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| Self Build: Evaluating Building Plots |
Once you have found your prospective building plot you must evaluate it in order to judge whether it is suitable for you or not. Some of these issues should be highlighted by your solicitor but others won't be - its down to you. The following is just a selection of the issues you should consider. Remember that a building plot with permission to build a house does not guarantee that you will be able to build a house or that you won't face some very expensive constraints.
Status of Planning Permission
Ensure that the plot you are buying has planning permission and confirm what type of pp it has (outline or detailed) and how long is remaining. Unless the pp is for exactly what you want enquire with the local planning office as to their attitude to any changes you intend to propose.
Status of Area
If in open or rural area what is likely to happen to land in vicinity of the plot? What is the status of the surrounding land in the local development plan. Otherwise you may find that a new industrial estate as your neighbour.
Design Implications
Your building plot should come with OPP for a house - however there will be design constraints. Type of area, local housing style, conservation area. If, for example, you want to build a German steel framed house you will need a plot in a suitable area.
Utilities and Services
Ascertain what the utilities (electricity, gas, water, phone) situation is for the plot. Is the plot attached to these already or are they nearby. Enquire as to how much it will cost to connect your new house to the utilities and whether there will be any difficulties in doing so.
Environmental Issues
Ensure that the building plot is not on a flood plain and be wary of any nearby streams. Otherwise you may find your property difficult or impossible to insure, and potentially uninhabitable. Be particularly careful with brownfield sites that you check its historic use, in case there is any chemical contamination from, for example, a previous industrial use.
Hidden Legal Dangers
Make sure you appoint a good solicitor, preferably one with experience of conveyancing land. Difficulties you may encounter are restrictive land covenants (legal restrictions on the land use) and ransom strips (where someone retains ownership of a vital piece of land which may for example prevent you from accessing your property).
Slopes, heights and angles
Check the height and angle of any slopes on your plot and ensure that you understand the implications of the positioning of your house from the point of view of natural light in the house and shadows in the garden.
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| Self Build: Further Information: Evaluating Building Plots |
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(pdf 250 Kb)