Slope
Does the site need to be cut and if so how much cut and fill will you need will you need to remove soil or import soil and how much will this cost, if you cut will you need to install retaining walls. All of this can really add up and needs close consideration before purchasing your block.
Driveway access
where can you place your driveway, how close to the corner, are there trees in the way, do you need to cut the kerb, how will all of this affect the layout of your design.
Orientation of House
Ideally you will want your living areas facing North to get the best of energy efficiency, if you cannot then you will need to think of the design and how to make it work for passive solar heating. What are the council’s terms on setbacks these can differ vastly in certain areas.
Covenant requirements
Are there building envelopes to consider in regard to where exactly on the land your building can sit, some council also have requirements on this. Is there specific design requirements for that particular location, e.g. style of house, materials you can use, colours, design requirements, this list can be a very long one.
Soil quality
Anything from rock which will require a rock breaker to reactive soil that will need larger footings, the price can easily blow out and when building you will need to set aside funds for the inevitable, all of this cannot be determined until a soil sample is attained. Investigate what the land has been used for in the past as toxic soils can be an expensive issue to rectify.
Bushfire requirements
SA has strict bushfire requirements so you will need to check with your local council to see what classification your block comes under and what requirements you need to comply with that particular bushfire code.
Services and easements
Check to see if you have all the services and how far away they are, if you cannot find them then you will need to contact your local service provider to see if they are available for your land and if not how much it will cost to get them installed or what alternatives you can use, e.g. Water, power, phone, gas, sewer, NBN. Also are there easements on the land as you will not be able to build over that easement and is that easement only to service your needs or everyone else’s.
Land classification
Torrens title, the purchaser owns the land. Community or Strata Title You own land and house but any common property, e.g. driveways, services are maintained and handled by a community corporation. Other types are land classifications which may have special requirements, residential, rural residential, primary industry, commercial etc.
Other
Take a good look around at who your neighbours will be. If you are near the river you need to know where the flood levels are and where you can build. Shape of the land will you need a special design, are there height restrictions. Privacy.
Conveyancers, Council and JAC Homes can help you with this, it really does pay to do your homework.