How to find a building plot?
You know you want to build a house, but where to look? We know what a daunting process it can be finding the perfect plot of land to build your dream home, but there are several ways to approach it. Here are just some steps you can take to make your search that little bit easier:
- Determine your needs and preferences: Firstly, take the time to consider practical factors such as location, size, terrain, planning regulations, access to utilities and proximity to amenities. You could write a checklist of all your ideal features so that you can tick them off when you find a potential plot.
- Research online: There are several useful websites that list land for sale, such as Plotfinder and Addland in the UK and Zillow, Realtor.com, and LandWatch in the US. You can use filters to narrow your search down based on your criteria.
- Work with an estate agent: Once you’ve narrowed your search area down, touch base with the local estate agent and get on their books. They will be able to help you find land listings that match your needs, sometimes before they go on the open market. You can also quiz them on what they know about the surrounding area.
- Drive around and explore: Make sure to visit any neighbourhoods you’re potentially interested in so you can get a feel for the area and see if it’s the right fit for your lifestyle. It can really help to have a walk around on foot and see if you can spot any ‘for sale’ signs or unoccupied pockets of land that aren’t featured online. Some people have also been known to drop courtesy notes through letterboxes to say they’re on the lookout for land.
- Attend auctions: Finding land for sale at public auctions can be a great way to barter your way to a good deal.
- Check with local builders: Local builders working on projects in the area may know about available plots of land or be able to recommend places that could be ripe for renovation.
- Contact local landowners: Some landowners may be willing to sell their land directly, even if it’s not currently listed anyway. It’s always worth knocking on a door and asking, you don’t have anything to lose.
- Check with local governments: Councils will often have lists of available land and applicable regulations that can help you determine whether a piece of land is suitable for building on.
When it comes to finding the right plot of land for you it always pays to do your research.
It can take time to find what you’re looking for. Bear in mind potential issues that might limit your ideas, but most of all use your imagination and open yourself to all the possibilities out there. You never know where you might find your dream plot of land, it might be just around the corner…
