How long from Land Title / Settlement to Site Start?

October 03 2020 admin Uncategorized

After having chosen a builder, most people spend a lot of time with the consultant finalising the inclusions and design of their home. During the early stages, you will talk about when your land is scheduled to Title, and you may also discuss with your sales consultant how long the build process takes.

But a critical question many people fail to confirm is “How long from Land Title / Settlement before building starts on site”?

Unfortunately, most sales consultants who work for larger builders really don’t know the answer as it’s not part of their role and they will provide you with their best guess. But that’s not good enough. You need to know what the process involves and what assurance you have of your home starting within a reasonable amount of time.

The last thing you want is for your land settlement to take place and your new mortgage to commence with no construction work for 2 -3 months. This can be a double whammy if you are paying rent and mortgage repayments.

Understanding the process:

There are a few things that need to happen prior to construction commencing onsite of your new home. Some of these things can happen well before your land settlement takes place and others can only happen after your land settlement has taken place.

A building permit needs to be issued prior to construction commencing and the relevant information needs to be prepared prior to a permit being issued. Below is a breakdown of what the builder needs to co-ordinate:

  1. Building Contract / Working Drawings

    Can be completed prior to Land Settlement

  2. Energy Rating

    Can be completed prior to Land Settlement

  3. Developers Approval

    Can be completed prior to Land Settlement

  4. Soil Report

    Can be completed 2 to 4 weeks prior to Land Settlement

  5. Property Information & Legal Point of Discharge

    Approximately 2 weeks after Land Settlement

  6. Structural Engineering

    Approximately 2 weeks after Property Information & Legal Point of Discharge is received

  7. Home Owners Warranty Insurance

    Can be completed prior to Land Settlement

  8. Building Permit

    Can be issued once all the above is completed

  9. Formal Approval from Bank

    Normally 2 weeks after the building Permit is issued.

  10. Site Start

    Normally 2 weeks after the Formal Approval is received.

As you can see, based on the above it will take a minimum of 6 – 8 weeks after you have settled on your land before construction can commence. And of course, this is subject to how efficient your builder is in organising everything.

Also, as the owner, you will be required to provide proof of finance prior to to construction commencing, so ensure you have your loan prepared and the relevant information from your finance provider.

In summary, ensure you ask your new home consultant / builder for a detailed understanding of their processes so that there are no expectations set that cannot be met.