7 Nuances to Watch When Choosing a Residential Plot

If you want to build a new home by constructing your own house, you first need to find a suitable residential plot. Since many of them are unique due to their location, natural characteristics, and so on, you need to do quite thorough preparatory work to find the right and suitable one.

Below we highlight 7 of the most important nuances to pay attention to:

Land use purpose

First, find out whether it is residential land, agricultural land, or some other purpose. You can find information about land use purpose HERE.

Building rights

Following from the previous point, you need to find out whether and what can be built on the plot of land. Therefore, you should then investigate whether a detailed plan has been established for the property or whether you need to apply for design conditions. You can get this information from your local municipality.

The detailed plan and design conditions specify what can be built on the property: the number of buildings, number of stories, the number of auxiliary buildings, location, etc.

Access to the property

Check whether access is from a local road, a state road, or a private road. If access is via a private road, check whether a servitude agreement (road use agreement) has been concluded. If not, you should conclude one at the earliest opportunity.

Utilities

Does the plot have connection points (water and sewage) and the possibility to connect to the electrical grid.

If connection points do not exist, find out how the detailed plan or design conditions provide for water and sewage system construction. Moreover, check whether it is possible to connect to water and sewage lines in the area or whether you need to build a local sewage system (and what type) and your own well.

If there is no electricity connection point either, an important factor when connecting to the grid is the distance from the substation. If the consumption point is more than 400m away from the substation, the connection price is based on actual construction costs. If the consumption point is within 400 meters, the connection is based on an amperage fee.

Restrictions

In addition, it is worth checking from the land register whether restrictions have been placed on the plot, such as servitudes. There may also be restrictions outside the property that the plot owner must take into account, even though no servitude has been formally established. For example, the most common is an electrical installation protection zone, that is, an electrical underground cable line near the property boundary.

You can familiarize yourself with such matters using the Land Board's restrictions map.

Neighboring properties and the area's future prospects

Traffic, infrastructure, shops, transportation connections, and other necessities for living.

Accessibility with large vehicles

If you decide to go with a modular house, the property must be accessible to a large and heavy vehicle – taking into account both the road surface and large trees along the roadside.

In conclusion

These were the most important nuances when selecting a property suitable for building a single-family home. However, the preparatory work doesn't end there – the questions simply become more specific. For example, what kind of house is desired and needed, how large, what kind of landscaping, etc.

Find suitable plots here>>

Article source: Uus Maa Real Estate Bureau