BUYING LAND FROM A NEIGHBOUR TO BUILD A HOUSE

A neighbour selling off part of their garden can be the ideal solution for a self-build plot, but it comes with caveats

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When the search for a self-build plot seems fruitless and frustrating, have you considered looking closer to home? Buying land from a neighbour with a generous garden is a popular option, when and where it's possible. This approach to finding a plot comes with advantages, such as knowing the area, not having to move far - just a matter of metres, therefore saving money and stress - and you can stay on site to supervise progress.

THE PROS OF BUYING GARDEN LAND

Purchasing a garden plot from a neighbour can make sense if you feel confident enough to build a new house in the neighbourhood you already live in. It's a familiar location, close to friends, social activities and, if you have children, their schools. And you already know the neighbours.

'Buying land from a neighbour has obvious advantages,' says Dominick Brown, director of buying agency Prime Purchase. 'So much of buying land to build on boils down to location, and by investing locally in an area that you understand and know well allows for a great degree of comfort.

'Doing a self-build project on land purchased from a neighbour allows you to understand the position and location fully, as well as having a feel for aspect and local noise, and so on,' he continues. 'Being close to “home” will ensure you don't lose local friends and connections by moving out of the area. What's more, if you are building on the plot, you will be close to the works and be able to supervise accordingly.'

It's less risky, Dominick adds, than tracking down and buying a piece of land to build on in what he calls a 'fringe area' you're unfamiliar with: 'This will always come with potential concerns over the land's suitability for a potential building project, as well as questions over its value in the long term.'

WHAT IS THE DOWNSIDE?