can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Check out our designs and more at http://https://www.inh.com.au/barossa
