Platinum Author
This article is about things you should consider when purchasing raw land. It does not tell you the best places to make your purchase, but rather discusses various factors so you can make a more informed decision according to what your needs, tastes, and resources are.
Urban versus Rural
When buying raw land, many people consider purchasing plots located outside the city. It is, of course, easier to find large plots in areas that are not less crowded. Furthermore, land prices in rural and semi-rural areas tend to be much lower, so of course a country area will have some appeal for those with a limited budget. However, do consider the fact that building a house or building there might be more difficult, as well, especially if the construction personnel and materials have to be transported from the city. Expect construction to be more expensive than it would have been in a city area.
The issue of your safety in a rural area is also a complex one. Hazards such as pollution and violent crime may be less common in rural areas, but then again, so are large, high-quality hospitals with a wide range of facilities and treatments. If you encounter a health-related emergency, it may be harder for you to get help quickly. If you are bent on living in the countryside, make sure the area has the health facilities that you need, all within a reasonable distance from your home.
Legal Issues
Though the prospect might seem slightly far-fetched, it is possible that you might actually be buying disputed land. This can be a major concern if you happen to be buying land in countries or regions where land reform is still in progress, and/or the rule of law is less certain. Feuds between rival landowners or landowners and tenant farmers can become quite intense, and you do not want to get in the middle of them. This might sound overly cynical, but it may also help to ask someone other than your seller about the political, legal, and social issues in the area, to make sure that the person you are buying from is not hiding unpleasant truths from you. People who are thinking about investing in real estate abroad or in areas about which they know little should keep these concerns in mind.
Now on to somewhat less scary scenarios. Before you buy the plot, or at least before you start building something on it, make sure that you know about the zoning requirements in the area. Contact local authorities to find out about their policies. It would be a shame to be penalized or have your project delayed/halted in the middle because you unwittingly violated a rule.
Try to get "back-up" documents like hazard disclosures and title insurance to make sure that nobody else has a claim on the land, and that you know any dangers or environmental concerns attached to the parcel. For all you know, the area on which you plan to build may be home to an endangered species of plant or animal, in which case you might be subject to severe restrictions, or may be prohibited from building at all.
About this Author
Beverly Manago is a freelance writer focused on the real estate industry. She is also a consultant for My Single Property Websites, a web 2.0 marketing tool that lets real estate agents create stunning virtual tours and single property sites easily, with a free version available for listing presentations. She also contributes to the Virtual Real Estate Brokerage there.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverly_Manago
