If you want to build your own dream home, the first step is buying the right plot of land. There is a lot to consider before you agree to a purchase and it is vital that all of the preliminary work is done to ensure that your build goes as smoothly as possible.
There are many steps that you need to go through before work actually starts and this will begin before you even start looking for a plot.
Deciding whether to choose a greenfield or brownfield site
Brownfield land generally has had a previous structure in place, while greenfield is undeveloped. A brownfield site may well be nearer amenities and good access routes. As well as being convenient for you once you live there, this can also make it easier to connect to roads and utilities during the build process. You may find the planning process is quicker for a brownfield site, although you may have to remove the remains of previous buildings from the land.
Greenfield land may be rural or on the edge of an existing town or village. It may be much harder to secure planning consent to build and you may face objections from local communities. It could be more expensive to connect to existing infrastructure, but if you want a home in the countryside, greenfield land can offer this.
Finding a plot and preparing to buy
There are plot finding sites where you can browse available building sites. Once you have identified one that you are interested in, you should start investigating it in detail.
A survey is essential to ensure that you will be able to use the land in the way that you want. Your surveyor will point out any areas of concern, such as the condition of the soil, unclear boundaries, potential access problems, how a house might be oriented, how the contours of the land might impact your build, the location of cables and whether there are any trees that might have to stay on the plot.
You can also have a soil test carried out to check for issues that could affect your build as well as an environmental search.
Some plots already have planning consent for a building. They are likely to cost more because of this and you will also have to check that the consent covers everything that you wish to include. If the planning consent has expired, there is no guarantee that it will be renewed. Because of this, a planning permission with only a few months less to run is not particularly useful.
A plot could have outline planning consent, in which case you would be responsible for dealing with the details with the local authority and obtaining their permission for exactly what you want to build.
If you need to obtain planning permission yourself, you are advised to take professional advice as to the likelihood of securing this. You may also want to negotiate a sale on condition of planning consent being granted, if you are able to do this.
Obtaining a mortgage for a plot purchase
A mortgage offer for the purchase of a plot of land is likely to have many conditions attached. You will need to provide details of the build when applying, to include timescales and detailed costs. The lender is likely to release funds in stages, every time a certain milestone has been reached to its satisfaction.
The process of obtaining a mortgage is likely to take time, which could hamper your ability to move quickly if you find a plot you want to buy.
Instructing a solicitor
You will need an experienced solicitor to represent you in your purchase. They will be able to advise you of any legal restrictions or covenants which apply to the land. They will also check the legal title and raise enquiries with the seller about the land, to include matters such as previous use, whether there have been any disputes or refused planning applications and access issues.
Contact us
If you would like to speak to one of our expert property lawyers, ring us on 0333 305 5189 or email us at info@lpropertylawyers.co.uk
