Aside from what your budget allows, it’s often helpful to investigate what you can actually do with each block size. Bigger isn’t always better, and given the median lot size being released in WA’s new communities has steadily sat at 375m2 for the last 7 years (UDIA, 2023), there are plenty of creative designs from the best builders that maximise a variety of lot configurations. 

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!  

How big can your home be?

Perhaps your priority is building a home that can accommodate older children plus friends and family coming to stay, so it needs to be as big as possible. It’s worth asking the professionals about something called Site Coverage – how big the home can be as a percentage of the overall block size. This only counts parts of the home enclosed by 3 or more walls, so does include a garage (enclosed on 4 sides) but not a typical alfresco (enclosed on 2 sides) and is detailed in the R-Codes, or “zoning” of a lot. An R40 for example means that 40 lots of approximately this size would fit in 1 hectare of space.

Similar to reduced setbacks, some developers work with the local council to secure extra leniency on this percentage for buyers in their community. It’s something to being mindful of when building, a home that’s 50% of a 450m2 block is 225m2 – that’s the same amount of home as 60% of a 375m2 block! 

What space do you actually need?

We talk a lot here at Stockland about making smart decisions regarding the energy use in your home, but the biggest way to save money on your purchase and its ongoing running costs (plus furnishing and cleaning!) is to choose what you need and what you’ll actually use.

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.

Our community is growing every day and is filled with a rich variety of households brimming with people of different backgrounds, situations, experiences - and block sizes. Check out what's available for you to make your own here.