Last updated on May 5th, 2024 at 09:24 pm
If you’re hoping to turn your dream home into a reality, the first thing you will need to do is find a suitable plot of land. Much like buying a house, you will need to put care, attentionand research into finding a plot, and there are many other considerations to think about. You won’t be able to simply select a plot and begin construction.
There are a lot of other steps to complete before that can happen. You will need to have patience throughout the process. Buying the land is the first step, but you will then need to obtain (or amend existing) planning permission and hire the right builders and professionals.
Visit Plenty Of Plots
A great way to familiarise yourself with the types of plots available is to visit as many as possible. Similar to when you purchase a property, visiting in person is required to really get a feel for a plot of land. It will give you a chance to envision your home there and see what the surrounding areas look like.
You’ll also need to decide how much work you’re willing to do on a plot to make it build-ready. For instance, existing structures may need to be demolished, or the land may need to be reworked to become suitable for foundations.
Decide On Your Requirements
The first thing to do, well before viewing any plots of land, is to decide what exactly you need from the space. It may help to work with an architect to design your dream home first if you haven’t already. This will help you determine exactly what you need from the plot in terms of space, ground type and local features. You should also consider how much garden space you will want in addition to the property itself, which will play a big part in the size of the plot you choose.
Consider The Distance From Neighbours
When looking at land, it is a good idea to consider who your neighbours will be and who owns the land surrounding the plot. This can help give you an idea of how overlooked your property may be or the chances of a building being constructed near your property. You’ll also need to decide how isolated from or connected with others you want to be.
Hire An Ecological Consultant
An ecological consultant can be invaluable, particularly for rural plots or plots near protected areas. You should ask for a survey to determine what, if any, special steps you’ll need to take before the building can begin. It can be costly to remedy ecological issues identified, so you may wish to look elsewhere if significant changes will be required. Choose a quality ecological consultant firm like Arbtech, which has expertise in planning permission for the best possible service.
Look For Plots With Planning Permission
It may help to look for sites that already have planning permission granted. You might not wish to use the current planning permission, but seeing the type of permission granted can help you see what kind of permission you may get from the local authority.
Assess Infrastructure
It is important to consider how easy it will be to access essential infrastructure when your home is built. It is vital to find a place connected by a road maintained by Highways England, as this will ensure that maintenance isn’t your responsibility. It will also make it easier to connect your home with post delivery services. You should also check to see if you can access utilities and internet when the property is built.
Use An Estate Agent
Finding plots of land yourself may be a challenge, so getting the help of a local estate agent can be invaluable. Talk to an estate agent specialising in land plots, and let them know exactly what you’ll need from the space. Building a good relationship with an estate agent can be incredibly beneficial throughout the searching and buying process.
Consider Cost
Cost is another crucial consideration when buying a plot of land. The price of the land itself is not the only thing to think about, as you will need to consider the cost of getting planning permission and the building itself. You will also need to secure appropriate funding to be able to make a significant land purchase. This could be done using savings or through a mortgage from the bank. It is a good idea to talk to a few banks about your plans and requirements to see what kind of funding you could get.
Prepare Your Planning Application
Once the ball is rolling with your land purchase, it is a good idea to start your planning permission application. You will need the plans for the property you want to build and all relevant surveys and documentation. However, you should not submit a planning application until the land purchase is complete, as planning permission comes with a time limit.
Look For A Reputable Builder
It is also a good idea to start looking for a quality local builder who can complete the project. There will likely be many to choose from, so beginning the selection process early can be beneficial. Consider looking for builders who have experience in constructing a property from the foundations up and with glowing reviews from former clients.
If you plan to do the work yourself, it is important to have the right tools and skills. You might consider splitting the work between yourself and a professional builder to ensure that the work is done to the highest possible standard while still being cost-effective.
Conclusion
Buying a plot of land for your dream home can be an incredible experience. It can also be a long road to finally stepping through the door of your property, but one that will be truly worthwhile. You should take care when selecting land for your project, as it can make all the difference to the success of the work. Take your time to familiarise yourself with what you want and the characteristics of a suitable plot of land. Above all, don’t rush the process and make sure you are completely happy before you take the leap.
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