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buy building plot
The dream of owning your own home starts with finding the right plot of land. However, before purchasing a building site, there are several factors to consider. From checking the development plan to clarifying infrastructure costs – we guide you step by step. Need personal advice? Contact us now for a non-binding consultation!
A comprehensive due diligence is essential to minimise risks such as contaminated sites, unpaid development costs and building law restrictions.
The choice between purchase and leasehold (Erbpacht) depends on your financial possibilities and long-term plans. The leasehold can reduce the initial costs.
Utilise search mandates on property portals to be informed early about new listings and gain a competitive edge over other interested parties.
The Importance of Your Own Plot for Home Building
The dream of owning a home starts with the right plot. Your own building site is more than just land; it is the foundation for your future, an investment in security, and the opportunity to realise your personal living dreams. With your own plot, you secure freedom of design and the chance to build a house according to your preferences. Moreover, it represents a long-term investment that can increase in value over time.
Overview of the Challenges When Buying a Plot
However, buying a plot is a complex process. It is important to consider legal frameworks, clarify financing questions, and evaluate the location carefully. This article provides you with comprehensive information and practical tips to support you in making decisions and minimising risks. We show you what to look for when buying a building site to avoid pitfalls and create the perfect foundation for your project.
Before you start searching for a suitable building site, you should thoroughly familiarise yourself with the various aspects of land purchasing. These include the legal frameworks, financing options, and site evaluation. Careful planning and preparation are crucial to successfully realising the dream of owning a home.
The Classic Land Purchase
The classic purchase of land offers you full ownership rights and the potential to benefit from an increase in value. You have complete flexibility in the use and design of your property. However, the initial costs are high, and you must pay the annual property tax. Buying land is a long-term investment that requires careful consideration.
Leasehold (Erbbaurecht) as an Alternative
The leasehold presents an interesting alternative, especially if your budget is limited. You use the land against a regular ground rent, which is usually contractually set for a period of 99 years. The initial costs are lower, and there may be tax advantages. However, you are dependent on the landowner and must make regular ground rent payments. Pay particular attention to ground rent adjustment clauses that are linked to the cost-of-living index, as described on Real Estate VR.
Decision Aid: When is Purchase, When is Lease Sensible?
The decision between buying and leasing depends on your individual needs and financial possibilities. If you are planning for the long term, have sufficient capital, and desire maximum freedom, buying is the right choice. Leasehold is suitable if your budget is limited, flexibility is important, and you accept the contractual commitment. Make sure to thoroughly inform yourself about the advantages and disadvantages of both options to make the best decision for you. Our page on purchasing building land offers further information.
When buying a building plot, it is important to consider all options and choose the one that best suits your individual needs and financial possibilities. Take into account both short-term and long-term aspects.
Bodenrichtwert: A First Point of Reference
The Bodenrichtwert is an average land value in a specific area, based on the sale prices of similar properties. It serves as a guide for the purchase price and enables the comparison of various locations. You can find the Bodenrichtwert on the Bodenrichtwertkarten of your municipality or at the land registry office. However, please note that the Bodenrichtwert is only an initial point of reference, and the individual characteristics of the property must be considered. You can find more information about the Bodenrichtwert on our page.
Local Area: The Details Make the Difference
The local area plays a crucial role in assessing a property. Consider connections to public transport, shopping facilities, schools, kindergartens, doctors, and hospitals. The surroundings are also important: Are there noise or odor nuisances? Are there green spaces and recreational opportunities? How safe is the area? A careful analysis of the local area will help you maximize the value of your property. Immobilienscout24 emphasizes the importance of considering wind direction to avoid potential nuisances from sewage plants or waste disposal facilities.
Nutzungsart (Type of Use)
Check the development plan to see what type of use is designated for the property. Is it purely residential, generally residential, or a mixed-use? This is especially important if you wish to operate a practice or business in your house. Make sure the type of use aligns with your plans. The permitted type of use has a significant impact on the property's value and suitability for your purposes. A detailed site analysis is essential to find the ideal building plot.
The slope of the land is also an important factor. Have a professional levelling carried out to determine the exact slope of the property. This is particularly important for basement construction and planning a separate apartment. Knowing the exact slope of the land helps you save costs and optimize the potential of your property.
Der Bebauungsplan: The A and O for Builders
The development plan regulates the type and manner of development for an area and includes stipulations on building methods, building height, roof shape, etc. It determines whether and how your plot can be developed, preventing unpleasant surprises after the purchase. Therefore, thoroughly inform yourself about the development plan before buying. Pay particular attention to the difference between building line and building boundary: The building line specifies where you must build, while the building boundary defines the maximum buildable area.
Other Important Legal Aspects
In addition to the development plan, there are other important legal aspects to consider when buying a building plot. Check the contaminated sites register at the environmental office to ensure your plot is not affected by legacy issues (soil contamination). Clarify whether the development costs have already been paid, as outstanding costs can transfer to you as the new owner. Also, check for any third-party usage rights or rights of way that may burden your land. A careful review of these aspects helps you avoid legal pitfalls.
Building Law Restrictions
It is crucial to understand the planning and building regulations that might hinder or prevent construction. It is recommended to involve architects and relevant authorities to gain clarity on these restrictions before purchasing. At Ohne-Makler.net, the importance of clarification is emphasised. Adhering to the development plan is essential to ensure your building project is approvable and to avoid legal issues.
Familiarity with the development plan is essential to ensure that you can develop your plot according to your visions. Gather comprehensive information and seek professional support if necessary to avoid legal pitfalls.
The Soil Survey: Foundation for Safe Construction
A soil survey is essential to determine the soil quality, the groundwater level, and the soil's load-bearing capacity. It forms the basis for planning the foundation and helps to minimize construction risks. The survey includes soil samples, analyses, and a geotechnical report with recommendations for the foundation. Immobilienscout24 emphasizes the necessity of a soil survey to assess the soil quality, groundwater level, and load-bearing capacity. These factors directly impact the foundation design and construction costs.
Contaminated Sites: Invisible Dangers in the Ground
Contaminated sites are soil contaminations due to previous industrial use or deposits. They pose a health risk, can increase construction costs due to remediation, and reduce the property's value. To find out if your property is contaminated, you should check the contaminated sites register at the environmental agency. Remediation of contaminated sites can incur significant costs, so careful examination is essential.
Archäologische Funde (Archaeological Finds)
Be aware that there are different regulations regarding the costs of archaeological excavations. Inquire with the monument authority about local regulations and potential cost risks. Archaeological finds can delay construction work and incur additional costs. Being informed early helps you avoid unexpected surprises. Immobilienscout24 points out that the costs for archaeological excavations can vary.
A comprehensive soil survey and checking for contaminated sites are crucial to identifying and minimizing risks when buying a construction site. Invest in these investigations to avoid unpleasant surprises and high costs.
Financing Options
Financing is a crucial step when buying a building plot. A solid financial plan is based on equity, which can be supplemented by credit financing (bank loans, building society loans) and subsidies (KfW, etc.). Seek advice from local banks to create a bespoke financing plan. Good preparation and a realistic assessment of your financial capabilities are essential.
The Purchase Process
The purchase process begins with the reservation of the plot, an optional agreement with the seller. Subsequently, the purchase contract is certified by a notary. Carefully check the important clauses (payment terms, transfer date, etc.). Following notarisation, the entry in the land register takes place, which seals the transfer of ownership to you as the buyer. A smooth purchase process requires careful planning and expert support.
Provisionsfreie Angebote (Commission-Free Offers)
Take advantage of the financial benefits of commission-free offers. When buying a building plot, you can save costs by acquiring a plot without an estate agent's commission. Look out for such offers and find out the details. Commission-free offers are an attractive way to ease your budget. Ohne-Makler.net highlights the financial benefits of commission-free offers, which represent a potential cost-saving strategy for buyers.
A solid financial plan and a smooth purchase process are crucial to realising your dream of a building plot. Get comprehensive information, seek professional support, and take advantage of all the financial benefits available to you.
Private vs. Commercial Providers
As a private buyer, you often compete with developers and investors. To succeed, you need to make quick decisions, prepare well, and seek professional support. Be ready to act swiftly and secure your financing. A compelling presentation of your plans can also help persuade the seller. Ohne-Makler.net highlights the challenge for individuals to acquire land due to competition from commercially driven and publicly commissioned developers, which requires strategic approaches to compete in this market.
Search Order
Take advantage of a search order to receive information about new listings before others. Many real estate portals offer this feature. This gives you a time advantage and enables you to respond faster. A search order is a valuable tool in achieving your dream of acquiring a building plot. Ohne-Makler.net provides a search order function that notifies users before new listings appear on other portals, offering a potential time advantage.
Due Diligence: Careful Examination Before Purchase
Conducting careful due diligence before purchase is essential to minimise risks. Engage experts such as architects, surveyors, and lawyers to examine all aspects of the property. Comprehensive due diligence helps you make informed decisions and avoid unpleasant surprises. Immobilienscout24 lists several points to consider during due diligence, such as checking the contaminated land register and obtaining a soil report.
Changes in land use plans can create opportunities for land speculation. Stay informed about planned changes and assess whether they present opportunities. However, land speculation carries risks, so ensure thorough research and seek advice. Ohne-Makler.net emphasizes that changes in land use plans can create opportunities for land speculation.
Inadequate Due Diligence
A common mistake when buying a building plot is inadequate due diligence. Many buyers underestimate the risks associated with contamination, development costs, and planning restrictions. Thoroughly inform yourself and consult experts to minimise these risks. A careful examination of all aspects of the property is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Lack of Financial Planning
A lack of financial planning is another common mistake. Many buyers overestimate their financial capabilities and do not consider all the costs associated with purchasing land, development, and construction. Create a detailed financial plan and seek advice from experts to avoid financial bottlenecks. A realistic assessment of your financial capabilities is crucial for the success of your project.
Emotional Decisions
Do not let emotions guide you, but evaluate the property objectively. An emotional attachment to a property can lead to overlooking risks and defects. Stay rational and make your decision based on facts and figures. An objective assessment of the property will help you make the right decision.
Do not ignore the planning restrictions set out in the development plan. A lack of knowledge about the development plan can lead to planning a project that is not approvable. Thoroughly inform yourself about the development plan and seek advice from experts to avoid legal issues. ImmobilienScout24 emphasises the importance of checking the usage type in the development plan to ensure it matches the intended use.
Summary of Key Points
The path to the dream property requires careful planning and preparation, professional support, and a realistic assessment of costs. Make sure you are well-informed, seek expert advice, and avoid common mistakes when buying a building plot. With the right strategy and careful implementation, you can fulfil your dream of owning a home.
Looking to the Future
The property market is constantly changing. Stay informed about current trends and developments to make well-founded decisions. Pay attention to the importance of sustainability and energy efficiency, which will play an increasingly significant role in the future. Forward-looking planning helps you secure the long-term value of your property.
The Dream of Homeownership: Succeeding with the Right Plot
With the right plot, you lay the foundation for your dream of homeownership. Careful planning, professional support, and a realistic assessment of costs are crucial to the success of your construction project. Start now by searching for your dream plot and make your dream of owning a home a reality! Do you want to make your dream of homeownership come true? Auctoa revolutionises the valuation of properties and plots. Contact us today to start your personalised consultation.
Immobilien VR provides information and offers for plots available for purchase or lease.
Immobilienscout24 emphasises the importance of considering wind direction to avoid potential disturbances from sewage treatment plants or waste disposal facilities.
Ohne-Makler.net highlights the importance of clarification.
What should I definitely check before purchasing a building plot?
Before purchasing a building plot, you should certainly review the development plan, have a soil survey conducted, and check the contaminated land register. Also, clarify whether infrastructure costs have already been paid.
What's the difference between a building line and a building boundary?
The building line determines where on the plot the building *must* be placed, while the building boundary defines the maximum buildable area.
What does a heritable building right mean and when is it sensible?
Heritable building right means that you lease the plot instead of buying it. This can be sensible if your budget is limited, as the initial costs are lower.
How do I find the standard land value for a specific plot?
You can find the standard land value in your municipality's standard land value maps or at the cadastral office. It serves as a guide for the purchase price.
What are infrastructure costs and who is responsible for them?
Infrastructure costs are costs for connecting the plot to the public network (roads, water, electricity). Unpaid costs transfer to the new owner, so prior clarification is important.
Why is a soil survey so important?
A soil survey assesses the soil composition, groundwater level, and bearing capacity of the ground. This is crucial for planning the foundation and helps minimise building costs.
What is the contaminated land register and why should I check it?
The contaminated land register provides information on whether a plot is compromised by previous industrial use. The remediation of contaminated land can incur significant costs.
Where can I find commission-free offers for building plots?
Portals like Ohne-Makler.net offer a variety of commission-free offers for building plots, which can lead to substantial cost savings.
