Thinking of purchasing rural property in Perth, Western Australia?
When considering the purchase of a rural property in Perth, Western Australia, it is important to do your research and be aware of all the potential risks and responsibilities that come with owning a property.
Before buying any property, you should carry out a thorough title check to ensure there are no easement agreements, covenants or caveats on the land.
It is also important to make sure that all services such as power, water, access and telephone are in place.
In addition to researching the legal aspects of purchasing rural property, it is also important to consider other factors such as climate, soil type, local infrastructure and access to community services.
You should also investigate what kind of farming activities or other activities are allowed on the land you are looking at purchasing.
This will help you understand what kind of investments you may need to make in order to make the most out of your new property.
How much does it cost to build a house in a rural area?
The average cost of building a house in Australia is $1393.55 per sqm.
A basic house would cost between $900-$1,400 per square meter, while a high-end house would cost between $1,700 to $2,800 per square meter or more.
Building a house in a rural area can incur additional costs upwards of $60,000 AUD due to a lack of infrastructure and connection points.
Considerations and steps to take when buying a block of rural land.
When building a house in a rural area, it is important to factor in additional costs such as transport fees for materials, higher labour costs due to a lack of local tradespeople, and additional costs for connecting services such as electricity, water and sewerage.
It is important to research the soil quality of the land, as this will determine the type of foundations that can be used.
It is also important to consider the zoning of the land and to check with local councils about any restrictions or regulations that may apply.
Connecting to Power Supply
When building a house on a rural property in Perth, it is important to consider the electricity supply.
Depending on the location, there may be access to mains electricity or an off-grid system may need to be installed. It is important to ensure that the system meets all relevant regulations and is safe for use.
There are two parts to connecting power to your property, Western Power is responsible for connecting the power to the boundary. You then need a private electrician to connect the power from the boundary to the house.
Power supply to the property boundary
Speak to Western Power or a 3rd party power technician to determine how much power is available in the area for example if there is single-phase or 3-phase power from the transformer.
Check with Western Power or the Council if the transformer is on the opposite side of the road to your house.
Check local regulations to see if overhead powerlines are allowed over roads.
If the transformer is on the opposite side of the road, a horizontal trench may need to be bored under the road.
Installing a transformer can cost up to $25,000 and additional costs may be incurred depending on the distance from the transformer.
Power supply to the house
Get in touch with an electrician to get an idea of the average costs of connecting the boundary power supply to your house.
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How far is it from the boundary to the building envelop
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Different-sized cables are available depending on power requirements.
Off-grid
In rural areas, it can be difficult to access main power. Consider installing solar panels or a wind turbine to provide an alternative source of energy. This will require careful consideration of the size and type of system required.
It is also important to consider the cost of installation and maintenance when making a decision.
Phone and Internet Connections
Check what mobile reception and internet speeds are available on your property before making a decision. It is becoming easier for rural houses to access remote internet connections with the improvement of satellite technology.
Internet
Australian NBN
The National Broadband Network (NBN) is a government initiative that provides high-speed internet access to rural areas. The NBN can provide speeds of up to 100 Mbps, which is much faster than most ADSL connections.
Starlink
Starlink is a satellite internet service that provides high-speed internet access to rural areas. It is currently in beta.
Mobile Coverage
If you are building a house in a rural area, it is important to check the mobile reception before making a decision.
Mobile reception can vary greatly depending on your location and the type of phone network you are using. You may need to invest in an external antenna or booster to get better signal strength.
These antennas can be used to boost the signal from the nearest mobile tower.
Going Off Grid
Going off the grid is becoming increasingly popular due to rising energy costs and environmental concerns.
Solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage are all reducing in cost.
An off-grid property can be an attractive feature to potential buyers if done properly.
Water Supply and Pumps
When building a house on a rural property in Perth, it is important to consider the water supply.
It is important to ensure that the water supply meets all relevant regulations and is safe for drinking and other uses.
Additionally, it is important to consider the cost of installation and maintenance when making a decision.
Establishing a water supply in rural areas can involve rainwater tanks, bore water, or dam water.
Water meter
Depending on the location, there may be access to mains water or a bore may need to be installed.
Requesting a water meter is included as part of your building application and should be discussed with the builder to ensure adequate access.
Water tank
Consider the size of the rainwater tank/s needed to ensure a constant supply of water even through periods of drought.
Local councils may have a min requirement such as a 120,000lt water tank.
Bore water
Bore water is a common source of water in rural areas, but it can be expensive to install and maintain.
It is important to have the bore tested for quality before use.
Dam water
Dam water is another option, however, this requires permission from the local government and may also require approval from the Department of Water.
Pumps
When considering a pump for your water supply, consider the size and type of pump required for the job.
There are a variety of pumps available, from submersible pumps to pressure pumps.
Consider the cost and maintenance requirements of each type before making a decision.
Pressure pumps are needed for the house and garden, and a submersible pump for the bore.
Fire control requirements
Install necessary fire safety equipment as per local council and BAL assessment regulations.
Ensure that the property is surrounded by a fire break. This can be achieved by clearing vegetation and other combustible materials from around the house, as well as creating a buffer zone of non-combustible material such as gravel or sand.
Have an isolated rainwater tank for use in the event of a fire emergency and a mobile fire trailer and tank located on the property for easy access in an emergency.
Have an evacuation and fire safety plan in place that outlines how to respond to a fire emergency.
Ensure that all occupants of the house are aware of the fire safety plan and know how to respond in an emergency.
Sewerage System
In rural areas, it is important to consider the installation of a sewerage system.
This can involve septic tanks or anaerobic digesters (ATU System), which require regular maintenance.
It is important to ensure that the system is installed correctly and meets all relevant regulations. It is also important to consider the cost of installation and maintenance when making a decision.
Site Preparation Expenses
Site costs are expenses incurred to prepare a block of land before construction can commence.
In rural areas of Perth, site preparation expenses can be more costly than in urban areas. This is due to the need for additional services such as tree removal, soil testing, rocky ground, clay and slopping hills.
Site preparation expenses may include clearing the parcel of land and levelling the ground.
It is important to factor in site preparation expenses when budgeting for building a house on a rural property in Perth.
Depending on the size of the block, and the foundations of the house these costs can range from $1000’s of dollars to $10,000’s