WE are all aware of the housing shortages in the South-West.

Demand massively outstrips supply and with the average house price in the South-West being seven times the average wage what hope is there for our children if they want to remain in the region?

One option that clients are increasingly considering is whether their gardens can accommodate a building plot, either for their offspring to buy and build on, or to be sold to a third party, thereby freeing up money to assist their children with buying a home.

In deciding whether this could work for there are many factors to consider - here are some of the most important ones.

 

Development: An architect should be able to advise whether your garden could comfortably incorporate a new build. If your property lies within the development boundary of your village or town, and not within a conservation area, then there is a good chance you may be able to secure planning. Remember neighbours may object.

 

Access: Who owns the land over which access will be required from the public highway to get to the plot? If you will be relying on the consent of a neighbour then be aware that there will usually be a price attached to that. Even if your neighbour is willing to provide their consent at no cost there will be legal fees on both sides as well as payments to third parties like the Land Registry and any mortgagees of affected land. If the access way is across your own land and you want to keep it then think about who will be responsible for its upkeep.

 

Services: Such as water and drainage. These can be extended from your own home but it’s arguably preferable for them to connect direct from and into main supplies. If service pipes and cables are to be shared then the conveyance should define who is responsible for their upkeep.

 

Privacy /Enjoyment: Agreeing a maximum building height and positioning of windows can be dealt with at the planning stage – and you can request that things are made conditions of planning approval – but do remember that planning policy can change. Also consider what will happen when the plot is sold to a third party. You may want to impose restrictions on the land itself, which your property will benefit from to ensure your privacy is maintained.

 

If you would like to discuss any of the above please contact Joanna Knight on 01823-337636 or send an e-mail to jo.knight@everys.co.uk