How to Plan Your Acreage Home Build

Why are so many couples and families building new homes on acreage blocks? While it can’t be denied that there’s something very special about living on a large block where you’re blessed with wide, open spaces and beautiful landscapes on your doorstep, it’s more than natural outlooks alone driving the popularity of acreage homes in 2025.

For many people residing in the city and suburbs, moving to the country with fresher air, less traffic and the opportunity to enjoy a quieter and more relaxed lifestyle is inherently appealing. Acreage living presents a chance to evade the stress, busyness and noise that often characterises life in the city and suburbs, so if you’re looking to enjoy a tree change with all the advantages and benefits that offers, an acreage lifestyle could be ideal. The key reasons that have made acreage living so popular and have boosted demand for large blocks around Southeast Queensland are numerous and include:

• Seclusion and privacy – Acreage living enables you to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and that seclusion allows for a more tranquil and calming home environment. Additionally, with the larger acreage blocks your neighbours are located further away which provides greater privacy, so you needn’t worry about looking into your neighbour’s window – or your neighbours looking into yours!
• More room to move – Living on a larger acreage block provides more space for outdoor activities and hobbies, like gardening and raising animals, as well as entertaining family and friends. For families with young or teenage kids, living on acreage provides more space for children to play and explore outdoors.
• Less air and noise pollution – Compared with the increased air and noise pollution that affects many Australian cities and suburbs, the clean, fresh air and peace and quiet you’ll enjoy on an acreage block in the countryside will feel heavenly. The serenity of big-block living is a key driver in the popularity of building on acreage.
• Connecting with nature – With the natural outlook and closer proximity to nature, acreage living provides the opportunity for greater connection with local fauna and flora. What’s more, living in a natural environment could have positive effects on health and wellbeing, such as improved mood, reduced stress and better sleep quality.¹

Acreage demographics – Who’s building on acreage?

In Australia, the demographics for people living in acreage homes have generally been older age groups, more often than not, retirees and downsizers with higher incomes. However, in recent years – especially since the pandemic with the trend towards working from home – there’s been demand for larger acreage properties across all demographics, including young professionals, couples and families. There are now many acreage-friendly suburbs located across Southeast Queensland, including Hatton Vale, Jimboomba and Woodhill, to name a few. Discover the perfect location for your new acreage home in our article, ‘The Best Areas for Acreage Living Near Brisbane.’

The difference between acreage and residential and acreage land

The most obvious difference between acreage and residential land is the size – an acre is an area of 4,047m² in size and, as such, acreage blocks tend to be significantly larger than residential blocks, which are usually 400-800m². Acreage blocks start from approximately 1,000m² (a quarter acre) and are generally located in acreage estates.  The more obvious size considerations aside, there are several important differences between the average acreage and residential block in Australia, including location and proximity to amenities, the availability of essential services and the maintenance required.

Building on acreage – Things to consider and plan for

Just as there are several important differences between acreage and residential properties that you’ll need to consider to ensure that acreage living is right for you, so too are there important things to plan for when building on acreage. When evaluating your options and deciding whether to build on an acreage block, don’t overlook these key factors:

• Land contours and block suitability – There’s a lot to consider here as the slope or fall of the block will directly impact the feasibility of building on a block as well as the cost of construction. Along with the slope and fall of the block, be sure to consider the soil quality, including the presence of rock that may need removing, and the orientation – where your new home will be positioned on the block.
• Home orientation – The direction your block faces and the positioning of your new home on it is one of the most important considerations when building an acreage home. Good home orientation offers many benefits relating to cooling, heating and natural light, including lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment.
• Electricity – Does the block have access to power and will the power supply meet your usage requirements? If you can’t access grid electricity, you’ll need an off-grid setup with renewable electricity, like a home battery. While this can be expensive in terms of the initial outlay, it could potentially save you money in the long term.
• Water supply, drainage and septic tank – While this isn’t something you’ll need to consider with a residential block, don’t overlook this when building on acreage. Ensure you know how your acreage property will be supplied with water, whether you need a specific stormwater drain and whether a septic system is needed.
• Planning permits and requirements – While planning permits are required when building any home, there are additional permits and requirements to consider when building on acreage. Your local council can provide information on the planning permits that your build must meet, including bushfire zones and wind ratings.
• Access to the building site – Although you may have met all the planning permit and build criteria, you must still be sure that the home builder and other professionals will be able to access the site during construction. Access considerations include ensuring that trucks can access the build site in any weather conditions which may require surfaces to be levelled and trees to be removed. As the right home builder can assist with this, work with a trusted home builder, like Hallmark Homes.
• Home design – The right acreage home design is essential for creating a comfortable and healthy living environment, making it crucially important to choose the right design for your current and future requirements. For actionable ideas to help you enhance your acreage lifestyle and maximise your new acreage home’s potential and home value, check out our article, Must-Have Features for Your Acreage Home.

Why Queenslanders choose Hallmark homes

As a trusted local home builder with over 40 years of experience, Hallmark Homes builds new homes for all kinds of homebuyers, from first-home buyers to downsizers and property investors. When you build with Hallmark Homes, you’re building with home builders who love what we do and are proud of our work, so you can be confident that when you build with us, we’re doing it for the right reasons.

Take the time to explore our Eden acreage home design range and when you’re ready to experience our build and design quality and chat with a consultant about your home building journey, visit our acreage display home at The Fairways Kensington Grove in the Lockyer Valley.

*The information on this website is for general information purposes only. It is not financial advice. Consult with qualified financial advisors for personalised guidance.

¹ Nature: How connecting with nature benefits our mental health