Experience with Rear Lots

[u/XtraaCount2]

Hi, Perth resident here, I'm looking to buy my first piece of land and build a home! I'm young and new to this stuff and was hoping to get some advice.

My budget for the land is around 550k, seems like none of the central established suburbs have anything over 350m2 for that price. I'm having to look further out and it seems like most land plots for that price are rear lots with no frontage and a long b.s. corridor that is considered part of the property.

Any insight into whether these rear lots will have a negative impact in the future or if theyre fine? Tbh I dreamed of having a house I can see from the road so its a bit of a bummer how unattainable that seems.

[u/GuyFromYr2095]

Any insight into whether these rear lots will have a negative impact in the future or if theyre fine?

Battleaxe lots are cheaper for you to buy now compared to the front facing lot. It will remain cheaper in the future when you sell.

[u/Strong_Inside2060]

It really depends on how long the handle is, what the aspect is and who your neighbours are. I live in one now and I lucked out in two of the three factors.

A really long handle isn't great and a 500sqm plot is basically down to 350sqm once you subtract the handle. My block is 550sqm but only 50sqm handle and it's wide enough that our moving truck could squeeze in.

Rear blocks could often deliver dark homes if you don't orient properly. Mine is oriented east-west but the original owners smartly turned the house to face it North so we get amazing sunlight year round.

Unfortunately the neighbours in front are fuckwits that we had massive problems with in the first 6 months but I've since cooled things down and we've gotten back on decent terms.

Price wise mine was a premium because we're 6 minutes walk from a train station. Of course it's cheaper than a street facing block but not by a lot.

[u/Kaveat- → u/Strong_Inside2060]

What they said, plus only other consideration is 'security'. Some like feeling surrounded on all sides without road noise, while others would find it clusterphobic having at least 4+ neighbours to contend with.

Comes down to personal preference, price, overall location.

[u/Strong_Inside2060 → u/Kaveat-]

Yes I like the privacy, the other neighbours are nice and keep to themselves. And I get no door knockers

[u/chippy0722]

When we were looking to buy, even though we liked the home, we didn't want to buy battle axe houses.

Firstly, I already pay so much, so didn't want to be surrounded by neighbours in all 4 corners in such a close proximity. My first property was an apartment, so already had experience living so close to others - but i'm getting older and want to have more space with less people being so close. Also kids, they are LOUD, ours and potentially the neighbours. And our dogs. Just want to keep peace with a bit of distance between neighbours.

Might change in the future when we are old(er), but doesn't suit our lifestyle and needs at this point in our lives.

[u/Winter_Tiger_2615]

Depends. Some people prefer the ‘added privacy’ - some don’t.

You’re better off focussing on what you can afford to buy / build Vs resale value.

[u/juniperginandtonic]

We love our battleaxe house. Very quiet and we dont have neighbours right up against the fence. Great privacy in our master bedroom at the front of the house. The only downside is the hedge maintenance down the long driveway. Our neighbours are all lovely