Where will you start on your journey to self-building your dream home? With the land it sits on, of course. And how do you prepare for this daunting task? We got some tips from the Federation of Master Builders, the folks who know a bit about these things, to find out.
Money matters
Work out your budget first and how you will finance the land purchase. You can get a mortgage for land, but the lender will want to see that you intend to build on it. The Scottish self-build loan fund does not cover land, only construction.
Focus
Narrow down your search area. It’s better to concentrate on the postcode that you really want, at least at first, and exhaust all possibilities in that area. Otherwise, you might miss out on a golden opportunity.
Legal eagle
Engage a solicitor that is experienced in land sales. They will be able to spot issues such as site access or water rights, and see about planning permissions.
Happy hunting
Once you have done these things, it’s time to start your search. There are several websites that allow you to search for details of plots for sale, although for some of these you need to pay a fee for membership.
Traditional routes to find a plot include contacting your local property solicitors and estate agents or browsing their websites. Some kit home companies have a list of available self build properties that may have planning permission already in place. Then there’s the age-old method of driving around looking out for ’For Sale’ signs.
If you don’t get any joy using conventional methods, get a bit creative. There are alternate routes to land ownership, sometimes in unexpected places.
Auctions
Land auctions are a good way to find suitable plots. However, transactions are conducted on a ’sold as seen’ basis and therefore require a quick sale, leaving little time for research.
Local authorities
Cash strapped organisations such as councils or trusts often have parcels of land they are willing to sell. In addition to your council, others that sell land include harbour authorities, the Forestry Commission, churches and the lighthouse board.
Utility companies
Utility organisations such as water, gas and electricity companies have surplus land available to buy, as do ScotRail and Network rail.
Private enquiries
Many private residential homes have large gardens with building potential. Churches and charities sometimes sell land, as well. Approach private developers with undeveloped or partly developed land to see if they would consider selling you a plot.
Existing abandoned buildings
Consider a site with a derelict structure on it that could be demolished or substantially renovated. Just make sure there are not planning restrictions due to it being a listed building.
For all this and more, download your FREE copy of Abode Magazine
Read more here...
Latest News
JOBS
Sign up to our daily Newsletter
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
You may also like
Latest News
JOBS
Sign up to our daily Newsletters
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
© 2024 Wyvex Media Limited.