If you’re a developer eyeing up land for your next big project, there’s more to consider than just location. At Amphlett Lissimore, we regularly act for developers at every stage of the property development process – from the initial land acquisition, through planning agreements and construction finance, to the final sale of the newly built properties.
Here are our five essential tips to help ensure your land purchase sets you up for development success:
1. Planning Permissions and Policies
Before you commit to a site, consult with an architect or planning consultant who understands local planning policies. Planning procedures vary between councils, so understanding local precedent and gaining planning insight is critical.
Also factor in and obtain specialist advice on additional costs like the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and Section 106 obligations. These can include contributions toward affordable housing, infrastructure upgrades, or other local improvements.
2. Due Diligence and Site Surveys
Before buying land, conduct comprehensive site surveys such as environmental and topographical assessments to understand the site’s viability. These are often necessary during the planning stage.
We can also order property searches on your behalf, including:
- Local authority searches
- Highways reports
- Environmental checks
- Utilities searches (drainage, water, gas, electricity, fibre, etc.)
Specialist reports may also be needed if there are concerns like contamination, which can complicate development.
3. Accessibility and Title Review
Ensuring legal access to the site is crucial. Some plots abut public highways, while others may rely on private roads. We’ll investigate rights of way and whether increased usage due to development could pose legal issues.
We also check for restrictive covenants – legal limitations that might block your intended development or affect your ability to sell or secure finance.
4. Infrastructure and Utilities
Does existing infrastructure support your development? Determine whether existing utility connections (water, electricity, gas, broadband) are sufficient or if you’ll need to obtain the necessary consents for new connections and/ or relocate existing supplies. Separate agreements may be required by the relevant utility bodies, which could make the site more costly.
In some cases, you may also be required to fund or contribute to road improvements or new transport links as part of planning conditions.
5. Finance
How will you fund the acquisition and build? Whether you’re considering bridging finance or long-term development finance, our team is experienced in managing both.
Commercial Property Solicitors for Developers
At Amphlett Lissimore, we understand the complexities of land acquisition for development and offer practical, proactive legal support from start to finish. If you’re looking to purchase land for your next development project, get in touch with our specialist commercial property solicitors today.
About the Author
Shannon Hartland is a solicitor specialising in Commercial Property matters. Based across our offices in Crystal Palace, London Bridge, and Battersea, Shannon can act for developers across a range of property development services.
