Corner Blocks | The Pros and Cons of a double frontage

You’ve found the perfect property. It’s in your favourite neighbourhood, on the street of your dreams, and even has a north-facing backyard… only one issue: it’s on the corner. Is this a good thing? A bad thing? Well, as with most things, that depends. Here’s a rundown of the pros and cons of building on a corner plot.

Pros of a corner block

Where you would annoy a neighbour on each side in a conventional address, you only have one to worry about – provided your property doesn’t corner onto another suburban street.  

A double frontage means more front yard for the kids, and the ability to play around with interesting home designs. Can’t decide on a frontage? No problem – you have two to design! This also means corner houses often have more, if not necessarily better, views and the benefits of more light. Corner blocks also generally have more land and are ideal for developers looking for duplex/triplex opportunities. 

Access is one of the main selling points of a corner block, allowing garage doors to be tucked away on the side instead of being front and centre of your new dream home. Those with larger vehicles – trailers and caravans, for example – will find the additional access a definite pro.

Cons of a corner block

Two streets mean twice the street noise – and you can quadruple that if you’re on an intersection. General added exposure can present security issues, not to mention pedestrian shortcutting if you’re not fenced adequately. 

Fewer neighbours is both a pro and a con: fine if you like to keep to yourself, but perhaps isolating if you’re someone who enjoys socialising. 

The larger block that corner properties enjoy come with a caveat. Not one, but two nature strips to mow and maintain, and thanks to council setback requirements, it can reduce the effective area you have to build should you want to keep a decent-sized backyard.

Got yourself a corner block? Or decided against? Either way, contact us today to get started on your dream home.