Buying guide

6 tips for buying a building plot

Services, access, charges, neighbours, price and building allowance.

1
Essential services such as electricity and water

It is very important that the plot has plenty of water and electricity, as bringing in these services can be complicated and expensive for plots that are hard to reach or not part of a residential development.
2
Access to the plot

It is advisable to choose a plot with good car access, ideally in a development with paved streets or, failing that, close to a large town. Consider the type of ground and the gradient of the access roads: in winter, rain can turn tracks into mud, so a plot that seems easy to reach in summer can be a problem in wetter months.
3
Is the plot free of charges?

Visit the Land Registry where the plot is registered and check that it meets all legal requirements and has no outstanding debts with banks, utility companies or the town council.
4
Who are your neighbours?

Before completing the purchase, it can be a good idea to talk to the owners of neighbouring plots or to people in nearby villages, as they can tell you important things the seller may not mention.
5
The price

Within the same area, plot prices can vary considerably depending on access, orientation, building allowance and proximity to leisure facilities such as a golf course. We therefore recommend comparing prices on the different property portals.
6
Building allowance

If you plan to build a house on the plot, first go to the local town council and ask for the planning regulations that apply to it, as not all land can be built on.

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Essential services such as electricity and water