BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO finding land
The first step in your self build journey is tracking down a viable building site. Keep yourself ahead of the competition with Build It’s top plot hunting tips
expert help
Above: Gorgeous plots do exist – but if you have grand designs on that secluded rural location, bear in mind that it’s incredibly rare to get planning consent for a completely new house in the countryside. Demolish and rebuild may be a better route
Tracking down the right plot for your project is a little more complex than purchasing an existing house. The good news is over 13,000 people manage to find land and build every year – but if you want the best chance of identifying a viable site, it’s worth getting to grips with the process first. Here’s what you need to know.
LAND FINDING ROUTES
Few self builders simply stumble on a great plot by chance and end up building on it. Identifying the right opportunity can take considerable time and effort, so it pays to adopt a multipronged approach. So what are the best land hunting routes?
Use your contacts Tell your friends and co-workers that you are looking for a plot. They may have heard of someone selling in your preferred area, for instance, or even have a large garden they’d be willing to split at the right price.
Go exploring Walk around the locale to identify potential opportunities, such as empty land between houses, garden plots or disused garages. If you spot a site you think has scope to build on, approach the owner and let them know you are interested. If the owner isn’t obvious and you can’t find out via the Land Registry, try speaking to the neighbour.