Buying a property in the countryside is a great way to access the wealth of natural beauty in the UK, and to get away from the hustle and bustle of the country’s major cities. But getting the best from a move like this means considering every potential problem beforehand. Let’s take a look at a few key considerations.
Planning Permission and Land Use
When you buy a rural property, you must understand what you’re allowed to do with the land, and what you aren’t allowed to do with it. If you have any grand renovation ideas in mind then you might find them thwarted by planning restrictions. These will be even more stringent if you’re considering property in a National Park or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
If the proposed structure is highly visible and not in keeping with the other buildings in the area, then there’s a good chance you’ll run into trouble. It’s therefore worth establishing that your plans fall on the right side of the rules before you buy the land in question.
Access to Utilities and Infrastructure
When you buy a home in a town or a city, you can be reasonably sure of consistent, convenient access to necessities like mains water, gas, electricity, and the internet. This isn’t always guaranteed in the countryside.
If you plan on working from home you’ll need to check that you have the necessary connections in place. In some cases, you might be able to make the property self-sufficient through solar panels, boreholes, septic tanks and other useful devices.
Septic Tanks and Waste Management
If you aren’t connected to a mains sewage system, a septic tank is a necessity. You need to ensure that the existing tank is fit for purpose and it falls on the right side of the rules. If you buy a tank, and something goes wrong with it, then it might be that you need to take legal action. It’s often worth proactively engaging with septic tank solicitors to make sure that you’re on the right side of the law.
Environmental Factors and Flood Risk
Owners of rural properties will need to consider a very different set of risks to owners of urban properties. This includes the risk of flood in low-lying areas. Make sure that you’ve assessed this risk and that you’re covered by any necessary insurance.
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