Lifestyle Property Infrastructure Guide
Insight
Lifestyle blocks depend on private infrastructure that urban buyers may be unfamiliar with. Water, wastewater, power and access systems vary widely between properties and can significantly impact maintenance costs, compliance obligations and everyday liveability. Buyers must check how each system works, who maintains it and whether it meets council and environmental requirements.
This guide explains the key infrastructure systems found on lifestyle blocks so you can assess risks before going unconditional.
Private Water Systems
Tip:
Request recent pump invoices and filtration service records—missing documentation is a red flag.
Rural properties may rely on:
- rainwater tanks
- bore water
- streams or dams (requires consents)
- shared rural supply schemes
Buyers should check pump locations, age, filtration, UV systems, pressure, tank size and any treatment records. Water supply is one of the most common sources of disputes on lifestyle properties.
Wastewater & Septic Systems
Important:
Never assume a septic system is compliant just because the house is lived in—many rural systems are outdated or undersized.
Septic tanks and aerated treatment systems require ongoing servicing and compliance. Buyers should confirm:
- system type (septic, aerated, dripline, sand filter)
- age and condition
- last service date
- drainage field location
- consent requirements for discharge
Failing systems can trigger council notices and expensive repairs.
Power Supply & Electrical Infrastructure
Power supply issues can include:
- long private power lines crossing multiple properties
- shared transformers
- old switchboards or cabling
- solar + grid hybrid systems
- limited capacity for EV chargers or large equipment
If the power line is on your land but serves others, easements and maintenance responsibilities must be confirmed.
Access & Driveway Maintenance
Access on lifestyle blocks may be via:
- shared private drives
- right-of-way easements
- unformed legal roads
- farm tracks upgraded for residential use
Buyers must check legal access on the title—many rural properties have informal access only, which may affect bank lending.
Unsure if access is legally recorded?
A lawyer can confirm whether access is formalised and whether easements impose maintenance obligations.
Stormwater, Drainage & Flooding Risks
Rural land often has:
- open drains
- soak pits
- culverts maintained by owners
- stormwater discharge conditions in consent notices
Poor drainage can lead to flooding, erosion or land instability and may require engineering work.
Find a Lawyer for Lifestyle Infrastructure Checks
Providing the LIM, title, water and wastewater information and any agent disclosures helps match you with lawyers familiar with rural infrastructure and compliance.
Buying a rural or lifestyle property?
We connect buyers with lawyers who can explain infrastructure risks, easements and compliance obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is infrastructure so important on lifestyle properties?
Unlike urban homes, lifestyle blocks often rely on private systems rather than council services. Water may come from tanks or bores, wastewater from septic systems, electricity via long private lines and access through shared driveways. Failures or legal gaps in these systems can be expensive to fix.
What should I check about the water supply?
Buyers should confirm pump age, tank condition, filtration, UV treatment, bore consents (if any) and water rights. Poor supply or untreated water can create health and compliance risks.
How do septic systems work?
Septic and aerated wastewater systems treat and dispose of household wastewater. These systems need regular servicing and must comply with council requirements. Blocked or failing systems can cost tens of thousands to repair.
Do lifestyle blocks have different power requirements?
Yes. Many have long private power lines, older switchboards, high-voltage transformers or shared power easements. Repairs are often more expensive than in urban areas and may involve multiple landowners.
Who maintains a shared rural driveway?
Maintenance obligations depend on easement terms. Some require equal sharing; others place responsibility on specific owners. Missing or unclear access rights can affect bank lending and insurance.
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 Reviewing Rural Infrastructure
Lifestyle properties rely on private systems for water, wastewater, power and access. Sharing the LIM, title, water system details and pump/septic documentation helps match you with lawyers experienced in rural due diligence.