Finding Suitable Land
It is likely you already have in mind the ideal location for your new home. If not, then consider it now by narrowing the field to a specific region of the country. Next, decide what you and your family would prefer:
- urban living - in or close to a city;
- semi-rural - in a town or close to one;
- rural - a countryside location.
This is the same process you would ordinarily undertake if you were simply moving home from one place to another, but finding a suitable and affordable building plot is not as straightforward, so try to keep your options wide. The 'prized' site is out there waiting for you to identify it and there are a variety of methods you can employ in your search and discovery mission.
Estate Agents
Estate agents don't just sell ready-built houses. They often have building land in their portfolio too and, even if they don't have any available when you contact them, they may know about something suitable in the area. Agents also have valuable contacts and most will be prepared to help point you in the right direction.
Successful local builders keep what is known as a personal 'land bank', which they expand by adding to whilst trading. This maintains a continuous supply of plots ready for constructing new houses on and allows the builder to move on to successive sites as each development is completed. Some release a plot of land back onto the market, usually because it is surplus to their needs, and they often do so by using a local estate agent. These sites can vary considerably in size and quality. Some will be single plots, whilst others may be larger expanses of land, sub-divided into units, and may come with or without access roads or installed services. Make sure you receive full details from agents you contact and, if a plot of land is too big for your needs, ask whether the builder would consider selling a small portion of it.
Estate agents may also have land available from private clients with secured planning permission attached to it. These are valuable plots and often sell very quickly. It is important to remember that you will be up against local builders who will know the locality far better than you and will have close and regular contact with agents, so once a suitable plot is identified, swift action may be required to prevent disappointment.
Advertising
Visit newsagents in the region to obtain copies of any local papers. Inspect them closely for advertisements of land for sale. Most evening newspapers have a specific 'property' night, so ask for advice before buying. Finding advertisements can be a bit hit-and-miss and you may need to obtain several editions over a prolonged period before you find anything worthwhile. Occasionally, private sellers place adverts for a direct sale, and builders also use this method to dispose of small surplus plots. You may also be lucky enough to find a local authority selling off small infill sites, though these are usually subject to a restrictive tendering process, and buying them can therefore be somewhat difficult and protracted for the self-builder.
Personal Enquiry
A personal search can be great fun and by trekking out-of-the-way routes, lanes and highways, idyllic places can be discovered that might otherwise have remained concealed. Some of these may be straightforward, such as an owner who erects a 'land for sale' sign on his garden and who hasn't the time or resources to sell it through more traditional methods. However, others will require a more sensitive approach. You may, for example, find superb land but no 'for sale' sign, indicating that the owner hasn't even considered the possibility of selling it. The old adage of 'nothing ventured, nothing gained' applies - all you can do is ask. But this should be done carefully and without offending the owner. A general enquiry can be made, asking whether they know of anyone in the area with spare land suitable for a self-build project. If they don't offer information then the conversation can be advanced with, 'Actually, any land similar in size and position to yours would suit me'.
The Internet
The World Wide Web is rapidly becoming the most efficient and effective way to find plots of suitable building land but, because not all vendors are able or willing to exploit it, the Internet should not be considered the only source for your investigation. Use it in combination with other methods to increase the opportunities of locating admirable sites. Bear in mind when using the Internet that:
- Facts and details are not always up to date. You can spend several hours online before finding a suitable plot and only after contacting the seller discover it was sold months ago.
- Although many websites are freely accessible to potential buyers, some charge a fee. Read the 'Terms & Conditions' carefully when executing a search.
- You can easily find yourself swamped with data owing to the volume of land advertised. It is often better to restrict yourself to a handful of websites that you can visit repeatedly over several weeks. This will help you to focus on a particular area and the type of plot sought.
- Once you see something you like, act fast, as there may be several hundred or even several thousand other self-builders keen to get their hands on it. But, never commit yourself to something without first visiting the location in person to satisfy any questions you may have.
Land Auctions
Newspapers are often the best source for information about forthcoming land auctions taking place in your area. Land sold by auction often comes as a result of mortgage foreclosure or bankruptcy and is therefore usually new to the market and available for immediate purchase. Buying at auction is not for the fainthearted. It is easy to get carried away and enter bids over and above what the land is actually worth. Novice buyers should initially attend auctions as an observer to become familiar with the process, before contemplating taking an active role in one.
Land Agents
Land agents operate in the same manner as estate agents but deal purely with building plots and sites with or without planning permission. The agents who solely trade in land are limited in number and many act primarily as estate agents or property developers. The contact details of local agents can be found in Yellow Pages.
