Land Terrain Types and Their Influence on Building
Land Terrain Types and Their Influence on Building
In the process of choosing land for building in New Zealand, it's crucial to understand how the type of terrain not only impacts the initial land cost but also significantly influences the overall budget and design possibilities of your project. This summary step delves into various land types, offering insights into their pros and cons, to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your financial and lifestyle goals. This step is expanded further in the full article here:
Proximity (Urban, Suburban, Rural)
Choosing between urban, suburban, and rural settings is a significant decision that affects not just the lifestyle you're seeking but also your building budget and project timeline. Urban areas offer unparalleled access to amenities and services, making them ideal for those seeking convenience and an active lifestyle, though at a higher land cost and with potential privacy concerns. Suburban settings strike a balance between urban accessibility and the tranquility of more spacious living environments, often at more affordable land prices but possibly with higher costs in sought-after locations. Rural locations provide privacy, space, and a closer connection to nature, typically at lower land costs, but with the trade-off of increased travel times for amenities and potentially higher costs for extending services to remote sites. Some areas (mainly newer areas though) have design covenants in place such as limiting exterior colours, materials, fencing heights, etc., as developers try to create a cohesive image across the suburb/area.
Site State (Clear, Bush Clad)
The state of the site, whether clear or bush-clad, impacts both the aesthetic appeal and the complexity of your building project. Clear sites offer a blank canvas for construction, potentially lowering initial land preparation costs but may lack the natural beauty and privacy offered by vegetation. Bush-clad sites provide a unique opportunity to integrate natural landscapes into your design, offering privacy and aesthetic appeal, but require careful planning to navigate environmental protection laws and potentially higher costs for land clearing and management. When considering a bush-clad site, it's important to factor in additional budget considerations for environmental assessments and compliance with local regulations.
If you are clearing bush/trees, make sure none of the trees you are cutting down are protected.
From Auckland Council Website: If a tree on your property is protected, you will need resource consent to remove it, prune it, or carry out construction work near it. It's best to check with us before you start any work on or near a tree, so we can provide up-to-date information on all the rules which may apply.
Gradient (Flat, Mixed, Sloped)
The gradient of your site significantly influences design possibilities, construction complexity, and overall project costs. Flat sites are generally easier and less costly to build on, offering more straightforward access and reducing the need for extensive ground preparation. However, they may lack the distinctive views and architectural opportunities presented by sloped or mixed-gradient sites. Sloped sites allow for creative design and stunning views but come with higher construction costs due to the need for specialised foundation work, retaining walls, and water management systems. Mixed-gradient sites offer a compromise, providing some of the benefits of both flat and sloped terrains but require careful planning to maximise the advantages of the varied landscape. When budgeting for a sloped or mixed-gradient site, anticipate additional costs for engineering services and potentially more complex construction techniques.
Potential Takeaway
Buying a more expensive flat site may work out cheaper than a sloped site post-excavation. The initial higher cost of flat urban land with services can be offset by savings on infrastructure and excavation, making it a potentially more economical choice in the long run compared to a cheaper, sloped site that requires significant additional investment for construction readiness. We have a full guide to excavation here: Guide to Excavation for New Zealand Homebuilders.
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