Evaluate your self-constructed property's latent worth using these 13 essential considerations
When considering a self-build project, it's crucial to conduct thorough research and due diligence to understand the development potential, risks, timeline, and costs involved. Here are 13 essential checks and processes to consider before purchasing a self-build plot.
- Planning Permission Status
Ask about the current status of planning permission, whether it's active, expired, outline, or full. Enquire about any local planning rules or limitations, including conditions and restrictions on permitted development rights. Also, check if there are any planning consents on neighbouring land.
- Flood Risk
Establish if the property is in a flood zone, as this will impact your ability to raise finance and insurance.
- Tree Preservation Orders (TPO)
Check whether any trees on site are subject to a TPO.
- Site Access
Ensure that site access meets Highway Department requirements for vehicular access, turning circles, and parking.
- Utilities and Drainage
Proper access to utilities and drainage can add lots of extra expense to your budget if you have to bring all the services to site for your new home.
- Japanese Knotweed
Be aware of Japanese knotweed, which can break through cracks in mortar, expansion joints in concrete, splits in drains, and joints in paving. Look for Japanese Knotweed when visiting the plot, and consider hiring a reputable professional for eradication if present.
- Rights and Restrictive Covenants
Awareness of any rights and restrictive covenants that may exist on the land is essential.
- Environmental Hazards
Check for any environmental hazards or risk factors that could affect development.
- Physical Barriers
Assess physical barriers that will prevent development or have a significant influence on development costs, such as sloping sites, overhead power lines, and existing boundaries.
- Archaeological Survey or Watching Brief
Determine if an archaeological survey or watching brief is required.
- Environmental Hazards and Risks
Be aware of potential pollution or noise issues from neighbours, and risks like landbanking.
- Site Measurement and Soil Survey
When measuring the plot, ensure you have taken compass points so you know where the sun rises and sets, as this will determine your home's orientation and make sure you can access it in the right way. Commission a soil survey to determine the ground conditions and subsoil type.
- Professional Assessment
Consider what professionals (surveyors, architects, solicitors) you will need to assess these factors and carefully research the appropriate price for the plot.
In addition, when applying for a self-build mortgage, ensure you have detailed plans, the necessary permissions, approvals, cost projections, risk assessments, and evidence of finances to support the project, including accommodation during build. Conveyancing and legal checks with a specialist solicitor or conveyancer are also critical in confirming rights and restrictions.
Sophie O'Reilly, manager of Plotfinder, advises developing a comprehensive plan before proceeding with a self-build idea. Remember, the existing planning permission may not match your dreams entirely. Covering Japanese knotweed with hard surfaces like asphalt, concrete, patio slabs, etc., won't solve the problem in the long term. Work to the highways can only be undertaken by a contractor that is licensed by the local authority, and it is not cheap.
By following these checks and processes, you can make an informed decision and avoid potential pitfalls when purchasing a self-build plot.
- Inquire about the current status of planning permits, whether active, expired, outline, or full, and check for any local planning rules or limitations that might affect your home-and-garden project.
- Verify if the property is in a flood zone, as this can impact your ability to raise funding and insurance for the building project.
- Check for Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) on site to avoid any potential fines or developments restrictions.
- Ensure that site access meets Highway Department requirements for vehicular access, turning circles, and parking to avoid unnecessary costs related to accessibility.
- Properly access to utilities and drainage is essential to prevent additional expenses for bringing all services to the site for your new home.
- Investigate Japanese knotweed on the site and consider hiring a professional for eradication if present to avoid damage to your home's foundation.
- Awareness of any rights and restrictive covenants that may exist on the land is crucial to your project's budget and design.
- Assess physical barriers such as sloping sites, overhead power lines, and existing boundaries that may increase construction costs or prevent development.
- Determine if an archaeological survey or watching brief is required to avoid any unforeseen delays or expenses in the project.
- Be aware of potential pollution or noise issues from neighbors, and risks like landbanking that could affect your lifestyle during the build.
- Measure the plot, taking compass points so you know where the sun rises and sets, and commission a soil survey to determine the ground conditions and subsoil type for the project.
- Consult with professionals such as surveyors, architects, and solicitors for assessments of the factors mentioned above and budget accordingly.
- When applying for a self-build mortgage, prepare detailed plans, permissions, cost projections, risk assessments, and evidence of finances to support the project, including accommodation during build.
- Conveyancing and legal checks with a specialist solicitor or conveyancer are critical in confirming rights and restrictions.
- Sophie O'Reilly, manager of Plotfinder, recommends developing a comprehensive plan before proceeding with a self-build idea, and keep in mind that the existing planning permission may not match your architectural design ideas.
- Covering Japanese knotweed with hard surfaces like asphalt, concrete, patio slabs, etc., won't solve the problem in the long term.
- Work to the highways can only be undertaken by a contractor that is licensed by the local authority, and it is not cheap.
- Following these checks and processes will help you make an informed decision and avoid potential pitfalls when purchasing a self-build plot.
