Buying Land? Don’t Skip the Soil Check

If you're looking at buying land to build your future home, there's one step that often gets overlooked - checking the soil.

It might not be the most exciting part of the process, but it can have a big impact on what you can build and how much it’ll cost.

Why soil testing matters

The type of soil on your block can affect the stability of your home, the type of foundation needed, and even how your garden will perform down the track.

Here’s a quick overview:

• Clay soils tend to expand and contract depending on moisture levels. This can mean extra costs for special slab designs or reinforcements.

• Sandy soils drain quickly, which can be good for avoiding waterlogging - but they don’t always provide a stable base for footings.

• Rocky or mixed soils might require additional excavation, which can push up building costs.

Getting a soil test done before you commit to buying (or at least before building) can help you avoid unexpected surprises later on.

What’s involved?

Soil tests are generally straightforward and handled by a geotechnical engineer. They’ll take samples from the site and give you a classification that helps your builder know what sort of foundation is needed.

Not sure where to start?

It’s worth asking questions early. Your builder, conveyancer, or local council may be able to point you in the right direction when it comes to soil testing and site prep.

Planning ahead can save a lot of headaches - and possibly a few thousand dollars - down the line.