Buying land can feel like much more of an adventure than investing in a ready-made property, even for developers. This way, you can create something that stands out from the crowd, drawing attention from prospective buyers in the future.
Of course, with a housing crisis thrown into the mix, there has never been a better time to buy land! But there are so many things to consider, and you may have conflicting plans of your own for a plot of land. From finding the right type of land to understanding the various local laws and regulations, land buying isn’t always simple.
But, finding a good land agent service can make the difference and remove those headaches, allowing you to focus on making plans. With that in mind, let’s look at the important considerations when buying land in Sussex.
Why are you buying the land?
One of the first things you must ask yourself is why you are looking to buy land. What kind of development are you looking to put in place here? Will it be a clutch of homes, perhaps one big one for a wealthy family or maybe something out of the box like a glamping site?
Whatever the reason for your interest in buying a plot of land in Sussex, it’s important to have a clear long-term vision of your project. Having an idea or plan for the land will help you convince investors. And, if you want to build on the land, then establishing if you need planning permission is critical.
Consider the different types of land
Besides being the right size for your needs, it’s vital to consider the type of land you may be buying. For instance, greenfield land has never been built on or developed, therefore it lacks any infrastructure, while brownfield has some infrastructure and is cheaper to buy.
Additionally, those different types of land serve different purposes and may well be subject to different planning restrictions. Fortunately, we are experts in land and new homes, so we will help you find and buy land that matches your requirements.
Types of land include:
- Agricultural land
- Brownfield land
- Green belt land
- Greenfield land
Think long-term
While buying land as a short-term investment is an option, most people looking into land are doing so for development. It’s important to think about the bigger picture and consider the future when looking at potential land sites. As always, location is important in property development and finding the right place to build a property can lead to great future gains.
One thing to look out for in an area is whether it is due to receive infrastructure improvements shortly. Additional transport routes or links can lead to a greater demand for property in that area once established. If you are not an expert in the local area, it’s important to do your research and consult with someone who is.
Get your prospective land surveyed
Open land might seem pretty straightforward to buy but there are always little unforeseen problems that can crop up. Rights of way, flood risks, power lines and where trees, fences or outbuildings lie can all be determined by a land survey. Where your land begins and ends is important, and where you gain access to that land can also throw up unexpected issues.
There may be a dirt road leading to your potential property but is that something you will own and have to upkeep, is it your neighbour’s responsibility or maybe the council’s? That is why having your land surveyed before committing is necessary. It lays everything out on the table so you know what you are buying into, warts and all.
Find the right agents to help you
Unless you are used to buying land for property development, it’s vitally important that you seek the right help. A good agent will want to understand your needs and help you achieve them while steering you clear of any pitfalls or unforeseen costs.
Here at Land & Brand New Homes we offer a broad range of specialist services for developers looking for land for sale. Over 25 years of experience allows us to offer expert advice on land acquisition, land values, planning legislation and sustainability issues.
If you are thinking about investing in land in West or East Sussex, do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our expert team members. We can guide you through each step of the way and help you achieve your development and acquisition goals.