Self-build home: Find a plot
Find potential plots.
Finding a suitable plot (or property for conversion) is one of the biggest challenges for self-builders as demand generally exceeds supply. It might involve:
- Advertising.
- Registering with estate agents, land agents and local authorities.
- Using online search sites such as PlotBrowser and Rightmove.
- Offering a finder’s fee to property professionals.
- Joining a self-build forum.
- Considering land or property owned by family members.
- Approaching owners of land designated for residential use in local development plans.
- Analysing aerial photography and large-scale maps which might reveal potential infill plots, such as; large back gardens, waste ground or brownfield sites.
- Poorly built, low-value properties that might be worth purchasing for their land value.
Be aware that there are a number of scams that attempt to exploit people looking for self-build plots. Always keep in mind the phrase ‘buyer beware’. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
Assess potential plots.
In considering different potential plots, it is important to assess:
- Compatibility with the requirements set out in the brief.
- The likelihood that planning permission will be granted, including possible objections from interested parties. Some sites are offered with outline planning permission, and without this, or detailed planning permission, the site may not be a developable plot. Proceeding with such a plot is taking a risk that the vendor did not consider worthwhile. However, plots with permission in place are likely to be more expensive.
- The date of any planning consent. Construction of a development must begin within three years of a planning approval, and reserve matters applications (applications giving details following an outline planning permission) must be made within three years of the outline approval.
- The planning history of the plot.
- Uses of adjoining land.
- Future developments planned in the area that might impact on the proposed plot.
- The connectivity of the location in terms of; transport links, access to schools, shops and other amenities.
- The exact legal boundaries of the plot.
- Ease of access onto the plot, both for construction vehicles and once the home is complete.
- Site orientation relative to the sun, views, prevailing wind and so on.
- Land topography, levels and flood risk.
- Availability or proximity of utilities. The cost of bringing utilities to a site will depend on the distance from existing connections and can be very expensive.
- Price in relation to the budget, including stamp duty land tax.
- Legal complexities, such as listed buildings, conservation areas, boundary disputes, party walls, easements, restrictive covenants, tree preservation orders and so on. See Technical due diligence for more information.
- The presence of protected species such as great crested newts or controlled species such as Japanese knotweed which can delay developments and incur significant costs.
- Obstructions such as old foundations which may need to be removed.
- Whether there is any contaminated land.
- The suitability of ground conditions for supporting a building and for landscaping.
- The possible layout of accommodation on the site.
- The likely value of the completed development.
Featured articles and news
New Great British Energy partnership launched
Crown estate help to turbocharge energy independence.
ECA Industry Awards 2024 shortlist revealed
22 leading businesses from across the electrotechnical and engineering services sector.
Government unveils Skills England strategy
Skills England to transform opportunities and drive growth.
New Government Hub for York Given Planning Green Light
For up to 2,600 civil servants, due for completion by 2028.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards
July update on Professionally Qualified and Academically Qualified Person Cards.
BSRIA Briefing 2024, November 22
Sustainable Futures: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
The CLC on driving competency in the retrofit sector
Previously published roadmap on skills for net zero.
The first labour government King's speech in fifteen years
Construction industry reactions, support and some concern.
CIOB Retrofit of Buildings Technical Information Sheet
What retrofit is, the approach to be taken and processes to be followed.
Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency
Historic England advice note 18, free download published.
10 retrofit projects revisited 10 years after completion.
Information orders, building liability orders and SPVs
Key BSA terms and how they impact special purpose vehicles.
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.