Although buying a building plot can be an exciting and satisfying process, it can also be a complex and challenging task. There are many factors to consider, including location, zoning and building regulations, the characteristics of the plot, infrastructure, financing and insurance, and construction.
That's why it's important to have a clear understanding of the various considerations before buying a building plot.
In this guide, we will go through all the important factors you should consider before buying a building plot, so you can make an informed decision and create the foundation on which a successful build can be built.
- Before buying a building plot
- After buying a building plot
- Contact Bomae for advice on buying a building plot
Before buying a building plot. Before you buy a building plot, there are a number of things you should check and have in order first. Examples of this include:
Research the location
It's always a good idea to research the location before buying a building plot. It's important that you can see yourself living in the area, and that the location meets your needs. Here you can, among other things, look at what the transport options are like. Should the plot be close to schools, shops, or something else entirely?
Check the zoning, building and local regulations
Before you buy a building plot, it's important that you have checked the zoning, building, and any local regulations for the area.
Zoning is a planning practice that divides an area into different zones for different purposes. This could, for example, be areas designated for housing, business, recreation, or industry respectively. Each zone has its own rules for what may be built and how it may be built. Building regulations set out details around construction, such as size, height, and placement, and these rules can vary from area to area.
It's important to find out which zoning and building regulations apply to the building plot you're considering buying, as these regulations can affect what you can and cannot build on the plot, and how the building must look.
You can look into these regulations by contacting the local authorities, such as the municipality or the planning department, or by consulting a lawyer or estate agent with experience in the area. If you breach the zoning and building regulations, it can result in fines or a requirement to alter or remove your building, so it's important to have a clear understanding of these rules before you start building.
Check for any easements
Servitutter (easements) can play an important role when buying a building plot. An easement is a legally binding agreement that gives a person or organisation rights over another person's property. Easements can include things like the right to cross a property to access public facilities, such as roads, or the right to use part of a property for a specific purpose, such as placing a telephone mast.
It's important to find out whether there are easements on the building plot you're considering buying, as these can affect your plans for what you want to build on the property. It's also important to check whether there are easements on the surrounding properties, as these can also affect your property.
You can check for easements by examining the property's skøde (deed), which is the official documentation of ownership, or by contacting the local authorities or a lawyer who can help investigate the easements for you.
It's important to have a clear understanding of any easements on a building plot, as they can affect the property's value and your ability to fulfil your building plans.
Have the building plot inspected
It's important to inspect a building plot before purchase, as there may be environmental factors that can affect the property's suitability for construction. These factors can include soil contamination, risk of flooding, or other natural disasters.
If the property has previously been used for industrial purposes, there may be a risk of contamination of the soil or groundwater. It's important to research the property's history and have an environmental survey carried out to determine whether there are signs of contamination on the property.
In addition, some building plots may be in risk zones for flooding or wildfires, and it's important to check whether the property is in such a risk zone and assess whether this could affect your building plans for the property.
It's also important to consider other environmental factors, such as noise or air pollution, that could affect your quality of life if you're going to live there. It's always a good idea to look into these factors before buying a building plot, so you can make an informed decision about whether the property is suitable for your building plans.
Check for nature protection
You should also check whether there are any restrictions on the building plot in connection with nature protection legislation. If there is protected nature at or near the building plot, there may be specific rules and restrictions you must comply with regarding construction and use of the property.
Make a plan for the build
A good way to plan the build before buying a building plot is to take your wishes and needs regarding the property into account. This can include factors such as the size of the property, its location, and what you want to use the property for.
You could also consider hiring a professional building consultant or architect to help you draw up a plan for the build. An experienced professional can help you understand your options for building on the property and guide you regarding rules and regulations that could affect your plans.
It can also be a good idea to look into any restrictions that could affect your build on the property, such as local building regulations and permit requirements from the authorities. This can help you draw up a realistic plan for the build and avoid unnecessary delays or challenges later on.
Thorough planning of your build before buying a building plot can help you make an informed decision about whether the property is suitable for your plans, and ensure the build goes as smoothly as possible.
After buying a building plot. Just as there are several things you should be aware of before buying a building plot, there are also things you should be aware of after buying one:
Get your building permits in order
Once you've bought a building plot, it's important to have all the necessary building permits in order before you start construction. Start by checking the local building regulations and requirements for construction in your area. This can concern specifications for building materials, the size of the build, and distances to neighbouring properties.
Also contact your local municipality to get more information about building permits and construction requirements in your area. The municipality can help you determine which permits are necessary for your build.
Make sure to apply for all necessary building permits well in advance, so you can avoid delays in the construction process. Be aware that it can take time to get permits approved, so plan well ahead.
Choose the right building contractor
After buying a building plot, it can be a good idea to choose the right building contractor to construct your dream home.
Look for a building contractor with experience and expertise in residential construction. Here it can be worthwhile checking the contractor's references and previous projects.
Contact Bomae for advice on buying a building plot. There are many things to consider both before and after buying a building plot. For many, this can feel unsettling and be an overwhelming experience.
At Bomae, our buyer's agents are ready to help you find answers to the questions you may have, so you can make important decisions on an informed basis.
