Finding your self-build plot

It’s the starting point to any self-build dream. Here’s what to consider when plot hunting

You may be fortunate enough to have a plot already at your disposal — a large side garden, for instance. However, for many selfbuilders, their journey begins with finding a suitable plot.

It’s important to keep an open mind when looking for a plot. Typical plot types do include greenfield sites as well as fully serviced plots offered by developers with self-builders in mind, but plots may also be brownfield land, or old buildings that can be replaced. In these latter cases, it’s important to consider potential pitfalls such as contamination, which can be costly, but provided you’re careful, there are hidden treasures everywhere. The key is to treat every home as just a temporary occupant of a building plot — once you get into this mindset, opportunities begin to present themselves all over the place.

What makes a building plot?

A piece of land is not a building plot until planning permission is granted. Access is another key requirement (see right).

If you do identify land with the hallmarks of a potential building plot, then as long as it doesn’t fall outside the settlement boundary or contravene other planning policies, there is nothing to stop you applying for planning permission, even if you do not own the land. If you opt for this route, ensure you have a contract in place with the owner so you can purchase the plot for an agreed sum if you are successful.

More commonly, you will have purchased a plot with outline or full planning permission already in place. The good news is, you can reapply for planning permission for a design that more closely resembles your dream home. That said, the existing design and planning history of the plot will provide a good clue about what is and isn’t likely to be approved.

What to pay

The price of your plot will reflect the local housing market. Ideally, the real value of a plot should equal the end value of house minus the total build cost (visit www.homebuilding.co.uk/calculator). You should also try to factor in any ‘additional’ costs and put aside 10-30% of your build cost as a contingency to cover any unexpected expenses.

Typically, self-builders pay between £100,000 and £275,000 for a plot. However, this varies across the country.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN ASSESSING PLOTS

● Ensure planning permission has not expired and is not about to expire. There is no guarantee that reapplications will succeed.

● Keep an eye out for access. If doesn’t extend directly up to the adopted highway, there should at least be a legal right to cross third party land to access the plot in perpetuity.

● Check for covenants that could limit the ways the land might be developed, and for overages — obligations that may involve further payments to the previous owner down the line.

● Ensure services are in place. If they are not, then research your options, and establish the likely cost of bringing them to site. You might also plan to use off-mains options, which are readily available for heating, hot water, and drainage.

Check whether the title deeds are ‘absolute’ or ‘possessory’, and negotiate on the plot price accordingly.