If you are a real estate developer, you may have struggled to find land that is suitable for building on.
This post is an essential guide to finding suitable land for development in the UK. We will cover a number of techniques you could try to help you find your next development opportunity.
Go for a walk and spot plots with potential
Take a tour of your local area, or of the target area you want to develop. Pay attention, and you just might find the perfect future development site.
It could be a derelict building, or an empty plot of land, or even an established building with a big “For Sale” sign on the front. Make a note of the address, take lots of pictures, and try to find out who you need to contact to inquire about purchasing and developing the land or property.
Ways to find undeveloped land online
There are many online resources to help you find land development opportunities:
- HM Land Registry – This will tell you who, if anyone, already owns any given piece of land. If you find an empty plot of land that seems perfect for development, for example, this service will let you find out whether anyone owns it, so you will know who to contact for more information.
- Brownfield Land Registry – Another government resource, on which local councils can list any sites in their area which may be suitable for future development.
- PlotBrowser – One of a number of sites that will allow you to find UK building plots, for free. If you create an account, you may be able to get regular updates on any new development opportunities in your target areas.
- Government Property Finder – The government is legally required to publicly advertise any land or property they have for sale. As well as using the government’s dedicated property finder resource, also check the official local council websites for any development opportunities in your target areas.
Finding Land to Develop at Property Auctions
Plots of land are often sold at auctions. You may be able to find upcoming auctions through visiting dedicated auctioneer websites:
You may end up paying less for the land at auction than you would if you used a different avenue. The turnaround is often a lot faster, too. However, it is important to do your research. Make sure you thoroughly understand the opportunities and limitations of any land up for sale before you commit to a purchase.
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Buying land is risky. So too is developing land. The right insurance can act as an essential safety net, enabling you to search for, purchase, and develop land with total peace of mind at every step of the way.
Our bespoke insurance services can help you ensure you have full cover for every stage of the land acquisition process. Talk to us, and we will help you secure the cover you need at the best possible price.