7 Things to Think About When Buying Land

It has to be said that buying land often seems to be far more romantic than buying a home. It’s as if you have some small corner of the earth to call your own. In all honesty, purchasing land is often easier than purchasing a property. That being said, there are a few pitfalls that you can stumble into if you aren’t careful. This is why we have put together the following tips. Keep reading to learn more.

Ground Conditions

After you have found the plot and had it surveyed, the next step in determining its suitability is to check the ground conditions. The things that you are looking for will vary depending on what you want to do with it. That being said, there are a few things that you should be looking for regardless; firstly, has the ground previously been contaminated by chemicals? Is it too rocky to dig? Does it lay on a flood plain, or is it likely to experience subsidence? What quality is the soil? These snags can cause issues, so it is always better to seek advice and guidance from professionals like Arbtech, who cover the entirety of the UK. They also have an excellent customer satisfaction rate, not to mention their guide to buying your own land. All of this should hopefully put you in a good position.

Access Points

Access points to your plot are another thing that could potentially cause issues and end up costing you money. First, you need to check whether the land is accessible for you; this includes vehicle access. Watch out for something known as a ransom strip. This is where landowners hold back a small strip of land between the plot and the access point. You are then forced to pay extra should you wish to access your land. You should also check for public rights of way or shared access. If there is a shared access point, you need to make sure that there is a legal agreement in place regarding the maintenance of such points.

Local Amenities

Regardless of what you are choosing to use your land for, it makes sense to work out what amenities are local to you. At the very least you should see how far away the local town is. You need to know where the nearest shop is and what the public transport links look like. If you intend to build a house on your land, then this becomes even more important. It would also be wise to work out how far you would need to travel to access nightlife or entertainment. Finally, if you intend to start a family or already have one, you ought to check what schools catchment area your land falls into, or if your children already attend school, would it be feasible to keep them in their current schools, or will they need to change?

Planning Permission

Depending on what you intend to do with your land, it is likely that you will need planning permission. For example, some plots are sold with planning permission; if that is one of the draws for you, it would make sense to ensure that it has not expired. It would also be prudent to check for past planning permissions to see what was accepted or refused in the past. This can then inform your decision when it comes to purchasing the land and deciding what to do with it.

Water & Waste Connections

Water is essential regardless of what you plan to do with the plot. First, you need to check to see whether there is a mains water connection or a well on site. If the site lacks a water connection, this shouldn’t necessarily put you off. In some cases, getting your own water supply might be relatively easy and cheap, although, in others, it can be pricey. Get a few quotes to work out how much it will cost you and whether it would be worth it. A waste connection is also obviously advantageous, but procuring your own can be simple. This is also something that is worth checking before you complete your purchase.

Potential Dangers or Hazards

If a trespasser was to enter your land unlawfully and injure themselves, they still have the right to sue you for the damages. It might seem a little ridiculous, but it is true. They can sue you if they can prove that you were at fault because you did not do enough to protect them from harm. This can be frustrating, but legally the onus is on you to protect the public from injury while on your property. Therefore, it is worth assessing your property to see if there are any potential hazards that could befoul a member of the public. In some cases, signage detailing the hazards can be enough to protect you legally. You might also wish to take out some insurance to protect yourself from any third-party accidents or claims.

Insurance

Speaking of insurance, let’s take a closer look. Land insurance is designed to safeguard landowners against the financial claims made by those who access their land and find themselves injured or their property damaged. Realistically, land insurance is essentially a form of public liability insurance. The features within your land can increase the premium that you are expected to pay. Think about how easily accessible to the public your land is and whether you have things like water features or a public footpath to contend with. When it comes to insurance, the best thing you can do is shop around and get a few quotes to ensure that the price you are paying is competitive and fair.

Summary

Choosing to buy land is a big decision, as it is when you decide to purchase any large asset. In terms of investment, land and property is often a sensible choice because it tends to appreciate in value. However, if you intend to buy land for whatever purpose, whether to build your home on, establish a farm or another business, it is important that you do your research. Keep the above considerations in mind when it comes to finding your plot.