What to look out for when buying a plot

THE ACCELERATED switch to remote working over the past two years, and the resulting migration from big cities to smaller country and coastal towns, is driving a significant increase in the number of people who are buying stands and building their own homes.

But finding the right stand is more complicated than most people think, says Gerhard Kotzé, managing director of the RealNet estate agency group.

In addition to affordability considerations, he says there are other factors that prospective stand buyers need to take into account before they start planning their dream home.

These include:

The slope:

A steeply-sloping stand on a mountainside or shoreline might provide a dream view but you need to be prepared for the fact that there are significant extra costs involved in excavating, piling and building on such a site, and in the measures necessary to ensure the safe drainage of storm water.

The drainage:

In general, Kotzé recommends that buyers avoid low-lying land where water will pool – no matter what assurances a developer or builder might give about modern construction techniques and materials obviating the risk of rising damp.

Future development:

Consider the effects of future development in the surrounding area and what type of properties your neighbours will be allowed to build.

You should also take care to find out about plans for any new shopping centres, schools, medical facilities or offices close by that could mean there is a lot more traffic in the area.

Prospective stand buyers need to take into account a number of important factors before buying land on which to build their dream home. PICTURE: BENJAMIN DAVIES/UNSPLASH