Buying a site

Buying a Site

Building your own home is exciting, and choosing the right site is an important step in this process. Here’s your guide to buying a site in Ireland:

Start by researching potential locations. You should research the accessibility of the local community and available support services for individuals with disabilities. Consider factors such as accessible public transportation, nearby healthcare facilities, and availability of disability-friendly amenities when choosing a neighbourhood. The Planning and Development section on your local authority’s website provides important information about zoning and future development plans.

Evaluate the site’s topography, soil quality, and potential for future development. Consulting with a local architect or surveyor can provide insights into the site’s suitability for construction.

Depending on the location you may need to carry out a Flood Risk Assessment, or an Appropriate Assessment. If the site is near a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or a Special Protection Area (SPA), an Environmental Impact Statement would need to be prepared. It’s worth getting advice on these, because they can be costly to prepare and may prohibit building.

Check with your Local Authority on the zoning of your site. The zoning will give you an indication of what will be permitted. Each Local Authority will have a development plan and maps indicating the zoning of your site. You can also look at neighbouring sites to see if planning permission has recently been granted. Each Local Authority has an online record of planning applications. You can search by keywords or by map. This will help you understand what is allowed in the area and will strengthen your case, if you’re building something in keeping with the scale of the surroundings.

Each local authority has a planning application form and checklist on their website, that you can download. These will list all the documents that you need to submit for a valid planning application.

As part of your application, you will need to submit scaled drawings. An architect, engineer, architectural technician or technologist can help you to prepare these. An architect would also help you maximise the potential of your site and its orientation, giving you better quality spaces in your home.

If there is an existing house on your property, you can build an extension to the rear of up to 40 sq metres, subject to restrictions. This is called exempted development. Please refer to the planning guidelines for more information.

Engage with a solicitor to make sure you receive clear title deeds and accurate boundary information. This step is important for avoiding legal complications during the purchase process.

Confirm that the site has suitable access to roads and necessary utilities such as water, electricity, and sewage systems. Check with local utility companies for availability and connection processes.

Explore eco-friendly building options, for example, renewable energy sources and water conservation. Sustainable living is becoming popular in Ireland, and including these features can add value to your property and reduce the costs of running your home.

Set a realistic budget that includes not only the site purchase price but also the potential development costs. This should cover architecture and planning fees, construction expenses, and a contingency for unforeseen costs which may arise.

Investigate financing options suited for land purchases and home construction. Research and communicate with banks and financial institutions that specialise in self-build mortgages.

Engage with architects and designers who have experience in creating bespoke homes. Their expertise can help you maximise the potential of your site while meeting planning and building regulations. They can also help plan flexibility so that your home can be adapted to your needs over time.

Hiring a professional site surveyor ensures accurate measurements. This can identify potential issues early in the process and let you make required adjustments.

Negotiate the best deal for your chosen site. Be aware of comparable sales in the area. This can strengthen your position during negotiations.

Your solicitor plays a crucial role in the purchasing process. Ensure all legal aspects, including contract reviews and due diligence, are addressed before finalising the deal.

See separate section on Building a Home.

Evaluate the site’s suitability for accessibility features such as ramps, wider doorways, and level thresholds to accommodate individuals with mobility impairments if this is something that you will need.

Consider how close the site is to public transport options that are accessible for individuals with disabilities.

Ensure compliance with local disability regulations and building codes to guarantee that the constructed home meets accessibility standards.

Verify that the planned construction aligns with guidelines such as the Building Regulations Part M in Ireland, which address accessibility and useability for people with disabilities

Incorporate universal design principles into the architectural plans to make the home accessible and useable for people of all ages and abilities.

Consult with architects and designers who are knowledgeable about universal design concepts to create a home that accommodates diverse needs.

Include adaptable housing features that can easily accommodate changing needs. Having reinforced walls means that grab bars can be added where they are needed. Have extra electrical spurs means that features, such as door openers or motorised blinds or adjustable wardrobes can be installed, if needed. You can also consider adjustable countertops in your kitchen, for ease of use.

Discuss with architects and builders the potential for future modifications to your home, to meet evolving accessibility requirements.