FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The process of buying land and building your dream home can sometimes seem like a daunting process. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’ve put together a list of some of the most frequently asked questions that will hopefully provide an answer to some common concerns. Feel free to get in touch with our agents if you have any other questions
How do I secure a block of land?
A $1,500 holding deposit secures your block. A contract is then forwarded to your legal representative whether it be a conveyancer or solicitor. A 5% deposit is payable upon exchange. At the same time you can select a builder to prepare a tender/builders contract. The land is then exchanged and settled into your name and the building process starts with your builder.
How long does it take to build a home?
It usually takes 8-10 weeks to obtain Council approval (your builder will do this for you) and approximately 6 months to build.
How do I know what the home will end up costing?
Your builder will give you a fixed price tender.
What builder should I choose?
There are many project builders that will build on your land. Check with the Office of Fair Trading first to see if they are licensed and then inspect their display homes. When you choose your home, ask the builder to prepare a written tender to build the home on your lot.
What about finance? Who can help me with this?
Most banks and building societies will assist with lending for land and then houses. Our selling agents can help you with this enquiry.
Do I have to build straight away?
No. You can build when you want to.
Are there any covenants on the blocks?
If there are, they are detailed on the plans that we give you.
Do the blocks have sewer and power?
Yes. All the blocks in the estate are ready to be connected to services such as water, sewer and power. Plus super fast broadband and telephone services plus Free to Air TV and Foxtel signals delivered over the same fibre supplied by Opticomm.
What about bushfire restrictions?
Every block of land in New South Wales is now classified by the Rural Fire Service with a rating of 1, 2 or 3. Each block at The Gardens has different ratings to protect you and your home from bushfire risk. For more information contact Port Stephens Council.
What type of soil is on my block?
Every block has received a classification by geotechnical engineers.
Are there house and land packages?
Yes house and land packages will be coming soon. You can also choose your own block and your own builder to package up your home. We can assist you with this process.
Are there any Government Grants available?
You may be eligible to apply for one of the following NSW Government grants:
- First Home Owner Grant (New Homes) Scheme
- First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme
Visit www.osr.nsw.gov.au/grants for more information.
Is your builder a member of the Housing Industry Association (HIA)?
An HIA member check can be made by calling the HIA consumer hotline on 1902 973 555. HIA can advise the member’s status and whether their membership is current.
HIA can not provide information as to the member’s building history. This information can only be provided by the relevant government department such as Consumer Affairs or a building authority.
How do I connect to the Internet?
The Gardens is serviced by the OptiComm super-fast Fibre to the Premises Network. The OptiComm FTTP network provides Australia’s fastest home internet. The network also delivers phone, free to air and FOXTEL services and no TV antennas or satellite dishes are required.
OPTICOMM – National Broadband Connection at The Gardens