5-minute read

When buying a property off the plan, there are important questions about internet access you should always ask the developer.

There are many benefits to buying a property off the plan, including that it's new and can be tailored to your liking.

If you decide it's the right way for you to go, it's vital to ask the right questions up front to avoid surprises down the track.

Unlike buying an existing property that you can visit and inspect, off the plan buyers have to be sure the developers, architects and builders will get it right from the get-go.

There are plenty of questions to answer: how is the building oriented, are the rooms well-planned, what are the finishes, is there enough parking, what amenities are nearby? And so on.

With a lot to think about, there are a couple of important questions that can get overlooked: what sort of internet connection will the property have? And who's the operator of the network over which that connection will be provided?

The internet: it's essential these days

Many people incorrectly assume they'll automatically be connected to an nbn^® service when they move into a new property. nbn is just one of many network operators that developers can chose from, and the differences in services and experiences can be significant.

We're using more data and more devices at home than ever before, and that growth is expected to continue.

The internet infrastructure quality that's available will have long-term implications so, if you're buying off the plan, make sure you can get services that will meet your needs, now and in the future. And think ahead: do you want to be selling a property in ten years' time without the best in broadband?

Let's look at what you should consider about internet access before making the big decision and putting down a deposit.

Internet rules and regulations for new properties

The good news is that, under Australian regulations, developers need to provide fibre-ready facilities for almost all new buildings, units or lots in a development, meaning most new properties should be ready to be served with a full-fibre or fixed-line superfast broadband network.

But what many people don't know is that developers have a choice about who provides that superfast broadband network for their developments.

So, it's critical that you understand your developer's internet infrastructure plans because not all fibre networks are created equal - and not all operators have the same track record for continuing investment to ensure networks keep pace with the need for speed, which keeps growing year after year.

Additionally, you need to know whether your developer has entered into any exclusive agreements with internet service providers (the companies selling you an internet service using the network connecting to your property) and what sort of services you can expect as a result of those agreements.

It's upsetting to have committed to the property of your dreams only to be disappointed that the thing most essential to digital living is not what you were expecting.

In contrast to the nbn network, which offers a choice of around 120 providers nationally^#, exclusive agreements with other infrastructure providers can potentially lock residents into internet services with limited choices.

Before you put down a deposit for your off the plan build, consider asking your developer two key questions:

1. Is your property going to be connected to the nbn network?
2. Has your developer made the right arrangements to ensure the nbn network is going to be available by the time you move in?

It's worth asking your developer whether they've submitted an nbn New Developments application - to make sure you'll have a great choice of service providers and the confidence of knowing your property is served by nbn.

Knowing your internet needs

Next, think about your internet needs or, if you're planning to rent the property out, what tenants might want.

For example, the number of people and internet-connected devices that may share the connection at the same time, including for working from home or running a business.

Just as importantly, you also need to consider future internet needs. You'll want a connection at your property that will keep up with your - or your tenant's - evolving needs.

Getting your new home connected

Once you've considered your internet needs, it's time to think about internet services to meet them.

For example, will you have an active, high-speed fibre connection available from day one or will further in-home setup, such as additional equipment to enhance your connection, be required? Further setup could mean a longer wait to get connected, as well as additional, unexpected costs.

Again, it's vital to ask whether there are any exclusive service agreements in place with internet service providers. If there's a limited choice of providers, what kinds of services and support do they offer? Will they be able to match your needs, even if these needs change in the future?

They're important questions because, if there are exclusive agreements in place, it can be very difficult - if not impossible - to choose an alternative.

Building considerations

Having considered services, the next thing to think about is where connections are going to be installed inside your home. For example, ask if you can choose the location for your nbn connection box.

It's an important decision to make early for the connection's functionality (and, potentially, aesthetic reasons).

If your developer offers nbn connections, it's worth asking about an nbn pre-installation^{^} during construction. nbn pre-installation can make life easier by putting the nbn connection in the optimal location, and getting your internet service up and running faster.^*

You should also consider the internet access needed in each room of the property and if it will be possible to share the connection via a Wi-Fi router.

The design of some properties - for example, those with a lot of concrete or brick walls - makes it difficult to share Wi-Fi signals well from a single access point. This means you may need to think about a Wi-Fi mesh network or additional fixed-line access points, again something important to consider early in the process.

If you're reusing your existing Wi-Fi router, it might also be time to consider an upgrade to keep up with the speeds you need and the number of devices you're connecting.

Make nbn part of your plan

With plenty to think about when buying a home off the plan, at nbn, we're here to help you understand the importance of your internet connection.

Research commissioned by nbn shows four out of five buyers expect an nbn connection in their new build, so we have developed a program specifically to help developers offer buyers the advantages of an nbn full-fibre connection.

It's designed to make providing quality internet connections easier for developers, so homebuyers can enjoy high-speed internet as soon as they move in.

A quality nbn fibre connection brings a reliable, high-speed fibre connection^~ right into your home, and helps ensure it's ready to meet future speed and data demands.

Just as importantly, nbn's wholesale model means you'll continue to have a great choice of internet service providers and plans.

They're the kinds of advantages that will ensure you enjoy great internet services over the years as your new property turns into a much-loved home.

^# Not all providers will be available at all locations.

^ Conditions and eligibility criteria apply. A premises is eligible for an nbn pre-installation when it is a house or a townhouse and is part of an nbn New Development stage. The address is eligible to be serviced by the nbn Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) network. The lead in conduit and internal conduit meets nbn specifications, see here for a guide. If you aren't sure about a premises' eligibility, check the address using the nbn Pre-installation Request Form.

* nbn takes reasonable care and skill to ensure the end customer's ability to connect to the nbn network after pre-installation of the nbn connection box but cannot guarantee uninterrupted service or immediate connectivity in all situations. Further visits from an nbn certified technician may be required. The end customer should contact their provider for assistance with any connectivity issues and additional equipment that may be required.

~ An end customer’s experience, including the speeds actually achieved over the nbn broadband access network, depends on the nbn access network technology and configuration over which services are delivered to their premises, whether they are using the internet during the busy period, and some factors outside of nbn’s control (like their equipment quality, software, chosen broadband plan, signal reception, or how their provider designs its network).