1 Keep an open mind
Perfect plots rarely exist, so having very rigid requirements of what you are looking for - such as a level site or a greenfield location - could create insurmountable difficulties for yourself. Try to be flexible where you can and manage your expectations. Think about exactly why you want to build, what you want to achieve, what elements are essential and where you could possibly compromise. By relaxing your brief just a little you could open up your options quite a bit further - it's worth bearing in mind that sometimes challenging plots can yield the best designs.
2 Be realistic with your budget
"Before starting on your plot search, it's really important you know what you can afford," says Mark Stevenson, self-build expert and former managing director of Potton. "If you only have £100,000 to buy a plot and the market for the land you're looking for is generally in the region of £200,000, you're set to fail. So crunch the numbers and prove that you can deliver the project within budget. If you can't afford the market rate for what you want, rejig your plan and either raise more capital or downscale your ambitions. It's worth having your plan reviewed by a specialist self-build mortgage broker."
3 Get to know the area
Really focus on the location you're interested in and do plenty of research. As well as the classic routes, there are many different ways of finding land, so familiarise yourself with the towns or villages in the area.
Think outside of the box and use tools such as Google Maps and Streetview or the Ordnance Survey Plan to identify plots of land, small houses on large sites and potential gaps or backland plots that could be ripe for development.
4 Don't dismiss custom-build plots
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 2024 من Homebuilding & Renovating.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 2024 من Homebuilding & Renovating.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
SOLAR MYTHS DEBUNKED
We ask the experts about the truth behind 12 common myths around solar panels...
Experience pays
Seasoned renovators Sue and Jim Savege put their knowledge and skills to the test when renovating and extending their 19th-century Scottish cottage
10 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN EXTENDING YOUR HOME
You've got your plans in place and are close to getting started on site, but what other key tasks need completing to keep everything on track? Here's what you need to consider...
Lofts Conversion glazing
Extending upwards is a great way to gain extra space but it is crucial to get the glazing right to capture views, control the light and prevent overheating
A modern slant
After buying an east London Victorian terrace, one couple decided to extend it outwards and upwards to make it fit for 21st-century living
A BUILDER'S VIEW
Make sure you get accurate quotes for your project by following this key advice
12 tips for tackling a slow renovation
Taking on a renovation project? Consider our tips on doing it in your own time and undertaking the work in stages to avoid the pressures of a strict deadline
PLANNING LOOPHOLES
If you get familiar with some of the lesser-known rules, they may just help you get approval for your project
Pastures greener
Having built their previous home themselves Paul and Johanna Suter decided a custom oak frame self-build in a verdant setting was the perfect choice for creating their family home
In perfect harmony
Susi Clark's long-held wish for creating a combined home and workspace came to fruition on a tricky sloping site