Can You Just Buy Land and Build on It?
If you are in the UK and are thinking about buying land to build on it, whether to make a profit, or create a new home, then be warned that it is not as straightforward as it might seem. Whilst yes, it is possible to buy land and construct a property on it, there are legal, financial, and planning considerations you need to address before proceeding.
As a prospective landowner, it’s very possible that you will need help navigating what can be a complex system. Getting planning permission from your local authority to check that the land is suitable for development can involve lots of hoops to jump through and can be confusing if this is your first time.
Don’t just assume that because you own land, it grants you the freedom to build on it with no restrictions. In reality, the UK has stringent regulations governing land use, and they can vary significantly depending on where you are in the country. Before you buy land for development, check these regulations to avoid costly mistakes or delays in the building process.
Below we’ve got more details for you, but if you do need immediate and professional advice, call Intelligent Land. We offer planning consultancy services throughout counties in the south of England such as Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire. This includes large areas like Bournemouth, Christchurch, Southampton, and Salisbury.
Understanding Land Purchases in the UK
Buying land in the UK involves a complex legal framework, as well as understanding land classifications, and working with your local authority. Each step is important for ensuring compliance, and will often need the help of a planning consultant.
UK land purchase is governed by various laws, including the Land Registration Act 2002 and the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. If you want to buy land and build on it, first make sure that the title is clear and free of disputes.
Then consider zoning regulations. These laws dictate how land can be used and what types of buildings can be constructed in specific areas. Land will be classed as residential, commercial, agricultural, or mixed-use and each of these categories has specific rules over what can and can’t be built.
Land is also classified into additional different types including freehold, leasehold, common land, all of which have implications for ownership rights and responsibilities.
Getting Planning Permission to Build on Land
Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) are responsible for enforcing planning regulations and policies and managing development applications. A planning consultant can help you engage with your local planning authority early in the planning process. They can then offer guidance on local policies, any possible building restrictions, and the process for obtaining planning permission.
You might put together a pre-application consultation which will help assess whether your proposed development will get past local planning regulations.
You will then need to submit a planning application including plans of the proposed development, site assessments, and relevant supporting documents. Planning permission will need to consider environmental impacts (such as phosphate mitigation) and adhering to building regulations.
Your local authority will check whether your project aligns with local policies and community interests. Local residents may also be given the opportunity to comment on applications, which can influence the outcome of you building on your land.
If you succeed in your planning application, your local authority’s building control officer will then check and approve building plans before work begins. It’s possible that regular inspections will happen during the stages of construction to make sure you are still compliant with regulations.
These are just a few things to consider.
Need help?
Intelligent Land are planning consultants based in Bournemouth, covering the whole of the south coast within a hundred mile radius. We help developers, landowners and local authorities drive a better return on property investment.
Our planning and development consultancy offers innovative visionary services in land and property development to make your land and property assets work for you.