Plots
Building land
What to consider when buying a property
Purchasing a piece of land is an important step towards owning a home. However, before signing the purchase agreement, there are several things to consider. Gather comprehensive information to avoid costly mistakes and successfully implement your construction project. Do you need assistance finding the perfect plot? Get in Contact with us!
A strategic property search that includes commission-free offers and willingness to compromise on location can significantly reduce acquisition costs.
The due diligence, including land register check, site investigation, and clarification of development costs, minimizes construction risks and protects against unexpected cost traps – potentially up to €50,000 savings by avoiding legacy issues.
The submission of a preliminary building inquiry and the consideration of neighbourly relations secure your construction project and avoid conflicts with authorities and residents, leading to a smoother construction process.
The dream of owning a home often begins with the search for the right plot. However, what you need to consider when buying land is varied and can quickly lead to costly mistakes. A strategic search is therefore essential to make the most of your budget and avoid unpleasant surprises. We'll show you how to approach land purchasing smartly.
The importance of a strategic land search
A well-thought-out strategy helps you to set your priorities and specifically search for the ideal building land. Consider not just your personal preferences, but also financial aspects and future development opportunities. Calculating land costs is an important first step.
Prioritise land without commission fees
An often overlooked aspect is the possibility of finding land without commission fees. Since land costs can make up a significant part of the overall construction project, it is worthwhile to specifically search for such offers to reduce acquisition costs. This is particularly important, as the savings can be used elsewhere in the construction project.
Location analysis and willingness to compromise
Extend your search parameters beyond the immediate vicinity. Often, attractive plots can be found in peripheral or slightly more distant areas at more affordable prices. Be prepared to compromise on location or other factors to find a suitable plot that doesn't break your financial framework. The search outside the preferred area can be worthwhile.
The first look at the land register: What you absolutely should check
The land register is a public record that provides information about the ownership and encumbrances of a plot. A look at the land register is essential before purchasing to ensure no unexpected surprises arise. Viewing the land register provides insights into important details.
Encumbrances and restrictions
Pay special attention to rights of way and third-party usage rights that could limit the use of the plot. These encumbrances can have significant impacts on your building plans and reduce the value of the land. Inform yourself precisely about the nature and extent of these rights to avoid future conflicts.
Suspected contamination and environmental risks
Check if the land register mentions any potential contamination or other environmental risks. Contaminations can lead to significant remediation costs and affect the buildability of the plot. Also, the risk of floods should be considered, especially in times of climate change. The check for contamination is an important step.
Besides the legal aspects, a comprehensive technical assessment of the property is essential to minimise potential construction risks. Thorough Due Diligence helps you to identify hidden defects and issues early on and estimate the associated costs. This is a crucial step to ensure the success of your construction project. The technical assessment should not be overlooked.
Comprehensive Technical Assessment of the Property
A detailed technical assessment includes checking for contaminated sites, construction debris, existing building fabric, and the condition of the building ground. These aspects can have significant effects on the construction costs and the feasibility of your project. A professional evaluation by experts is advisable here.
Checking for Contaminated Sites and Construction Debris
Have the property examined by environmental and engineering experts for potential contaminated sites and construction debris. These experts can quantify the potential remediation costs and help you better assess the risks. A thorough investigation can avoid costly surprises.
Existing Building Fabric and Foundations
Assess the impact of existing building fabric and foundations on your planned new buildings. The costs for demolition and disposal should be included in your calculations. An early assessment helps to avoid unexpected costs and optimise the construction process.
Ground Investigation: Load-bearing Capacity and Condition
The load-bearing capacity and condition of the building ground are crucial for the stability of your building. A ground investigation provides insight into the soil conditions and potential risks. This information is essential for the planning and execution of your construction project.
Obtain a Ground Investigation Report
Obtain a ground investigation report to get information on the load-bearing capacity of the soil. The report gives you indications of possible settlements or other issues that must be considered in the planning of the construction. Such a report is an important investment in the safety of your construction project.
The legal framework and construction planning are crucial for the success of your building project. Make sure to inform yourself early on about planning and building restrictions and obtain a preliminary building inquiry to ensure that your project is permissible. Adhering to legal requirements is essential to avoid problems later on. The legal aspects should be thoroughly examined.
Planning and Building Restrictions
The land-use plans and development plans determine what type of construction is allowed on a property. Engaging an architect early can help you assess the feasibility of your project and ensure that it complies with legal requirements. Adhering to these plans is crucial for the approval of your building project.
Land-use Plans and Development Plans
Check the land-use plans and development plans to assess the permissibility of your planned project. Involving an architect is advisable to evaluate feasibility and ensure all legal requirements are met. Adherence to these plans is vital for the approval of your project.
Preliminary Building Inquiry: Assurance Before Purchase
A preliminary building inquiry is a formal request to the building authority to clarify crucial questions regarding the developability of a site in advance. It provides assurance before purchase and helps avoid unexpected issues. A preliminary inquiry is particularly recommended when the planning stipulations are unclear.
Preliminary Building Inquiry: Assurance Before Purchase
When planning stipulations are unclear, a preliminary building inquiry is advisable. It clarifies important questions about developability beforehand and gives you confidence in your decision. A preliminary inquiry can prevent costly mistakes.
Subdivision Approval and Surveying
When purchasing parts of a property, a subdivision approval is required. This approval ensures that the division of the land complies with legal requirements. Additionally, a survey application with the surveying office is necessary to establish the new property boundaries.
Buying Parts of a Property
Secure a subdivision approval and submit a survey application to the surveying office if you are purchasing parts of a property. Clearly define the cost distribution in the purchase contract to avoid disputes later on.
The development costs are an important factor when purchasing a plot of land. They include the costs for connecting the plot to public utility networks and roads. Make sure to find out early on about the status of the development and the expected costs to avoid financial pitfalls. Checking the development costs is a must.
Check the status of development
Distinguish between land liable for development costs and land free of development costs. Obtain a written confirmation of the current status and inquire about the anticipated future development costs. A transparent representation of the costs helps you plan your budget realistically.
Land liable for development costs vs. land free of development costs
Obtain a written confirmation of the current status and inquire about the anticipated future development costs. A transparent representation of the costs helps you plan your budget realistically. Calculating the development costs is an important step.
Costs for connecting to utility networks
The costs for connecting to water, sewage, electricity, gas, and telecommunications can be significant. Obtain quotes and cost estimates to determine the actual costs. A detailed cost breakdown helps you plan your budget realistically and avoid unexpected expenses.
Costs for connecting to utility networks
Obtain quotes and cost estimates for connecting to water, sewage, electricity, gas, and telecommunications. A detailed cost breakdown helps you plan your budget realistically and avoid unexpected expenses.
The standard land values serve as a guideline for evaluating a property. They are determined by the local appraisal committee and provide information about the average value of properties in a specific location. Use the standard land values to realistically assess the requested purchase price. The evaluation of the property is an important step.
Standard Land Values as a Guideline
Use the standard land values of the local appraisal committee to compare the requested purchase price. The standard land value maps give you an overview of the average property prices in your region. A realistic price helps you make an informed decision.
Using Standard Land Values from the Local Appraisal Committee
Compare the requested purchase price with the standard land values and refer to the standard land value maps. A realistic price helps you make an informed decision and avoid overpaying.
Financing Options and Support Programs
Learn about financing options and support programs to reduce the costs of purchasing a property. Consultation with financing experts helps you develop an appropriate financing strategy and utilize support programs offered by the federal government, states, and municipalities.
Consultation with Financing Experts
Get advice from financing experts to develop an individual financing strategy. Use support programs from the federal government, states, and municipalities to reduce the costs of purchasing a property.
The competition for coveted plots can be intense, especially in metropolitan areas. Be aware of the challenges and develop a clever negotiation strategy to secure your dream plot. Professional assistance can help you stand against the competition. The search for building land requires skill.
The Competition for Coveted Plots
Be aware of the competition from commercially operating and publicly commissioned builders. Consider professional support to increase your chances. A clever negotiation strategy can help you stand against the competition.
Challenges for Private Individuals
Private individuals often compete with commercially operating and publicly commissioned builders. Professional assistance can help you increase your chances and secure your dream plot.
Negotiation Strategies and Purchase Agreement
Examine the purchase agreement carefully and seek advice from a lawyer or notary. Clarify all open questions and uncertainties before signing the contract. Renegotiating based on the results of due diligence can help you reduce the purchase price.
Careful Examination of the Purchase Agreement
Have the purchase agreement reviewed by a lawyer or notary and clarify all open questions. Renegotiating based on the results of due diligence can help you reduce the purchase price.
A good relationship with your neighbours can be crucial to the success of your construction project. Seek mutually agreeable solutions and obtain your neighbours' consent if your project affects their interests. Compliance with building regulations and consideration of boundary distances are essential in this process. Relations with neighbours are important.
Maintaining Good Relations with Neighbours
Seek mutually agreeable solutions and obtain the consent of your neighbours if your building project affects their interests. Open communication and a willingness to compromise can help avoid conflicts.
Seeking Mutually Agreeable Solutions
Obtain the consent of your neighbours if your building project affects their interests. Use templates for neighbour agreements to document the agreements made in writing.
Construction Methods and Boundary Distances
Ensure compliance with building regulations and take into account boundary distances. Checking the permissible construction method in the development plan is essential in this regard. Adhering to regulations helps avoid conflicts with neighbours and the building authority.
Compliance with Building Regulations
Check the permissible construction method in the development plan and take boundary distances into account. Adherence to regulations helps avoid conflicts with neighbours and the building authority.
Buying a plot of land is a complex matter that requires careful planning and preparation. Use our checklist to ensure that you consider all important aspects and avoid costly mistakes. Thorough preparation is the key to a successful land purchase. The land purchase checklist will assist you with that.
Summary of Key Points
Our checklist provides an overview of the necessary steps from site analysis and land search through to technical and legal due diligence, as well as financing and valuation. Careful preparation is the key to a successful land purchase.
Overview of Necessary Steps
Our checklist covers site analysis and land search, technical and legal due diligence, financing and valuation, as well as negotiation and the purchase contract. Thorough preparation is the key to a successful land purchase.
The Ultimate Land Purchase Checklist
Here is a detailed list of all aspects to check:
Examine the land registry extract: Ensure there are no unexpected encumbrances or restrictions on the land.
Consult the development plan: Inform yourself about permissible construction and planning regulations.
Obtain a soil survey: Have the load-bearing capacity and condition of the soil checked to minimise construction risks.
Clarify development costs: Find out about the development status and the expected costs.
Maintain good neighbourly relations: Seek amicable solutions and obtain neighbours’ consent if required.
With this checklist, you are well-equipped to find your dream plot and avoid costly mistakes. Remember that thorough preparation and professional support can help you successfully realise your building project.
Do you want to make your dream of homeownership a reality? At Auctoa, we support you in finding the right plot and accurately determining the value of your property. Our expertise and AI-driven solutions help you make informed decisions and successfully develop your building project.
Contact us today for a non-binding consultation and find out how we can assist you with your land purchase and property valuation. Visit our website and get in touch to receive your bespoke offer.
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Benefit from our experience and secure a precise and reliable valuation of your land. Contact us today to learn more about our services and receive a personalised offer. Visit our page on real estate and land for more information. We look forward to supporting you with your project!
Now is the perfect time to explore the opportunities for your project. Contact us today to start your personalised consultation and make the process quick and easy. Register for free and get an immediate initial estimate for your property's renovation needs.
The Bundesinstitut für Bau-, Stadt- und Raumforschung (BBSR) provides information on the land survey and potential for residential construction.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides data on square meter prices for residential properties in Germany.
What should I definitely consider when buying a plot of land?
You should definitely check the land register for any encumbrances and restrictions, inspect the development plan, obtain a soil survey, and clarify the infrastructure costs. Comprehensive due diligence is crucial.
How do I find plots of land without brokerage fees?
Target your search on online portals and in local advertisements for offers from private sellers. Use search terms like "commission-free" or "private sale". The savings on brokerage fees can be significant.
What risks are involved in buying a plot of land suspected of contamination?
Contaminations can cause substantial remediation costs and may affect the buildability of the land. Have the plot examined by experts to assess the risks and costs.
What is a preliminary building inquiry and when is it advisable?
A preliminary building inquiry is a formal application to the building authority to clarify important questions about the buildability of a plot of land in advance. It is particularly advisable if the planning regulations are unclear.
What are development costs and how can I check them?
Development costs are the costs for connecting the plot to public utilities. Inquire with the local authority about the status of the development and the expected costs.
How do standard land values help in valuing a plot?
Standard land values provide information about the average value of land in a specific area. Use the standard land value maps from the local expert committee to realistically assess the asking purchase price.
What should be considered when buying partial areas of a plot?
When purchasing partial areas, a partition permit is required. Submit a surveying application to the surveying office and clearly define the cost distribution in the purchase contract.
How important is the relationship with neighbours when buying a plot?
A good relationship with neighbours is important to avoid future conflicts. Seek amicable solutions and obtain neighbour approval if your building project affects their interests.
