Gorgeous plots do exist – but if you have grand designs on that dream rural setting, 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 13,000 people manage to do just that every year – but if you want the best possible 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 Don’t underestimate the power of networking. 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. Social media can be a big benefit here, spreading the word even quicker.
Explore the area Walk around the locale to identify empty land between houses, garden plots or disused garages – all of which could offer potential build opportunities. If you spot a site that you think could have scope to be developed, then 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.
Talk to locals Head to pubs and shops in the area you’re considering to meet residents, as they may be able to tell you about opportunities not yet listed. Professionals such as architects, building surveyors or planning consultants in the region may be a useful source of leads, too – and you might want to use their services further down the line.
Speak to business owners Local farmers, breweries, universities and other organisations may have surplus land they want to sell (or would consider selling). Many do so via estate agents, but there’s no harm approaching them directly.