Keep your search focused while remaining open-minded
Finding the right plot can be one of the most challenging parts of building your own home. Individual building plots are not always easy to find, particularly in popular areas of West Sussex where demand for good sites can be high.
The key is to keep your search focused while remaining open-minded about what could become a viable opportunity. A potential self-build site may be a vacant plot, a large garden, underused land within an existing settlement or an older property that could potentially be replaced with a purpose-designed home.
Before you commit to a purchase, it is important to understand the planning position, access arrangements, services, legal restrictions and likely build costs. A site can look generous on a map but still be difficult to develop once local planning policy, neighbouring properties, trees, ecology, drainage, flood risk or highways are considered.
Search for potential, not just plots marked for sale
One potential route is to look for opportunities within an existing built-up area, where the land already forms part of a town, village or established settlement. Development within these areas may be more acceptable in planning terms, although every proposal is still subject to local planning policies and site-specific constraints.
It is also worth considering properties with development potential, such as an older house or bungalow with a large garden. Depending on the site, it may be possible to divide the garden and build a separate home, or demolish the existing property and replace it with a new one.
You should never demolish an existing property before obtaining planning permission and appropriate advice about the Community Infrastructure Levy. Qualifying existing floorspace and self-build exemptions can be relevant in some cases, but strict eligibility, occupation and notice requirements apply.
Where self-build plot can come from
Large Gardens
Look for unusually large plots, side gardens or homes with land that may have development potential.
Infill sites
Land inside an established settlement may have stronger prospects than isolated countryside plots.
Older properties
A replacement dwelling can be a route when vacant land is hard to find.
Local networks
Residents, tradespeople, landowners and agents may hear about sites before they are advertised.
Eight tips for finding a building plot
Define your search area
Start by identifying a manageable geographical area. Highlight your preferred search zone on a map and consider schools, transport links, local services, commuting distances and the type of setting you want to live in. A clear search area makes it easier to compare opportunities properly.
Keep an open mind
The perfect building plot is rare. Successful self-build projects often depend on compromise: adapting the design to suit the site, accepting a less obvious plot or being ready to move quickly when a genuine opportunity appears.
Tell people you are looking
Use land and property websites
Use maps and aerial photography
Consider property auctions carefully
Auctions can provide access to unusual properties and potential development sites, sometimes at attractive prices. However, the successful bidder will normally become legally committed when the hammer falls, with completion often required quickly. Before bidding, ask your solicitor to review the legal pack and obtain planning and technical advice where needed.
Join your local self-build register
Consider a replacement dwelling
Found a Potential Site?
If you are considering land or an existing property for redevelopment, ABM Build can review the sales particulars and provide an initial view on its development potential.
This free initial opinion is designed to help you decide whether the site is worth exploring further.