Hunting for land advice

MrSearching2

Hello everyone,

I am new to this forum, seeking advice about land.

I have a severe unknown disability consequently, making me electric wheelchair bound unable to walk. I have a fiancée and currently living on the south coast of England in an apartment.

Due to myself being CEV as a result of coronavirus, my life has changed, I have to self-isolate as much as possible as catching the virus would be detrimental to my health. Living or somewhat stuck inside an apartment for three years, makes you want to breath and have a change of scenery.

We’ve been looking for a house for over a year, visited countless properties and unfortunately none are suitable. In the long run, it would cost too much money to redesign the property for my access needs: I.e, change the layout, downstairs bedroom and wheelchair accessible bathroom etc.. this list goes on!

We have now come to the conclusion that buying a piece of land for a self-build, would be a better option. 

However, we are having trouble finding a piece of suitable land in the Hampshire, Suffolk, Whiltshire (border with Hampshire area). 

Our main route of hunting for land, is mainly through popular property websites and this has hardly given any results. Estate agents, we are registered with, do not really deal with selling land and so far everything feels like it has come to a standstill. Some land we have looked at is very cheap but will never have planning permission granted (agricultural ties or protected).

My question really comes down to this: what is the best way to find a piece of land? Are we missing something?

I.e should I contact local farmers, or community groups? 

Are there any popular land agents that I have missed?

Word-of-mouth?

Also is it better to look at land with no planning permission and start from scratch or search for land with planning permission?

We are really running out of ideas, and even contemplating about buying a derelict house to knock down and rebuild.

Any help, advice or suggestions will be much appreciated.

Kind regards,

George 

dimbo61

Have a look at self build magazines and websites as they may have details of land available  in the areas your looking  in 

Martico

It's something I've mulled from time to time (usually during the ad break in Grand Designs) and came across this site, which has some good pointers https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/advice/finding-a-plot

lincroft1710

Couldn't you find a bungalow which you could extend/adapt. Finding suitable land (especially in the areas you are looking) will be expensive as will having a house built to your own specification

babyblade41

really depends on your budget, self build is not cheap by any stretch & if a developer hasn't already found it the it really is nigh on impossible unless in the  know.


We are doing it only because family owned the land  but still not a cheap or quick solution

eddddy

Have you spoken to architects or designers who specialise in making disability adaptions to existing homes?

If you found the right kind of house or bungalow initially, it could be much less effort (and stress) to adapt it, than to build from scratch. For example, converting a bedroom or study to a wetroom; widening all the doors; making external door thresholds accessible; maybe knocking down walls to create larger open-plan rooms and spaces, etc.

You could ask to see photos etc of their past projects, to get an idea of what's achievable.

diystarter7

Hi OP

Look at property auctions - often selling property that needs to be done up etc and often with lots of space.

If it needs a total refurb you will get it cheaper and get it done to new and your spec.

Good luck