Hi again! Does anyone have experience with buying land for self-build projects? How easy is it to obtain a planning permission? Do you actually need to obtain one before making an offer? What concerns me that say you made an offer and bought a plot of land with intention to build a residential property, but local authorities then refuse to grant you planning permission. What's the best way to deal with this?

Have you tried approaching the local authority?

Hi Barry
I think you should not buy a plot of land for a self-build project, unless you are absolutely sure that you will be able to get a planning permission. Mary Poppins is absolutely right, try speaking to your local authorities first. There are many plots for sale, but many are in a green belt and if you are ok with the idea that your planning permission may not materialise in the next 20 years or even never, then you have nothing to lose. Don't risk it, do your homework.

You don't have to have building permission to buy property but you will before you start building. In some circumstances you can begin building then get permits but I don't really suggest doing that.

Somehow this idea does not appeal to me. I'd rather get all the paperwork sorted first, going through the appeals with local planning departments could be costly.