It’s no secret that house block sizes have been getting smaller and smaller in recent years. This is primarily due to the increasing cost of land –– especially in Sydney. The higher land prices have made it difficult for developers to ensure a project remains profitable without first decreasing the average size of each block of land. As a result, many people are stuck with small blocks of land that don’t offer much flexibility. If this sounds like your situation, don’t worry – there are ways to work around it! This article will outline some tips for designing houses that fit comfortably on small blocks of land.
Why is Land so expensive in Sydney?
Sydney is one of the most expensive places to buy land in Australia. This is due to several factors, including population growth, limited land supply and the fact that Sydney is situated on a narrow strip of coastline.
The price of buying land in Sydney has steadily been on the rise of late and is unlikely to get cheaper any time soon. In fact, the median land price in Sydney has increased by 11.57% in the last 12 months alone!
What does this mean for house sizes?
The decreasing size of house blocks has a major impact on how houses are designed and built in Australia. To make the most of a small block of land, many architects and builders are now designing longer and narrower homes than traditional ones. This house type is often referred to as a narrow lot design.
What is a narrow lot design?
Often houses on small blocks are just that, small. However, a narrow lot design is a house that has been specifically designed to fit onto a small block of land. These houses are usually longer and narrower than traditional ones, allowing them to make the most of the available space. Narrow lot designs can come in a variety of different styles, so there’s sure to be one that suits your needs.
What are the benefits of narrow lot design?
Narrow lot house designs are becoming increasingly popular in Australia due to their ability to maximise the use of small blocks. In fact they are one of the most effective small block house designs. By utilising a narrow design, you can make the most of your block width and create a house that feels open, despite the decreasing size of house blocks. If you’re looking to build a house on a small block of land, a narrow lot design comes with many benefits, including:
. Building up affords more space
You might not be able to build outwards with a small block of land, but you can undoubtedly build upwards. By utilising a two-storey house design, you can make the most of your vertical space and create a house that feels spacious and open and takes advantage of views and natural light – which are often lacking in traditional houses on small blocks.
. Affordability
Because the block of land is smaller, you’re saving money straight out of the gate (somewhat), which can be put towards other areas of the building such as a swimming pool, landscaping or an outdoor entertaining area.
. Flexibility
Another great benefit of narrow lot house designs is that they offer more flexibility regarding your house’s layout. With a traditional house design, you’re often limited to the standard floor plan that comes with the house. However, with a narrow lot design, you have the ability to customise the floor plan, play around with room configurations and land on a plan that suits your needs better.
Other types of houses suited to small blocks.
There are other options when it comes to small block house designs. If you’re not sold on the idea of a narrow lot house, here are some different types of houses that can be adapted to fit small blocks:
Corner block designs
Not all small blocks are narrow. Some are wider than long. This usually happens on a corner block. Corner block house designs offer the perfect solution if this is the case. With a corner block design, you can make the most of the extra width of the black and create a house that feels open and spacious. They usually feel a little more private as they only have houses on two sides.
Knock Down Rebuild
If building on a small block doesn’t appeal to you, you could try a knock down rebuild. With a knock down rebuild, you can demolish an existing house and rebuild it on the same block of land. This is an excellent option if you’re looking to build your dream home but don’t want to move house, or you’ve found a place on a great block of land or great location but aren’t too impressed with the actual house itself.
In reality, small land blocks are becoming increasingly common in Australia. But, with the right house design, you can make the most of a small block of land and create a house that feels open, spacious and has all the features and amenities you desire. So, if you’re thinking of building a house on a small block of land, don’t despair; there are plenty of house designs to choose from that will suit your needs. And, if you’re not sure which design is right for you, our team can help you find the perfect design for your small block of land.