Buying a plot of land to build your custom home or any other construction requires careful consideration. And purchasing a property of land is more tasking than getting an apartment because you have to deal with far more particulars. Getting the facts wrong can alter the intended purpose for the land.
When buying a plot of land, you shouldn’t go into it blind. Professionals like surveyors, real estate agents, and engineers all can provide invaluable insight and assistance during the purchasing process. But here are a few things to have in mind while working with the professionals to make the search easier.
Your Budget Determines Your Specs
Getting a plot of land is expensive, and your budget will determine the type of land, its location, and several other factors. So, step one is to create a reasonable budget that will allow you to nail down the right specifications you want in the land.
Your budget should include the cost of the land itself, surveying the land, and other miscellaneous expenses you will pay during the purchasing process.
Consider the Location
The location is an essential factor depending on what you want to construct on the land. But no matter the construction, the land has to be buildable and be in a desirable area. Also, the location will determine if the land’s worth, as homes in established neighborhoods can be more expensive.
Also, you should consider the land’s proximity to amenities, businesses, social hubs, restaurants, and the like. The more accessible the land is to amenities and places, the more valuable it is.
Survey the Land and Environment
Researching the environment is an extension of determining the land’s location. Before deciding on land in a particular area, you should determine if the environment suits the land’s proposed purpose.
Have a surveyor pay a visit to the area to audit any potential environmental hazards, how environmentally sound the land is, the suitability of the land for its intended purpose, and other essential characteristics.
Also, pay visits to the area at different times to know how it looks when it is dark out, how it looks during different seasons (if you have the time), how it looks on special occasions.
Consider the Land’s Features
Do not get overexcited about the land’s location that you do not check the other features of the land. So, before having a professional check the land, you can check out some things to rule out and avoid spending so much on surveying different locations.
Some of the things to pay attention to are:
Land Size
No matter how perfect a land’s features are, it might not fit your plans if it is not the appropriate size. If the land is more extensive than you want, it might be more expensive to buy and develop. And if it is too small, it might mean changing the home’s architecture.
Land Shape
The plot’s length, width, and shape are essential aspects of the land, as they might generate problems down the line. For instance, no matter the size, land that is not as wide as 16m will not be suitable for many home projects.
And if you intend to build an L-shaped house on a triangle-shaped land, you might find it difficult and have to spend more to achieve your dream home.
So, getting the right land shape is vital if you do not want to spend more or redo your development plans.
Plot’s Arrangement to The World’s Direction
You might not realize until later that the land is facing an opposite direction to the road and other facilities. The best location for a plot to face is the north, so the backyard or garden can be from the south. The direction also matters if you use renewable energy sources in your home.
Also, the plot’s direction can determine access to it. And you have to ensure that you have easy access to the road and essential places.
Landform
The land’s topography is also worth checking. A land’s slope can affect the home’s design and cost more since you have to invest in good drainage, retaining walls, and more. Also, adjusting the plot’s shape to the construction technology might accrue additional costs.
And if you are a fan of having a garden, you might encounter difficulties designing it on slopes.
You also should check the spoilt type, groundwater level, and soil features. The soil investigation is best done by a professional to check if the ground is contaminated, if there has been a landfill, etc.
Consider the Land’s Legal Status
Once you have determined the land is physically fit for its purpose, you can move on to the legal aspect of buying the land. Here are some things to look for to avoid legal issues after getting the land.
The Deed Title
Check if the seller’s name is truly the one on the deed title, and ensure you check the deed’s original copy.
Property Bills and Tax Receipts
Ask for the original copy (Do this for all documents you will check). Then ensure everything is up to date and in the correct order. Else, it might lead to more expenditure. Check if there are no unpaid loans on the land and a release certificate from the bank.
You can also have the property valued to know if you are getting it for the right amount.
Encumbrance Certificate
You can an encumbrance certificate from the same office where the deed was registered. This is just to ensure the land is free from unpaid dues or legal issues.
And you can ask for the plot area’s map details and land class. It is best to speak with a legal practitioner to know what to look for.
Conclusion
Getting the perfect land that fits all your specs is no easy feat. Sometimes, you might have to compromise on some little details. However, accounting for any unforeseen issues will ensure that any development you do will run as smooth as possible.
All in all, be sure to speak with appropriate real estate professionals to best evaluate the land, have a smooth transaction, and get the best deals.
