5 minute read
Property-Howtofindaplot
10 expert tips by self-build specialist Michael Holmes
Finding a plot is the number one obstacle for people wanting to build their own home, according to a recent report from the National Custom and Self Build Association (NaCSBA). 1) Patchwork Plot: Assemble a site from smaller parcels of land such as ‘infill’ plots from the ends of two or three adjoining gardens. 2) Future Vision: Don’t discount a site you like just because the current planning permission is for something you don’t want to build. You can vary the existing permission or make a new application. 3) Team Building: Small sites for 2-5 houses are often easier to find than single plots - consider forming a self-build group with friends of family. 4) Land Databases: Try www.plotfinder.net 5) Register of Interest: Going through the planning records of previous applications for single dwellings in your chosen area may lead to a plot. 6) Grow Your Own: ‘Garden grabbing’ has become politically sensitive but it’s still a good route.
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7) Widen The Net: Plots are harder to find than houses, so looking further afield to improve your chances. 8) Call My Agent: Work out which local estate agents specialise in land and development and stay in touch with them. Regular contact will ensure they know you’re serious. 9) Boots on the Ground: Ask in local shops, pubs, and on building sites if there are any plots for sale. Use maps and Google Earth to search for hidden potential. A ‘map search’ via HM Land Registry will reveal the owner’s details if the land is registered. 10) Brownfield Land: It takes imagination to see a disused industrial unit or a scrap yard as the site for a beautiful home, but ‘brownfield land’ can have potential - always take advice before buying. Michael Holmes will be speaking at the London Homebuilding & Renovating Show 30 Sep – 2 Oct ExCeL London E16 1XL Get 2 free tickets at: www.london.homebuildingshow.co.uk/pr-SussexLocal
Property of the month
65 John Ireland Way, Washington, RH20 4EP £450,000
Situated on the David Wilson development built circa 2015 and having access to walks to nearby Sandgate Park is this delightfully positioned two bedroom semi-detached home. To the ground floor is a cloakroom, sitting room with bay window and fireplace, good sized kitchen/breakfast room leading out in to the conservatory. First floor, there are two double bedrooms, and family bathroom. Outside, there is off-road parking leading to the garage with overhead loft storage. The rear garden is a delightful feature with several shrubs and flower borders, with pathways and patio seating areas. Fowlers: 01903 745844
Help to move forwards with Cubitt & West
It is said that buying or selling a house is one of the most stressful activities one is likely to experience among all the other trials and tribulations which will be thrown our way over the course of a lifetime. Even a seemingly straightforward sale or purchase can be thwarted by unforeseen delays, issues with searches, gazumping, finance problems to name but a few. Enlisting the services of a knowledgeable and professional estate agent can moderate the process to a certain extent. Sussex Local spoke to Martin, the Branch Partner at Cubitt and West in Pulborough about his approach to all aspects of house purchase, sale or rental. He told us that being part of the largest independent estate agency in the South East gives him the
It is of the utmost importance he explained to market each property to its fullest potential, and to this end he always employs a property specific professional photographer - and in many cases a fully immersive Matterport virtual reality tour. Matching a buyer to a property which will fulfil Largest independent estate agency in South East their aspirations is a goal for Martin and his team. To ensure that clients have every opportunity to make contact the sales hub is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm and evening and weekend appointments can be arranged to fit in with customers' busy lifestyles. The housing market is often volatile; it is wise to seek guidance. Cubitt & West, 89 Lower Street, Pulborough RH20 2BP. Tel 01798 875151 cubittandwest.co.uk-estate-agent-in-pulborough
Moderating life's most stressful event advantage of an extensive database of buyers. Living and working locally gives him a close local affinity with clients, many of whom he has assisted with more than one sale/purchase. The importance of marketing Extended opening hours
pulborough@cubittandwest.co.uk cubittandwest.co.uk 01798 875151
Your update to the Pulborough area housing market
The last year or so has undoubtedly been very busy for the property market, with prices climbing and plenty of anecdotal evidence of buyers fighting over homes across the area. During this time, I’ve agreed many more sales “off market” than usual, the majority of which have been at asking price or above. With the recent interest rate rises and ongoing cost of living concerns, we were bound to see some levelling of house price inflation eventually. With supply continuing to outstrip demand, I’m still seeing really healthy activity across all price ranges but now from fewer, more focused prospective buyers than previously. I’m also starting to see more price reductions than we’ve all become used to, typically after a property has been exposed to two of three weeks of proactive and extensive marketing, both online and to buyer databases. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It means that the heat has finally been taken off the market, giving prospective buyers and sellers breathing space to fully consider their moves and to ensure that they choose the right, not just any, property to purchase and/or the best person to sell to.
If you’d like to know more about how I can help you to achieve a move within this changing marketplace, please call me or one of my team today.
- Martin Lundy-Lester
Our fresh approach led to these successes...
BILLINGSHURST WEST CHILTINGTON PULBOROUGH
Sold to the first person who viewed, and at an excellent price. This property was on the market with another agent for 58 days. With our great marketing strategy, it has now SOLD stc. Sold ‘off market’ to a family who were on our extensive database.
