A Cambridgeshire Architect’s Guide to Finding a Residential Self-Build Plot
If you are thinking of building a new property, the first thing to consider is where will it be built? It’s a process that requires you to take your time to find the ideal plot, but by using the right resources and guidance you can narrow down your options to find suitable land for your new home. Our Cambridge architect’s guide to finding a residential self-build plot in the area tells you everything you need to know to get started.
Choosing your property type
A new build development will either be classed as “previously developed” or “yet to be developed”. When you look at previously developed plots that have existing buildings, you have to consider how practical it is to knock down and replace them. Land that has not yet been developed will be things such as agricultural areas, large gardens and commercial spaces such as car parks.
Choose the land area
Much like searching for a property in Cambridge, your search will be less stressful if you choose a specific area to target with your search. The wider the parameters the longer and more complicated it will be, as you’ll have a lot – likely too much – ground to cover. If you can’t find what you need in your ideal location, move on to the next with another targeted search.
Get familiar
Visit the area you have in mind to get a feel for what it would be like to live there. Take a look at what kind of gardens or disused garage blocks may be available, as you could turn up something unexpected that could be used as the plot for your new home. This is known as off-market searching, and rather than waiting for a site to be advertised, contacting landowners directly could open up opportunities that others do not yet have access to.
How to find the ideal self-build plot
Use online resources
Use the internet to your advantage to cover a lot of ground in a short of space of time. Sites likes Plotfinder, Plotbrowser and Plotsearch and many others offer access to land databases that will give you an initial indication of price in your chosen area.
The likes of Zoopla and Rightmove also list land plots, although they do tend to disappear quite quickly, so you have to react fast. You could get local estate agent to work for you by getting in touch and telling them what you want so they can contact you when something suitable turns up. You’ll have to pay a fee for their services, but it does make things easier.
Land and property auctions
Head to some local land and property auctions to pick up a bargain and deals that may not be found anywhere else. The auction catalogue is usually available about one month in advance of the auction, and you can visit the plots that interest you before the selling begins, even arranging a ground survey if needed.
Don’t forget to register with the auction house and ensure that your finance is in place before it starts. Also get some advice from a solicitor before you attend the auction. It’s easy to get swept up in the drama of bidding against other people, so ensure you have a budget limit in place that you won’t go over.
Right to Build
Right to Build legislation was introduced into law in 2016. It encourages local council housing departments to make plots available for people who want to build their own property.
Head to the Right to Build portal and register your interest. It doesn’t just have to be for a single location, so you can register interest in multiple areas if you wish. If land becomes available some councils will contact you, although mostly it will be left up to you to follow up.
Once you have registered the council have 3 years to make a plot available. However, be aware that the plot they offer may not match your requirements. It’s free to sign up, so it is channel worth pursuing as it could help you find the land you need.
Serviced plots
There are approximately 2,000 serviced plots in Britain, so it could be an option for your new build. This is where building plots have been set aside for the creation of new homes, with planning consent and various services (such as water, electricity etc.) all in place. This should make the build process much faster, although it could land up being a more expensive route.
Find your self-build plot in Cambridge
Finding a self-build plot can seem like a daunting task to undertake given the scale of the project. However, with some professional assistance it could be made a lot easier. Tereyn Architects are experienced in helping people with their self-build projects and offer a free consultation to get the ball rolling. Call us today on 07984 760 920 or send us a message here and we’ll get right back to you.
