Building land - 5 tips for making the right choice

Tip 1

Take your time

Rushing is never a good idea. This is true in every field, and in real estate perhaps even more so when you consider that this is a long-term investment. The plot of land you choose should be just like you, and suit you. Everything will depend on your current and future priorities. Ask yourself the right questions and project yourself into the future. To take your thinking one step further, consider the resale of your home and put yourself in the shoes of potential buyers.

Then, don't hesitate to come back and look at the property several times, at different times of the day (to see how much sun it gets), during the week and at weekends (for noise, traffic...). You can't see everything at a glance. And if possible, take someone with you. Two opinions are better than one.

Tip 2

Study the location

Of course, the size and configuration of the plot are important factors. But they're not the only ones. You're a pro at gardening and spending your weekends pruning, planting or mowing doesn't scare you. You dream of seeing your children play and grow up far from pollution and noise... A large plot a little out of the way is ideal for you. On the other hand, if car journeys are prohibitive, if garden maintenance is more of a constraint than a pleasure... a smaller plot not too far from the city will suit you perfectly. Make sure you're close to work, shops, transport, amenities and leisure facilities (schools, crèches, doctors, sports clubs, etc.). Avoid all kinds of nuisance (auditory, visual, olfactory).

Do your sums

The further you move away from the city, the more kilometers you put between your home and your workplace, and the more likely you are to find land at an affordable price with lower local taxes. On the other hand, transportation costs will skyrocket. So do your homework before making your choice.

Tip 3

Consult town-planning documents

The first question to ask yourself is: "Is the land you've identified suitable for building? Next, find out about any projects that may be planned in your future neighborhood. Admit that it would be a shame to choose a plot of land for its calm and unobstructed views, only to find that a few years later, at the bottom of your garden, a superstore rises or a busy road passes nearby. While you're at it, take the opportunity to consult the rules that will apply to your future construction (distances from plot boundaries, maximum building height, architectural style, colors of roofs and facades, etc.).

Tip 4

Find out about the nature of the soil and subsoil

The most important thing is the land as you see it, and how you imagine it will look after you've built your home and landscaped it. You're right, but what you can't see is just as important as what you can. The land may well be suitable for building, but the quality of the soil and subsoil can have an impact on the smooth running of the construction process. Clayey, rocky, unstable or waterlogged ground, for example, may require additional work and put a strain on your budget. It's best to know beforehand. Just as it's wise to know whether the soil has been polluted in the past by an industrial site or factory. If in doubt, don't hesitate to call in an expert.

A mandatory soil survey in certain cases

The Elan law makes a soil survey compulsory when selling a plot of land located in an area exposed to the phenomenon of ground movement as a result of drought and soil rehydration (essentially so-called clay soils). This obligation has been in force since January 1, 2020.

Tip 5

Compare a housing estate with a detached plot

Another important question: are you ready to live in an allotment or would you prefer a detached plot? Buying in a housing estate is the most comfortable solution. You can be sure that your future plot is :

• constructible: the developer will have first requested a town planning certificate from the town hall, which will confirm that the plot is constructible, the various architectural standards to be respected, the rules governing building density in relation to surface area and other development constraints
• serviced. It can be connected to the main roads and networks.
• bounded. The plot of land you are about to buy will have been marked out by an expert surveyor, using boundary markers. This demarcation will reassure you for the future. No one will be able to challenge the boundaries of your plot!

On the other hand, you'll have to comply with the specifications and regulations of the subdivision, which will govern construction.

If you opt for a detached plot, you'll have a little more freedom to build as you like (within the limits of local planning regulations), but you won't have all the advantages of a subdivision. You'll have to take care of all the formalities (demarcation, building permission, etc.).

Marie-Christine MENOIRE