Expert reveals his top 10 ways of finding a self-build plot
Finding a plot is the number one obstacle for people wanting to build their own home, according to a recent report from the National Custom and Self Build Association.
It reveals that England has the lowest percentage of selfcommissioned homes in the world, yet one in three people in the country would like to build their own property one day.
Self-build expert Michael
Holmes, spokesperson for the Homebuilding & Renovating Show, provides his top 10 plot finding tips:
Patchwork plot: Create your dream plot by assembling a site from smaller parcels of land. My first self-build was built on a modest plot, but we bought an adjacent paddock that made it up to a half-acre plot that could carry a much larger house. Others have created “infill” plots from the ends of two or three adjoining gardens.
Future vision: Don’t discount a site you like just because the current planning permission is for something that you don’t want to build. You can vary the existing permission or make a fresh application. Always take advice on the likelihood of success before buying.
Team building: Small sites for two to five houses are often easier to find than single plots and there can be real economies of scale in building several houses together. So why not consider forming a self-build group with friends of family to buy and sub-divide a small development site into single plots?
Land Databases: Websites such as plotfinder.net are an essential starting point for anyone looking for a plot. It is a national database of self-build, custom build, conversion and renovation opportunities for sale though estate agents and private vendors selling direct.
Register of interest: Going through the planning records of previous applications for single dwellings in your chosen area may lead to a plot. Most sites will be developed by the owners or sold on but, as they say, everything is for sale for the right price. You’ll find records on your local authority’s website.
Some developers may consider selling-off plots from their landbank.
Grow Your Own: Many selfbuilders find their plot in their own garden. Planning policy has made it harder in some cases to build in a garden but it’s still a good route. Some buy a house with a large garden so they can self-build and have somewhere to live during the project too.
Widen the net: Looking further afield may be the solution. Plots are harder to find than houses, especially in built-up areas and so it’s not unreasonable to widen your search to improve your chances.
Call my agent: Work out which local estate agents specialise in land and development and let them know what you are looking for.
Boots on the ground: Visit the areas where you want to live and ask in local shops, pubs, and on building sites whether there are any plots for sale. Use maps and Google Earth to search for hidden potential. A ‘map search’ via HM Land Registry will reveal the owner’s details if the land is registered.
Brownfield land: Previously developed sites can have good potential but always take advice before buying.