There are some strong investment opportunities in the Auckland region at the moment. With increased activity in central suburbs and plenty of new developments further south in Papakura and Manukau, now is a great time to buy land for sale in Auckland, especially if you are looking at owning and living in your own home.

A lot of buyers who are considering a purchase can be conflicted between buying a home or building on undeveloped land. While Central Auckland offers fewer opportunities to build, Papakura and other southern suburbs are beginning to see a lot of residential development because of their proximity to the city, lifestyle options and affordable property prices.

The cost of building varies greatly from region to region, and building in Auckland isn’t cheap. With an average cost close to $2,000 per square metre in and around the Super City, you are often going to end up spending a much higher figure than you would’ve anticipated at the beginning of the build. Variables in labour and materials will always mean you’ll never be 100% certain on the cost until the project is completed.

Buying is going to ensure that you get far more for your money from your investment. Consider renovating a home instead to achieve the look you want as well as an increase in property value.

If you do truly want the experience and end result of a custom built home, make sure you have enough excess budget to complete the job and do it well. Keep in constant communication with your bank and your builders to make sure that your finances are in order. Any variable that has a big enough impact can throw initial estimates out by miles.

A cheap build means only adhering to basic building codes and will leave you with a less stable house in the event of an earthquake or similar disaster. Don’t settle for a cheap build at the risk of losing your investment down the track. Ensure safety checking the land before you buy and making sure you’re building on solid ground.

Buying is certainly the easier, cheaper option for if you’re investing in Auckland, but for some it simply isn’t enough. The satisfaction of finishing and living in a custom built home is unbeatable and, if you have the capital to invest in a build and you aren’t afraid of the possible risks, there is certainly high potential return for a well built house in the region.