First Self Build - Basic Advice

[tjredding]

Hi all,

 

I'm hoping those experienced veterans out there can just check our thinking here and suggest anything we've forgotten!

 

We are considering buying a plot, which originally had outline planning for 3 houses, changed to 2 after consultation. Our original idea was to partner with a timber-framed developer, split the plot, they build a large house on our bit, and a slightly smaller one on theirs.

 

However the quote for getting mains water to the plot was rather eye-watering (£110K) and along with some charge that applies to them (CIL charges?) the developer has been scared right off. We are wondering now if we can buy the whole plot ourselves and get water another way (a borehole, or there is literally a river running past the site). The ball park quote for gas was high (£10k) so I can see we are going to pay quite a bit to get utilities to the site.

 

I know the seller was originally hoping to get £400k for the 3-house site, and that they are likely to accept less. Given the high services costs, the fact we are just building one house and the fact we can pay cash quickly we were planning to offer £250k. There's also the twist that they want to keep some of the land as an access road and they are going to need a wider road than that shown on the outline planning documents, so there is a need for negotiation and compromise here.

 

Build costs are a big unknown, but probably £400-500k. It's possible we end up with a house that is not quite worth what we've paid for land+services+build, but that wouldn't be the end of the world as we will have out perfect house in the perfect location. Can you veterans see any flaws in this plan? Are there any other costs/factors we've not considered?

Is it normal to say 'we will pay you £X, assuming we get planning permission/borehole is possible/sewage processing thing is allowed'. I guess we would have to pay for planning and any tests needed and there's nothing to stop them hiking the price. Should we get a proper contract drawn up?

 

Any thoughts very welcome!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[nod]

I’m trying to get started with my second self build 

I’ve put in an offer this afternoon for a plot wit planning for two But will only build one large house 

There are issues with a private road we need for access 

So may need to pay the owner or apply for a different route in 

It will all cost extra Along with bat bird newt and soil surveys 

and professional services 

All to pay for before you get out of the ground 
Often the price asked bares no resemblance to the worth of the plot I’d start negotiations low 

as you can always go higher 

 

Many on here are all electric 

With modern technology this is often a good option 

So forget the gas 

With such a big plot adding a treatment plant and waste water should  be quite cheap 

The Cil you can normally apply for exemption 

 

[NSS]

I think if it was me and I could afford to, I'd buy the plot and build the "2nd" house first, live in it for three years (so as to comply with CIL exemption) and build the home you really want on the best bit of the plot (by mortgaging the other one if necessary), then move into that and sell the first built. I know, it sounds simple but...