Deciding what to buy
House
Private land, full renovation freedom, and full responsibility for maintenance — what a standalone house typically involves.
- A house typically has no common property or owners corporation.
- Full renovation freedom, subject to planning rules, and full maintenance responsibility.
- Land typically costs more per square metre of indoor space than an equivalent attached dwelling.
What a house typically involves
A separate house generally means full ownership of the land and building, with no common property or owners corporation in the usual case. That brings full renovation freedom (subject to planning rules — see the due diligence guide) and full responsibility for every maintenance item, from the roof to the garden.
What to weigh up
Land generally costs more per square metre of usable indoor space than an equivalent attached dwelling in the same location, and a house typically demands more ongoing time and money for maintenance and gardens than a unit or apartment. In exchange, you get privacy, space to extend or renovate on your own terms, and no owners corporation fees or rules to navigate.
Practical checklist
Before shortlisting a house
- Estimate the ongoing time and cost of garden and exterior maintenance realistically
- Check any planning overlays affecting future renovation (see the due diligence guide)
- Confirm boundary, easement and covenant details before assuming full land use
Questions for a professional
- What renovation or extension would this specific block realistically support?