Blog
What to check before buying a plot? We suggest!
Many of us dream of moving out of the city and building a house away from its hustle and bustle. The time of the pandemic has only intensified these motivations, additionally causing future investors to need to have their own space. For this reason, the prices of building plots are reaching record values. Buying a building plot and building a house is such a large investment that before you make the final decision, it is worth paying attention to several factors that will allow you to see the real value of your dream property. That is why it is worth cooling down the first emotions with caution and prudence.
Table of contents
Buying a building plot – what to pay attention to? 6 key tips!
1. Check the status of the plot
The most important thing to check before buying a plot is its status. It should be taken into account whether the plot is:
- – construction / agricultural / forestry (with possible restrictions) – it will depend on what will be possible to build in a given area;
- – free from financial encumbrances – check the land and mortgage registers made available (in the absence of: ownership or purchase deed), there you will find all important information about the owner and the plot.
2. Check if the local development plan is in force for the plot
Be sure to check the plot number, its precinct and find out whether the local spatial development plan is in force in a given area. You can obtain such information at the Commune Office. Your local architect can help you with your analysis, especially in the case of complex records. Are you before buying a plot of land – what to check in local regulations?
- – type of building – dimensions, number of storeys, width of the front façade, type of roof, but also biologically active area, etc.;
- – the distance of the construction site from the road – e.g. with a minimum or impassable building line? This is of colossal importance!
- – exterior colors – it may turn out that your house can only have red tiles and a yellow façade;
- – style of buildings – can be historically dependent for a given region.
If your plot is not covered by the local development plan, check if the development conditions have already been issued. If not, you can apply for them based on the selected house design.
3. What is the terrain of the plot?
Personally verify the plot with the advertisement, because:
- – the straight terrain in the photo may turn out to be a slope with a steep slope, which will generate additional construction costs;
- – Vegetation on the plot may distort its image and even hinder future development.
4. Verify access roads and access to utilities
You are facing the purchase of a building plot – what to check next?
- – access roads – check: whether they have a paved surface, their legal status (easement / co-ownership / ownership. It may turn out that it will be necessary to set a new road, and this is an additional cost);
- – utilities – check whether the plot has access to sewage, electricity and water. You can read more about the cost of developing a building plot in our other article.
5. Also examine the ground of the plot
You can’t do without the help of a surveyor – you need to find out what the ground under the plot is made of (too sandy or rocky can significantly increase the cost of construction) and whether it is not contaminated with pollution.
6. Be mindful of the area!
If you are still wondering how to check the plot before buying, then even if you pass the above points successfully, do not forget about the area of your potential future plot and house. Check if the neighbors will not be too inconvenient or if there are any larger production or breeding plants in the area. It is also worth verifying whether expressways are to be built in the area, for example.