Buying a Lifestyle Block
Insight
Lifestyle blocks offer space, privacy and rural living, but they come with additional responsibilities and legal considerations not found in standard suburban homes. Buyers need to understand how water, wastewater, access, zoning and land-use rules affect daily life and long-term maintenance.
Many rural properties have unique features — paddocks, fences, private roads, multiple sheds, water bores, small livestock, or historical easements — that require careful review before going unconditional. This guide focuses on the practical and legal issues that lifestyle block buyers must consider.
Private Water Supply Risks
Most lifestyle blocks rely on tank water, bore water or stream collection. Buyers should confirm:
- pump age and maintenance
- filtration systems and UV treatment
- consent requirements for bore or surface water
- water quality tests
- shared water arrangements with neighbours
Water supply issues can be expensive to fix—especially if pumps fail or if filtration systems are missing.
Concerned about water rights or supply?
A lawyer can review water rights, easements and consent requirements before you commit.
Septic Systems & Wastewater
Septic tanks and aerated wastewater systems require regular maintenance and compliance. Buyers should confirm:
- system type and age
- service history
- location of drainage fields
- council certification or consent notices
- signs of failure, odours or soggy ground
If the system fails after settlement, repairs can be costly and disruptive.
Zoning & Land-use Rules
Rural zoning may restrict additional dwellings, minor units, commercial activity, subdivision, livestock numbers or earthworks. Lifestyle blocks often include consent notices limiting what can be built or where. These restrictions can significantly affect long-term plans.
Access, Easements & Shared Driveways
Lifestyle blocks commonly share long driveways or private roads. Buyers must check:
- whether access is legally recorded
- maintenance obligations
- rights for power, water and telecommunications
- historical informal arrangements (common and risky)
If access is not formalised, lenders may decline finance until corrected.
Livestock & Land Management
Even small lifestyle blocks may involve fencing obligations, grazing agreements, stock management, and drainage responsibilities. Buyers unfamiliar with rural living often underestimate the time and cost involved. Fencing disputes are common if boundary lines are unclear or responsibilities are unequal.
Sheds, Barns & Unconsented Structures
Many lifestyle blocks contain older sheds, barns or workshops built informally. LIMs may reveal unconsented structures or incomplete consents. Buyers should confirm whether:
- structures have consent or are exempt
- electrical work is certified
- buildings appear in council files
Unconsented structures can impact insurance and resale value.
Find a Lawyer for Lifestyle Block Purchases
Providing the LIM, water and wastewater details, title documents and agent disclosures helps match you with lawyers who regularly advise on lifestyle block risks and rural due diligence.
Buying a lifestyle block?
We connect buyers with lawyers experienced in rural titles, water rights, septic systems and zoning limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes lifestyle blocks different from suburban homes?
Lifestyle blocks often rely on private water systems, septic tanks, shared accessways, covenants, grazing agreements, and rural zoning rules. These additional systems and obligations require deeper due diligence to ensure long-term usability and compliance.
Do lifestyle blocks need special LIM or title checks?
Yes. LIMs for rural properties often include hazard overlays, septic locations, consent notices, water sources, and rural land-use restrictions. Titles may contain easements for access, water take, stock movement or utilities. These must be checked carefully.
Are lifestyle blocks harder to insure or finance?
Sometimes. Insurance and lending criteria may be tighter for older rural homes, homes with multiple dwellings, or properties relying on private water or wastewater systems. A lawyer can help identify potential insurance red flags early.
What should I check about water supply?
Confirm the type of water supply (tank, bore, stream, or shared system), consent requirements, pump location, filtration, and maintenance history. Poor water systems can require costly upgrades or specialist testing.
Who maintains the shared driveway or access?
Maintenance depends on easement terms. Some require equal sharing, while others place responsibility on one party. If access is informal or missing from title, it may delay finance or settlement until resolved.
You don’t need all the answers
Property issues can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re facing deadlines. Sharing a few details about your situation is enough for a lawyer to understand the context and guide you through the next steps.
Get Help Before Buying a Lifestyle Block
Lifestyle blocks involve water supply, septic systems, access rights, stock management and zoning rules. Sharing the LIM, title, water system details and any agent disclosures helps match you with lawyers who regularly assist with rural and lifestyle purchases.