What are design guidelines?

Behind every attractive new residential development you’ll find a series of dos and don’ts guiding the design of all new homes being built in the estate.

Guidelines vary from one development to the next, but they’re what give each new neighbourhood its own distinctive character.

Equally importantly, by outlining the standards expected, the developer can also guide the quality of all new homes being built there.

The main benefits of design guidelines can be summarised as follows:

• Helping to maximise the value of the homeowner’s investment
• Complementing the natural surroundings
• Enhancing the quality of the community as a whole

What do design guidelines cover?

Design guidelines can include details on materials, colours and standards to ensure all new homes achieve a high level of presentation. There are usually rebates and incentives in place by the developer to encourage compliance.

They often address aspects such as exterior colour schemes, building materials, front elevations, and the choice of design features to ensure a pleasing and varied streetscape. Equally, it’s the things that the design guidelines prohibit that also make a lasting impression on a neighbourhood, like including discreet areas for bin storage in each home.

They can also provide requirements in terms of how houses relate to the street, and encourage key sustainability initiatives, such as water conservation and energy efficiency.

At Glen Iris Estate, new homes will be required to achieve a minimum 7-star NatHERS energy efficiency rating, for example.

How are design guidelines applied?

Developer design guidelines become part of the contractual requirements that buyers sign off on when they buy their chosen homesite.

Key elements of the design guidelines are included in a restrictive covenant registered on the certificate of title for each lot. These are normally valid for 10 to 20 years.

Developers consider design guidelines carefully, ensuring they fit with their overall vision for the estate. It’s this vision – embracing housing quality, local character, amenities and location – that has usually attracted homebuyers to the estate in the first place.

High-quality, designer homes underpin the vision for the new Glen Iris Estate.

Built by like-minded homebuyers looking for both location and lifestyle, it is envisioned these contemporary new properties will reinforce Glen Iris as a premium local address.

A mix of block sizes has been included in the estate plan, not only showcasing the space and street appeal today’s buyers look for, but also ensuring the new Glen Iris Estate attracts a vibrant mix of residents.

The design concept features large lots perfect for young families who want space to stretch out, along with more compact lots to suit modern ‘downsizers’ and ‘right-sizers’ and those looking for a lock-and-leave option.