PLOT-BUYING MISTAKES

Our self-build expert explains some of the most common mistakes that people make when looking to buy a plot for building on. Be forewarned so that you don’t inadvertently make the same costly mistakes

MARK STEVENSON

Has worked in construction for 30 years and following a long career in housebuilding he was managing director of Potton, designers and manufacturers of bespoke self-build homes.

Buying a plot of land for a self-build project is an exciting prospect, but it’s not without its challenges. The process can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to navigating planning permissions, legal hurdles and the technicalities of dealing with regulations. To ensure your plot-buying experience is smooth, here are the pitfalls to watch out for — and tips on how to avoid them…

BUYING LAND WITHOUT PLANNING PERMISSION

It might seem like a good idea to buy a plot without planning permission as you could secure it for a lower price. However, this can be a risky approach. Many self-builders fall into the trap of buying land with the hope that they’ll be able to secure planning permission later, only to find that their dreams are utterly dashed.

Purchasing land without planning permission is, essentially, a gamble. If you buy a plot that hasn’t been granted permission for development, you run the risk of it never being approved — making the land essentially useless. This is where an option agreement comes in. An option agreement is a legally binding contract that gives you the exclusive right to buy the land at a pre-agreed price — but only after you’ve done your due diligence. This gives you time to investigate whether the plot is suitable for your intended use. You can check key factors like access, ground conditions, and whether you’re likely to receive planning permission. If planning permission is granted, you can go ahead with the purchase. This way, you’re not throwing your money away on land that could be unbuildable.