Proceeding from part 1 we have assistance in this article from a local architect to give you some more insight into buying land and developing a project.
When buying any piece of real estate choosing the right location is important, whether it is for personal use or investment.
When choosing a location, it is important to feel comfortable with it – the views, the neighbourhood and the surrounding areas are all factors which can play a crucial role.
Choosing a location is a personal thing and people will have a different approach and feeling when viewing land.
From the inclination to where the house, pool and gardens will be created to the views. When buying land, these factors will have to match up in order to create a successful project.
Once you have found a location you like you will need to find a plot which will allow for construction.
Take into consideration that there is a fair bit of paperwork needed – there are various restrictions on, for example, size, height and where the house can be built on the plot.
Yet most of these things will actually make sense if you think about it.
Then there are variations between local council rules and different approaches to a plot located near the ocean or miles inland.
For example, the Algarve is fairly restrictive when it comes to developing houses right on the ocean front – they have seen the mistakes made in Spain over the years so they want to keep construction density at a low level.
Yes, restrictions are a hassle but it has helped prevent real estate from taking a nose dive over the last few recessionary years.
Once you have identified a piece of land you are potentially interested in you will have to find out what the soil classification is and what you can actually build.
An architect can check the location and according to the master plan available for that region find out what exactly you can, and more importantly can’t, do on the land.
Please do understand there are many variations in classifications of the land, all with their own pros and cons.
From plots located in urbanisations to agricultural plots (RAN) to plots located in ecological protected areas (REN) to a mix of for example RAN+REN, just to name a few.
Most plots will have a project or viability in place to accommodate the sale and together with your architect you can then decide if particular plots suit your needs.
In the next article we will discuss the design of the project and paperwork involved.
Sources used: architect Antonio Pinto, contact [email protected].
