BUYING LAND WITHOUT PERMISSIONS: THE 10-STAGE PLOT-BUYING PROCESS

1. Establish your budget - 1 to 2 weeks

Work out how much you can afford to spend

Double check your numbers. Is there asnything you’ve forgotten?

Have a self-build mortgage broker review your plan

2. Appraise the plot - 2 to 4 weeks

Make sure the plot will support a project you want to build

Carry out a plot appraisal

3. Assemble your support team - 2 to 4 weeks

Identify any specialists you might need

Ensure you have the necessary expertise

4. Prove your plot’s planning potential - 4 to 6 weeks

Develop design concepts and get a planning appraisal

Hold a pre-app meeting with the council if necessary

5. Establish value of the plot - 2 to 4 weeks

Work out a fair plot price that reflects the expected costs of development. Don’t take the estate agent’s word for the price of the plot

6. Secure an option to purchase - 6 to 8 weeks

Negotiate a purchase price with the landowner

Instruct your legal team to agree the options terms

7. Instruct your team - 1 to 2 weeks

Make sure your team understands your needs and budget

Make sure the fees are affordable, even if things fall through

8. Prepare the submission - 8 to 12 weeks

Prepare a design in line with your brief, and check costs

Submit all required information to your LPA, including any surveys

9. Planning approval - 8 weeks to 12 months

Obtain confirmation of your LPA’S receipt of your application

Monitor the progress of the application

Respond and adapt to any concerns raised by the planning officer

Appeal within six months if refused

10. Complete the purchase - 8 to 12 weeks

Instruct your conveyancing solicitor to proceed

On completion, secure the site boundaries and get all the necessary insurance put in place