If you are looking for the ideal home and just can’t seem to find exactly what will make you happy, why not consider buying some land and building your own home from scratch? This is an increasingly popular choice as many buyers find themselves less than enamoured with properties on offer in their chosen area, many people like the fact that they can design their own home exactly to their own specifications.
The first thing you need to do is find a plot of land. This isn’t as difficult as you may think and there are many options for finding your perfect plot. Word of mouth is a good way, so speaking with people locally is a good way to find any land that may be for sale as well as the traditional internet searches. Depending on the area that you are buying, you may need to consider things such as decommissioning – a company such as https://soilfix.co.uk/services/decommissioning-decontamination-demolition can help with this. Also consider things such as water and electricity to the plot.
Set your budget and stick to it – this will involve a lot of planning and research into costs, but you have probably seen some of the problems faced by the people on Grand Designs when their homes go wildly over the budget.
Find yourself someone to design the home for you, such as an architect. They will listen to your needs and requirements and be able to advise and support you – for example they may be able to suggest a less expensive or easier way of doing things than you had initially thought of.
Finding the right plot of land
For many self builders, finding the land is the hardest part. Keep an open mind. People often set out with a very fixed idea of the plot they want and then struggle to find it, or to find it at the right price. Land values vary around the UK, so widening your search can help.
Consider brownfield land, or a plot that already has a building on it. In many cases it is easier and cheaper to demolish an existing structure and rebuild.
Study maps of the area, but also get out and explore in person. Local people may know of landowners willing to sell, as not all land is advertised. Get to know the local planning department early and find out what you need for permission, since requirements vary by area and a good working relationship can help avoid a rejected design.
What to check when buying a building plot
Buying land is often simpler than buying a house, but there are still pitfalls. Be clear about why you want it. A plot for your own home needs different qualities from one bought as an investment, and knowing your plan helps you judge what to buy and where.
Understand the type of land on offer. Brownfield and greenfield sites, for example, need different approaches to planning permission. Plenty of land is not advertised publicly, so contact land agents, attend auctions and search specialist land websites.
Location is as important as it is for any property. Find out whether new development or better transport links are planned nearby. Finally, have the land surveyed. There may be hidden issues such as flood risk or rights of way that could affect what you can build.