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How do I negotiate the best price on a block of land?

HOW DO I NEGOTIATE THE BEST PRICE ON A BLOCK OF LAND?

how to negotiate the best price for a block of land

ninja negotiator

Insider secrets to negotiating a block anywhere in Australia

Insider secrets to negotiating a block of land anywhere in Australia

(The tools a land buyers agent uses to get the best deals on land)

 

True historic records

What properties are listed for and what properties often end up selling for can be two different things.  It’s the 'sold' price of surrounding properties that hold the secrets to your negotiating power.

 

Assessing supply v’s demand

One of the most significant drivers of price is supply v’s demand.  The current market supply that exists across an entire area can be used for or against you when it comes to negotiation.  Do your homework on the available lots in the town or suburb you’re looking in.

 

Motivation to sell

Have you ever heard the term ‘the vendor is motivated to sell’?  Property Development is not always ‘beer and skittles’.  Land is no different to any other product that is for sale. There are times where they’ll hold and times where they’ll fold.  Ideally, you’ll want to gain insights into the land owners’ motivation (or lack of) to sell.

 

Hidden Opportunities

Developers can’t always promote what they’d be willing to accept.  If a developer has sold 78 blocks in an estate for x amount of dollars and want to get rid of the last remaining 5 blocks, they are very limited by how they might promote that offer.  If they have a fire-sale at say 10% off, they are going to have 78 very angry customers who months before may have paid full price for their block of land.  Again, the key is to get the scoop on a land owner’s motivation to sell.  You just never know where those great little opportunities might be lurking.

 

Skip the agent

What if in some cases you could skip the agent and deal directly with the land owner?

In some instances, you may be able to purchase the block directly from the owner themselves.  It’s not always easy getting to the right people, but if you can, and they’re willing, you might just be able to save the agents commission value off your block at the very least.

 

Flexibility

Odd shaped blocks, sloping blocks, blocks with easements or covenants… These can be tricky for volume builders to navigate, however these types of blocks can hold huge potential for a custom built home where you can use the perceived limitations of the block to your advantage.  Consider some of the  most spectacular homes you’ve seen.  They’re usually on sloping blocks.

 

Knowledge

You have a far better chance of negotiating the price of a block if you can justify your offer.  Doing your homework and knowing the market gives you the upper hand.

 

Negotiation

Buying property can be a daunting experience and not everyone feels comfortable negotiating property.  A land buying advocate is trained to understand the psychology of the buyer and the seller.  They use these insights to get the best possible outcome for you.

Other Things to do when buying land

 

  1. Do you have pre-approval for finance.  You need this first to know how much you have to spend.  You can get pre-approval here.
  2. Have you chosen a legal conveyancer?  You need to do this now.
  3. If available in your area and you feel you could benefit from the service, consider engaging a land buying advocate to conduct your due diligence and handle negotiations.
  4. If looking at buying land off-the-plan consider if this is a suitable option for you.
  5. Compare blocks of land or estates using the land comparison chart.
  6. Read the plan of subdivision to know if an easement will affect you or not.
  7. Ask to see a copy of the structure plan/development plan.
  8. Make sure all services are connected and if they aren't, get quotes to connect them prior to purchase.
  9. Ask for a list of any covenants that exist within the subdivision.
  10. Have a site level specialist (civil contractor) estimate your site levelling costs.
  11. Once you choose a block invest in your own soil test so that you own that information and can use it to get quotes.

in summary

nothing10b

Get creative when approaching your negotiations.  You may be able to snag a great deal by applying any of our insider tips.

Other useful links:

How to avoid Stamp Duty

https://buildinoz.com.au/how-to-avoid-paying-stamp-duty/

How to get the first home owners grant when building

https://buildinoz.com.au/how-to-get-the-first-home-owners-grant-when-building/

The Building Home Masterclass Series

https://buildinoz.com.au/building-home/

How to avoid expensive Site Costs when Building

https://buildinoz.com.au/how-to-avoid-expensive-site-costs-when-building-a-new-home/





Building Home Masterclass Series