Once you’ve settled on the area you’d like to live (North Shore, naturally!) the next step is to refine what your home will look like and which block you’ll need to purchase.

Aside from what your budget allows, it’s often helpful to investigate what you can actually do with each block size.

Sometimes, you might purchase a particular lot because you think you can build a certain size or style of home. There are a number of factors that can impact this though, so it’s worth a discussion with the sales professional or real estate agent, as well as an experienced builder.

Be sure to ask about these specifics when deciding on a block, so you don’t find yourself needing to compromise on your home because you didn’t do your research early on.

How long will your driveway be?

While every floor plan might differ in its layout, there will be a minimum distance between your garage and your front boundary. This is referred to as a “setback” and can vary depending on your lot size, whether your garage is being built on the boundary, whether there’s a footpath and whether your developer has worked with the local council to secure extra leniency on the standard residential design codes.

Also, it’s worth noting that your boundary isn’t the same as the street kerb, it’s where your letterbox usually sits. The distance between this and the street includes a footpath if there is one, as well as your crossover/council verge which will vary between lots.

How big will your backyard be?

A typical block depth is 25 or 30m, however it’s worth seeing your home plan plotted on a lot to determine how much yard space you’ll be left with. Building on a lot or choosing a design that allows you to come closer to the front of your lot, means more space at the back for entertaining and playing.

Decent backyards are few and far between these days with many people building the biggest home possible. Encourage your kids to play securely outside rather than be hauled up in the home theatre all day by considering a design for a 25m deep lot but putting it on one that’s 30m deep!

Even better, consider one that’s an irregular shape and make sure your alfresco/rear living spaces open into the deepest part to give the feeling of more space without the cost of more land. Sometimes, they might even be discounted as people are unsure of how a home could look on it. Don’t be scared to ask your builder to draw it up and see!

What space do you actually need?

Where you don’t use spaces too frequently, double them up to make the most of them. Work from home twice a week so need a dedicated work space? If you rarely have guests stay, double it up with your 4th bedroom, rather than building a whole extra study. Add great storage to your Cinema so you can easily hide the books and toys when you need it for entertaining, rather than adding an activity space to your home as well. Add an extra doorway to your bedroom come study for access onto the second bathroom, creating a semi-ensuite. When family come to stay, bring the kids to your bathroom so there’s a clever guest-only suite and no need to build a third bathroom.

We’ve put together a number of house and land packages from leading QLD builders that you can browse here for inspiration. With everyone’s household functioning differently, why not browse our lots only and collaborate with a builder to create something that works perfectly for you.

The information supplied on this webpage is supplied for the purpose of providing an impression of Stockland North Shore and is not intended to be used for any other purpose. All details, images and statements are based on the intention and information available to, Stockland as at the time of publication (January 2024) and may change due to future circumstances. Stockland does not give any warranty in relation to the information contained in any third-party websites referred to. Stockland does not accept any liability for loss or damage arising as a result of any reliance on the third-party websites or its contents. Stockland does not control the third-party websites and does not endorse those websites or any company, product or service mentioned on those websites.