Acreage home designs

What is an acreage home design?

Acreage home designs are spacious single-storey houses made for larger properties. They’re a popular choice for growing families due to their floor plans emphasising space. The minimum for an acreage block is around 4,000m2 but can be much larger. A distinguishing feature of acreage homes is their width is bigger than their length. Acreage homes are associated with country living, and with a lot of rural areas in South East Queensland, it is a popular choice for those with large properties.

This article is for everyone considering making a ”tree change” and building their dream home out of the city. This article explores both acreage house designs and what is involved in owning an acreage block.

Acreage house designs considerations

While some acreage designs can technically fit on more traditional blocks, you won’t have much land left over, and let’s be honest, part of the appeal of an acreage home design is the large property associated with it. You’re looking at a lot width of at least 35m for most acreage home designs.

When it comes to acreage blocks, there is a wide range of sizes. Below is a scale of the average block of land compared to a five-acre block.

Before you buy a property, you’ll need to check whether the property is on town water or whether you’ll need to source your own. You’ll also need to check if your property has sewerage pipes and electricity.

It’s easy for even the biggest city slicker to get swept up in the idea of a spacious family home on a large property, but take the time to consider the pros and cons and weigh up if this design is for you.

What are the benefits of acreage home designs?

• One of the big appeals of an acreage property is the amount of space you’ll have and the privacy this offers. For a family, it provides a lot of area for activities, both inside and out. There is enough space for bedrooms to be away from living areas. There’ll also be plenty of room for swimming pools and gardens.

• There are pros to living away from the city. You’ll experience better air quality due to less pollution. Country life is considered more relaxed because you no longer have the horns, sirens, people yelling in the streets, construction noise, etc that you do in the city. Instead, you’ll have peace and quiet.
• Acreage homes naturally have a luxury feel to them.

• Most Acreage house plans only have one storey, so it’s great for those who want a big home without multiple storeys.

• Property away from the city is often more affordable, so land packages will be better value for money. For those who want to be away from the city, this is an added bonus.

• If you love nature, an acreage property is a great way to have it on your doorstep. A lot of people who live the rural lifestyle wouldn’t have it any other way.

What are the disadvantages of acreage home designs?

While it’s easy to romanticise leaving the hustle and bustle of city life and moving to a big house in the country, in reality, there are some possible downsides to an average home:

• Property this size will be away from the city. If you’re used to amenities being close by, you’ll need to get used to longer drives just to get your groceries, take the kids to school or to visit family. This is something to consider if anyone has medical issues that may need urgent attention at some point.
• Speaking of long drives, if you work in the city, the commute will be longer and more expensive.
• Maintaining the property is expensive. All that land comes at a cost and can be hard work if you choose to do it yourself. You’ll need to factor in costs like a ride-on lawn-mower and tools you’ll need. If you’re thinking of starting a hobby farm on your new property, that’ll also cost.
• Living in the country is different from the city. Little things like the internet being slower and mobile phone reception is less reliable. You’ll also have wildlife like snakes that you’ll need to be wary of. Depending on where you move, bushfires and flooding could also be a concern.

Are acreage home designs expensive to build?

Due to their size, acreage homes are going to cost more than other designs. However, there is a range of options when it comes to price. The price offered by most websites will be lower than what you pay. You’ll need to speak to a consultant for more detailed home pricing.

For example, prices for the Longreach series by Coral Homes start from $267,400. With a decent house area of 302.44m2, you could build a home like this on a decent sized rural property for cheaper than a narrow-lot home in the middle of the city.

For those looking for luxury acreage home designs, there are options like the Fontaine series by Metricon. The house is part of Metricon’s Signature range, meaning it comes with more inclusions and the best materials.

Expect to pay a minimum of $950,000 for this house design, and this doesn’t include the land.

The further away you are from the city, the more reasonable land prices are likely to be. However, this might mean any rise in land value will be slower. For those investing, it will be a matter of finding that sweet spot of a place that has a rural feel while still being close enough to the city.

Council regulations for building on acreage

No matter how rural you go, there are going to be council regulations. Overall, rural areas tend to be more relaxed in regards to regulations than in the city, but you should always check to avoid any troubles down the line. Before building your acreage home there are a few things you’ll need to check with the local council, such as:

• Are there zoning regulations?
• Know your property’s boundary lines. It might seem like your property goes on forever, but the council (and your neighbours) disagree. When inspecting the lot, be sure to get a precise idea of the perimeter.
• If you’re looking to own animals, there may be regulations. For example, in the Moreton Bay Region, you are required to have 6001 sqm (roughly 1.5 acres) to own one horse or cow. For livestock, you’ll need 10+ acres.
• Some trees on your land may be protected and unable to be cut down. In contrast, some may be assessed as dangerous and will be legally required to be cut down.
• Is there a rubbish collection or are you required to dispose of it yourself?

Different areas will vary on their regulations so the best thing you can do is check with the local council.

Where can I build my acreage house?

An acreage home design is best suited for rural areas or larger lots. While you don’t need an enormous property to build an acreage home, ideally, you want a lot size of over 4000m2. Think places like the country areas around the Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast Hinterland, or somewhere more rural.

Compare Specialist acreage Home Builders

Here are a few options to consider for your new home. When possible, see a display home from a builder to get an idea of their workmanship.

Brighton Homes

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Coral Homes

Metricon Homes

Hallmark Homes

Need help finding a Builder?

Building a new home can be a daunting process. At Buildi, we work with you throughout the entire build process to avoid any pitfalls and make sure your house build stays on time and on budget by following these simple steps

1. Free Consultation – We will sit with you to understand what you are looking to accomplish.
2. Due Diligence – We work with you to ensure you’re buying the right block of land at the right price without hidden problems.
3. Builders tender – We will take your requirements out to the market of builders and they will bid to win your business.
4. Present solutions – We will compile the top 3 options and present you with a comprehensive proposal on builders’ strengths & weaknesses along with prices and specifications.
5. Contract Signing – We will work with you and your selected builder to ensure there is full transparency in what you are entering into.
6. Building your home – We work closely with the builder to ensure all service levels are met and your project is on schedule.

We help find you the right builder for your new home build. Contact us today

Trying to decide if an acerage home design is right for you? Connect with us today and chat with our experienced team. Book A Free Consultation!