What to consider before buying a site?

Buying a site is one of the biggest decisions you will make when building your own home. However, we often find that, by the time clients involve architects like us, this decision has already been made. That is not always bad news, but there are several important factors to consider before purchasing a plot of land on which to build.

The Sun

Sunlight is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a plot because you cannot create more of it. A south-facing site may seem ideal, but orientation is more complex than that. For example, the public areas of the house could be positioned on the north-east side, with private living spaces facing south-west. Afternoon and evening sunlight is often the most valuable, as many people are away at work or school during the day. You should also assess the surrounding environment carefully, including nearby trees, neighbouring properties and hills, as these may cast shadows and reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the site.

Boundaries

Before purchasing a plot, check the planning history of the surrounding area, as it may look very different in five years’ time. Understanding the potential impact of future changes on your site is essential, so find out whether any nearby developments have already been approved and consider how they could affect privacy, views, access and the overall character of the location.

Planning

A site with planning permission still requires careful examination. Check whether the permission includes restrictions on matters such as the building’s maximum ridge height or its position within the plot, as these could significantly limit your design options. You should also establish how the site will be accessed, where wastewater will be discharged and whether all necessary infrastructure can be accommodated within the site.

Location

Location is perhaps the most important consideration when choosing a plot. Think carefully about whether the site suits your lifestyle, including how far you are willing to travel to work, school, shops and other everyday amenities. The right location is personal; there is no single correct answer. Although no site is perfect and many physical imperfections can be addressed through thoughtful design, its location cannot be changed.

2020 Architects

At 2020 Architects, we regularly help clients assess potential building sites before they buy. We consider orientation, planning history, restrictions, access, wastewater, surrounding development and, just as importantly, whether the site can deliver the kind of home and lifestyle they are looking for.

Discovering a site you like has a problem is disappointing; finding out after you have bought it is considerably worse.