Finding and Researching Land for Your Self-Build

Embarking on a self-build journey begins with securing the perfect parcel of land. You'll need to conduct extensive investigations to ensure the plot not only aligns with your vision but also holds all the necessary authorisations.

Discovering Available Land

Finding a suitable plot often means being open to different locations and the extent of work you're prepared to put in. You'll need to balance this adaptability with a focused search. Here are several effective ways to locate land:

• Online Searches: Numerous websites specialise in listing available land, though some may require a paid subscription.

• Council Self-Build Registers: Your local council, known as the Local Planning Authority (LPA), frequently keeps a list of land suitable for self-builds.

• Local Connections: You might already be aware of areas that could become available for purchase.

• Property Agents: Estate agents, particularly those operating outside your immediate area, can often present suitable plots.

• Public Sales: Land is frequently sold through auction houses.

• Newspaper Listings: Keep an eye on advertisements in both local and national newspapers.

Investigating Potential Plots

Before committing to a land purchase, you must carry out comprehensive due diligence. Verify that the land either already possesses the required planning permission for your project or is highly likely to obtain it. Furthermore, check the availability of essential utilities nearby and assess the ground's condition and overall suitability for construction.

You should also examine the UK Government's Land Development and Disposal Plan, published by Homes England. This document outlines sites they anticipate becoming available for development within the next 12 months.

Essential Factors for Land Selection

As you evaluate different plots, remember to consider elements that will impact both the construction phase and your comfort once your home is complete:

• The exact location, dimensions, quality, and incline of the land.

• Any pre-existing planning restrictions or conditions.

• How vehicles will access the site during building work and for everyday use afterwards.

• The characteristics of the surrounding neighbourhood and its facilities.

• Whether vital services like water, electricity, gas, and drainage are accessible.

• The potential views your new property will offer.

Understanding Brownfield Registers

What Exactly is Brownfield Land?

Brownfield land refers to sites that have been previously built upon but are now neglected or not fully utilised. To stimulate the creation of new homes, the government launched a programme in which every local council creates and updates its own register of brownfield sites.

The Purpose of Brownfield Registers

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) introduced this system, which is designed to accelerate the development of underused land for housing. It helps you quickly identify locations that are ideal for building new homes.

These registers, which became accessible in 2018, contain crucial information:

• The name of the site.

• Its precise geographical coordinates (easting and northing).

• The physical size of the plot.

• Its current planning status.

• Details of who owns the land.

• The estimated minimum number of residences the site could support.

For more comprehensive details, you can refer to the government's Frequently Asked Questions on Brownfield Registers and Permission in Principle.

How Brownfield Registers Operate

Every brownfield site within a specific area is added to a local register, regardless of whether it currently has planning approval. A specific part of this register will highlight sites where the local authority has granted 'permission in principle' (PiP). This means these sites are deemed appropriate for building without needing a complete planning application right away. This system allows developers to quickly pinpoint suitable places to build homes.

The introduction of brownfield registers also supports the Home Building Fund, a government initiative providing financial assistance to small, community-based, and custom builders.