Land Buying Tips

Although it is very important to look out for a number of factors when purchasing land for sale in the UK, it is fairly simple to spot which plots of land for sale have good investment potential and those that don't. Some companies choose to grade their land, but this is not actually necessary - the key requirement is to make sure it is next to existing development, in areas of high housing need, and accessible via good transport links. It is these sites that are most likely to obtain planning permission.

When town planners designate new plots of land for development, they are far more likely to designate those plots of land which are close to existing development. This will allow residents of the new developments access to local amenities, and be serviced by access routes that already exist, without additional investment being required to develop new amenities or roads. The private investor should aim to purchase such plots of land as they are more likely to be granted planning permission in the future, and will also be easier to resell at a profit at a later date.

Land investors should also look to buy plots of land in areas of high housing need, which are mostly concentrated in the South-East of England. The councils in these areas are under enormous pressure to provide much needed affordable housing to the key workers in the area, in addition to the annual requirement for new homes. It is these areas that will have to find additional land for the new residential developments, and will have to follow government policy by ensuring accordance with the governments policy of 60% of new development to take place on brownfield sites, and 40% on Greenfield sites.

Good access to the plots of land the private investor is considering purchasing is also a good indicator of the likelihood of an area obtaining planning permission. New residential developments put increased strain on existing road networks, so planners are more likely to choose building land sites near to major roadways that can absorb this pressure and accommodate the increased volume of road traffic without disturbing the existing environment.

Before purchasing your plot of land, you are strongly advised that you check the district council's local plans to get a better understanding of the likelihood of planning permission being granted to your site. Some companies selling plots of land in the UK guarantee planning permission to your site within 3 years. This is simply unrealistic and a quick check of the area's local plans will enable you to get an idea of the current housing requirements and the areas of land with current greenbelt restrictions that may be built on in the future.

Finally, it is strongly advised that you use an independent solicitor when purchasing your plot of land

- James M

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