Selecting the right property/land

When buying land or property for development, a purchaser should take various steps to ensure that it is suitable for the type of development they have in mind before committing to purchase it. This will include ensuring that the land is not Contaminated land, is connected to the public sewer and drainage systems and that there are no physical or legal reasons which would impede the development in any way.

It is also important to undertake a physical inspection of the site (Checking the site).

There are also a number of different types of purchase agreements (Property contracts) available which may be used depending on the particular circumstances.

Construction

Planning permission is nearly always needed before the building work commences (Land & building work). A number of procedures have to be followed to obtain planning permission. A successful application may be made conditional upon certain matters being undertaken to the satisfaction of the local authority. If the application is denied an appeal may be possible.

Usually there are a number of different parties involved in a development and the relationships between them can be complex. Even the simplest of developments would usually require the services of an architect, structural and/or quantity surveyor and the building contractor. However, there may be other parties involved such as sub-contractors and suppliers who may have an impact on the success of the development.