Securing a piece of land in the Christchurch region is very exciting for you and your family. This comprehensive guide will walk you through what you can do next to make the most out of your land. You will find in this article guidance on costs, council approvals, home design options, and the timeframe to build your house.
Stonewood Homes Christchurch offers custom home building services in Rolleston, Lincoln, Halswell, and other parts of the region. Their local and expert guidance will help you make informed decisions.
Why More Christchurch Homeowners Are Building On Their Own Land
Christchurch city has experienced strong growth in terms of new residential builds in recent years, especially in custom builds and architectural and lifestyle homes.
Building new gives you the opportunity to:
• Build a home in your own style and within your budget
• Design a unique home with your own plans or start from 400+ customisable home designs with Stonewood Homes
• Have full flexibility to choose the layout, features, orientation, and products of your choice
• Maximise the sun direction, privacy, and occupancy in your home
• Achieve better return on investment
• Have no compromise on the location of your home
If you already own land, you are in a great position to start building a new home in Christchurch.
What Does “Building On Your Land” Actually Mean?
Building on your own land means you already own a section and would like to select a local builder in your region to design and build a new home that fits your land and your budget.
This type of new build is different from:
• House & Land Packages (a package that contains both house and land)
• Turnkey builds (where a full package is pre-arranged)
When you choose to build a new home on your land, the design you choose is tailored to fit:
• Your land size
• Conditions of the current soil and slope
• The orientation of the sun
• Council requirements to build new
• Your budget and your lifestyle
How Much Does It Cost to Build On Your Land in Christchurch?
Costs vary depending on:
• Size of the home
• Site conditions
• Foundation requirements
• Earthworks
• Specification level
• Council and consent fees
However, land-specific factors can influence pricing:
• TC land category
• Drainage requirements
• Driveway access
• Wind zones
A detailed site assessment is essential before confirming a fixed price.
Step-by-Step Process: Building On Your Land in Christchurch
1. Site Assessment
Your builder assesses:
• Soil conditions
• Service connections
• Access
• Slope
• Geotechnical requirements
2. Design Selection or Customisation
Customers can choose from pre-designed plans or customise them to suit their section. If you already have plans for your build, you can come and discuss them with us.
Stonewood Homes offers 400+ customisable home designs to start your new build journey. With our cutting-edge HOMEi Design Studio software, we can generate an estimate of your build cost in as little as two hours.
4. Working Drawings & Engineering
Structural plans are completed to meet Christchurch City Council and building code requirements.
5. Building Consent Application
Submitted to Christchurch City Council.
6. Construction Begins
From foundation to handover, the build timeline typically ranges between 6–9 months, depending on complexity.
Common Challenges When Building On Your Own Land
Understanding these early avoids delays:
• Unexpected ground conditions
• Drainage requirements
• Budget underestimation
• Design not suited to section orientation
• Delays in consent processing
Working with an experienced Christchurch builder reduces these risks.
Why Choose a Local Christchurch Builder?
Choosing a trusted local builder is very important. If you choose the Stonewood Homes Christchurch team, they have local expertise and have been building many homes in the region — you are in good hands.
A Stonewood Homes Christchurch local builder understands:
• TC land classifications
• Canterbury wind zones
• Local council processes
• National supplier networks
• Subdivision-specific covenants
This reduces risk and improves build efficiency.
Get in touch with our local builder team today to start your new build journey. Book a FREE consultation session with us using HOMEi Design Studio software and get started.
FAQs – Building On Your Land Christchurch
Can I use my own plans?
Yes, we can build from scratch based on your own plans. Or, with 400+ customisable home designs, you can start from our standard plans and customise them to meet your needs.
Do I need a geotechnical report?
In most cases, yes — especially in Canterbury.
How long does consent take?
Typically 20 working days once lodged, but preparation takes time.
Can I modify an existing home design?
Yes. With Stonewood Homes’ cutting-edge HOMEi Design Studio software, you can customise an existing home design to fit your land and your budget.
What if my section is sloping?
Sloping sites require tailored foundations and possibly a split-level design.
Do you have finance partners I can apply to for a construction loan?
Yes, we partner with Colab Mortgages and Kiwi Finance. You can apply for a competitive interest rate for a construction loan.
Who are the trusted local builders in Christchurch?
Stonewood Homes’ local builder team based in Christchurch are trusted builders with a combined 40 years in the residential building industry. You are in good hands for building your forever home.
Who is Stonewood Homes?
Stonewood Homes is a Kiwi-loved brand, and they have built more than 8,000 homes since 1987.
