Building on Farmland in Regional Victoria and Southern NSW: What You Need to Know

By MS Constructions Your Regional Building Experts

With the rise in rural living and farming lifestyle blocks, more families, retirees, and investors are choosing to build on farmland across regional Victoria and southern New South Wales. Whether it's a dream home overlooking paddocks, or a dual-purpose homestead and business base, building on rural land comes with unique opportunities and challenges.

At MS Constructions, we specialise in rural and regional builds. Here’s what you should know if you're considering building on farm or rural land in our region.

1. Understanding Zoning and Planning Permits

Before you can begin any rural build, it's essential to understand how your land is zoned. Most farmland in regional areas falls under Farming Zones (FZ) or Rural Living Zones (RLZ). Each comes with specific requirements.

• Farming Zone (FZ): Primarily designed for agricultural use. Building a dwelling may require proving that the house supports the agricultural use of the land.

• Rural Living Zone (RLZ): More flexible ideal for lifestyle blocks or hobby farms.

You’ll likely need a planning permit from your local council. MS Constructions works closely with regional councils to help streamline this process for our clients.

2. Access and Services

Unlike suburban builds, rural sites often lack ready access to services like water, power, sewage, and internet. Key considerations include:

• Water Supply: Rainwater tanks and bore water are common solutions.

• Sewerage: Most rural homes use septic systems.

• Power: Mains power may be available, but solar and battery setups are becoming increasingly popular and cost-effective.

We’ll assess your block early in the design stage to factor in all service requirements and ensure your home is practical and compliant.

3. Bushfire and Environmental Overlays

Many rural and regional properties fall within Bushfire Prone Areas (BPA) or may be subject to Environmental Significance Overlays (ESO). This affects building materials, access tracks, and even landscaping.

At MS Constructions, we partner with local consultants to manage BAL assessments (Bushfire Attack Level) and ensure your home meets all necessary building codes for safety and compliance.

4. Designing for Rural Living

A rural home needs to do more than just look good it must suit the lifestyle and landscape.

We often include features like:

• Large verandahs and alfresco areas

• Mudrooms and utility entrances

• Oversized sheds or integrated workshops

• Off-grid capabilities

• Passive solar design for energy efficiency

Our design team works with you to ensure your home blends with the environment while meeting your needs whether it’s a working farm or a quiet country retreat.

5. Navigating the Build Process

From permits to project management, rural builds can feel overwhelming—but they don’t have to be.

At MS Constructions, we:

• Handle council and permit applications

• Offer transparent pricing and fixed contracts

• Maintain open communication throughout your build

• Use quality trades and suppliers familiar with rural work conditions

Our team is local, experienced, and passionate about building in the regions we call home.

Ready to Build Your Dream Rural Home?

Building on farmland in regional Victoria or southern NSW is a rewarding journey and with the right builder, it’s also a smooth one.

Contact MS Constructions today to talk about your land, your vision, and how we can help turn it into reality.