There are many reasons why people migrate to Australia. There are abundant employment opportunities in Australia for starters, especially in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
The country is also home to some of the world’s most scenic landscapes, beaches, and wildlife. The healthcare system is excellent, and the country is ranked 8th globally in terms of education.
If you are looking for an excellent work-life balance, the lifestyle will suit you perfectly.
As for climate, winters in Australia are mild, and summers are reasonably warm (boiling in some places!).
What's more, crime rates around the country are almost negligible compared to other countries on the planet. That is why you are making the right choice to build a house in Australia.
Where and How to Build Affordably in Australia
One significant factor in the value of a home is the land.
The affordability of land in Australia varies significantly from city to city.
Adelaide is the city with the most affordable land going to the 2019 UDIA 'State of the Land' report. The average price of land per m2 was $413 before the pandemic. The median land price at that time was $175,675. That's almost $50,000 cheaper than the median price in Perth and nearly a third of median prices in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra.
As for building costs, we can rely on the rough estimates published by Rider Levett Bucknall in the fourth quarter of 2018.
If you intend to build a single or double-story home, here is a breakdown of the lower range cost of building a home per square meter:
- New South Wales: $1,780
- Victoria: $1,720
- Queensland: $1,800
- South Australia: $1,580
- Western Australia: $1,400
- Australian Capital Territory: $1,700
Note: These have increased considerably in recent years; however, use them as a guide only.
The Construction Process
Step 1: Buy Land
This stage can be pretty complicated because there are communities involved, overlays, design guidelines, land titles, and the list goes on. It is best to consult a building consultant early on to help you navigate these and guide you through the process.
Step 2: Choosing designs
After you've selected a perfect lot of land, it's time to start considering home designs. Not every home design you may love will work on the lot of land you've purchased. So, if you are incredibly picky about what you want to build, you can always select your design first and then find the perfect lot of land to suit.
A great place to start researching floor plan designs is Lotmix - a house and land platform designed to help you find the perfect design, lot of land, and home builder in Australia.
Step 3: Choosing a builder
To get the best value for your money, it's always advisable that you collect a few quotes for comparison across builders you've shortlisted. But the price isn't the only critical factor to consider. A great builder should help you effortlessly through the entire build process. The best way to gauge this is to read reviews and try to speak with others who have built with the builder you are considering before. This way, you will gain a complete picture, and your expectations will be realistic from the beginning.
Step 4: Contracts
Once you've selected your land, selected your house, received a quote from a builder. It will be time to make a deposit and head to the contracting phase. In Australia, most builders will operate under the housing association’s standard contracting. This is utilized to ensure the consumers are protected adequately. As always, seek out professional advice if this is your first time building a home.
Step 5: Building time
You will be assigned a building supervisor and also a building coordinator to assist if you have questions throughout your build. These will be your point of contact should any issues arise, and it's often one of the most exciting times seeing your house rise out from the ground.
Step 5: Inspection and certification
Your building has to align with its approved plans and specifications if it is to be approved by the Building Code of Australia. They will inspect the building's structural integrity, the health and safety of residents, and the quality of available amenities. If they find substantial errors or omissions, your builder has to rectify them before the house is cleared for residency. If everything is okay, you can then prepare for the handover.
Should You Build Or Buy A Home in Australia?
According to CoreLogic, the national averages for building and buying a home in Australia are $714,489 and $624,882, respectively. That means buying a home would be cheaper, on average, by almost $90,000.
Understanding building a home can be susceptible to delays that stem from unfavorable weather, labor shortages, and endless bureaucracy during inspection and approval processes.
Final word
Building a home in Australia will be a serious investment. Still, if you are after the perfect blend of lifestyle & opportunity, then Australia surely goes to the top of the list, but it sure will be worth it in the end.