When it comes to finding your dream home, sometimes a do-it-yourself approach is best.

Now, property buyers can match their house, their land and their expectations thanks to a new online portal.

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Houseandland.com.au (HAL) allows users to search for properties and land based on a range of handy criteria – from the builder to the location.

Accessible on its own or through the realestateview.com.au (REV) website, HAL simplifies the sometimes endless house search by matching home designs with the vacant blocks of land they can fit onto.

The Facciol family explore the Annadale estate.

“Sixty-five per cent of all consumers will search for a house design first, based on their lifestyle, kids, and desired block size,” the site’s director, Mark Shearer, says.

“Instead of the consumer driving aimlessly around the countryside to find the right land, they basically have it all at their fingertips and can create a shortlist.”

For REV users, this invaluable resource provides access to a whole new pool of affordable housing.

According to REV general manager Petra Sprekos, the site is ideal for first homebuyers who may find established housing out of their price range.

“For first homebuyers it’s important to look at the new stuff as it’s more affordable,” Ms Sprekos says.

“A lot of people want a property in a certain style but they often have to buy the land. This offers the user a tool called the match function where they can pick the house and then find the land.”

Properties like the Annadale Estate in Victoria’s expanding Hume northern corridor provide the potential for a brand new home on a large double-fronted block with spectacular views, all at competitive prices.

Already, the first three stages of the estate have sold out entirely, an indicator of the popularity of a DIY approach to home design in booming areas.

Also accessible through several reputable building sites including Simonds and Sherridon, HAL is a seamless house-hunting experience.

“It prevents dreams from being squashed and saves a lot of time,” Mr Shearer says.

Tips for taking the plunge

Know your budget: “People need to be careful what they buy and how much debt they get into,” Mr Shearer says.

When you plan your budget, make sure you have a buffer for when interest rates go up and stick to it to avoid disappointment.

Be specific: The portal allows you to search by suburb, size, orientation, price and builder, so make use of the precise criteria and narrow down what you want.

Pick your must-haves: According to Mr Shearer, most people focus on the estate’s proximity to their workplace and also the general demographic of people in the area.

Decide what’s important to you.

Understand the estate: “Understand the land estate, what you’re buying into and the infrastructure and growth corridor you’re in,” Mr Shearer suggests.

“Does it have schools and ovals? Choose wisely.”

This story was brought to you by The New Daily using data and other information from its real estate content partner, realestateVIEW.com.au.
To download the new free realestateVIEW.com.au app click here!