The Comprehensive Guide to Buying Land in the UK

Buying land can be a great investment opportunity that can pay large dividends in the future. But it’s essential to have a solid understanding of how to go about buying land in the UK, as well as a comprehensive plan of what you will do with the land once you buy it. There are several questions you should ask when looking to buy land – read on to find out more.

Table of Contents

How to Find Land For Sale
Types of Land For Sale
How to Buy Land in the UK
Questions to Ask before Buying Land

How to Find Land For Sale

Much like buying property, you can look online for land for sale. Check with local estate agents, websites like Zoopla, Rightmove and On The Market, plus sites that specialise in land sales such as Addland to begin your search. You can also find land for sale at auctions or listed on your local council website.

Types of Land For Sale

There are five main types of land for sale in the UK. These are:

Greenfield land is undeveloped natural land in rural areas. This can often be very difficult to obtain planning permission for if you want to build on it, except for agricultural purposes.

Brownfield land is land that was previously used for industrial or commercial purposes and is usually not suitable for farming. This type of land may require decontamination, but it can be easier to get planning permission for building on.

Agricultural land can be used for farming and the grazing of livestock. It is very hard to obtain planning permission for this type of land, except for farm buildings.

Greenbelt land is protected from development, except for farming or recreational activities. Greenbelt serves as a buffer between the countryside and urban and suburban areas and protects the environment. It is very hard to get planning permission for greenbelt land, even for agricultural purposes.

Contaminated land contains substances in or under the land that can be hazardous to human health or the environment. It could be contaminated by oil or other fuels, slurry from farmland, toxic chemicals such as asbestos, or even corrosive or radioactive substances. This type of land is often very cheap, but will require a consultation from an environmental consultant to find out what contaminants are present, and potentially to go through a decontamination process, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

What type of land you buy will depend on what you plan to do with it so consider your long-term plans when shopping for land.

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How to Buy Land in the UK

The process of buying land is similar to buying property in a lot of ways, although there are some differences that you should know about. Here is a list of the steps you will have to take to buy land.

Make Plans

It’s foolhardy to buy land without any real plan for what to do with it. Take the time to decide what exactly you want to do with the land once you buy it – are you going to build on it? Will it be a farm, residential properties, commercial or industrial premises? Have a well-researched and thought-out plan in place before proceeding.

Doing Research

Do thorough research on all potential sites you are looking to buy. Check with local authorities and planning departments to find out if this land or anywhere nearby has been earmarked for future regeneration projects or development. Find out the exact land classifications to see if the site is greenfield, brownfield, agricultural or contaminated, check to see if the area is protected, and if there are any restrictions that could affect future planning permission. Think about the site’s future use and what infrastructure is needed – how will people access the site? Is there a road nearby that can be used by cars and heavy goods vehicles? How easy is it to get water and electricity hookups? Bear all these questions in mind.

Securing Finance

Much like buying property, you can obtain a mortgage to buy land. You will need a deposit and a mortgage lender who is willing to lend you enough money to secure the land. There are a few different mortgages available for land purchase, depending on what you want to do with it. There are agricultural, commercial, self-build, and woodland mortgages available – as always, shop around to find the best deal or use a mortgage broker. Some lenders are not willing to fund a land purchase for building on unless planning permission is already secured.

Surveys and Planning Permission

You will need to get planning permission from the local authority for any kind of development on the land. Some plots of land for sale already have some planning permission pre-approved, which can be helpful. Engage early on with the local authority to find out if you are likely to get planning permission for your chosen land plot before buying. You can also get a survey at this point to check the topography and boundaries of the land, which can affect your future plans.

Make an Offer

It’s time to make an offer! All your research leading up to this point should place you in a good position for making a fair offer on the plot of land you want to buy. Be prepared to negotiate, but set yourself a budget and stick to it. Remember to factor in other costs such as legal fees, surveys, and potential project management costs.

Completing the Sale

If your offer gets accepted, it’s time to complete the sale. You will need a solicitor or conveyancer to help you complete, just like buying a property. You should also be ready to pay Stamp Duty Land Tax on the land where required.

Questions to Ask before Buying Land

You should ask the following questions to the landowner or their solicitor before making an offer:

Are there wells or septic tanks on the land? This will give you vital information on the waste management or water supply options for the land, particularly in rural areas.
Are there any existing issues with the land? You need to find out if there are any known issues, such as contamination, subsidence, legal disputes or other problems, before proceeding.
Is there any existing infrastructure on the plot? There could already be buildings, roads or utility connections on the land from its previous use. This can be very helpful to you as the buyer and could save you some time and money down the road.
Is planning permission already in place? If so, what kind? Planning permission could be outlined or detailed – outline gives general consent for development, while detailed planning permission includes more specific conditions and designs.

Buying land in the UK can be a smart and rewarding investment, but it requires careful planning, research, and due diligence. From understanding the different land types to securing finance and navigating planning permissions, being informed at every stage will help you avoid costly mistakes. With the right approach, your land purchase could lay the foundation for a successful and profitable venture.

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