Frequently Asked Questions

Q. If land is such a good investment, why isn't it more popular with financial advisors and private investors?

A. Green field land has not been available on a plot by plot basis until recently. Changes to the law have facilitated the process of sub-dividing large tracts of land allowing companies such as Plott to offer smaller and affordable pieces relatively easily. In essence, a whole new market is being created and as time goes by this asset class will become the foundation for most successful portfolios.

Q. Will it get Planning Permission?

A. We cannot guarantee if, or when, planning approval will be granted. However, we concentrate on Greenfield land in prime locations, in areas given priority by the government for additional house-building.

Q. Why buy land without planning permission?

A. The aim of Plott is to make as much profit as possible through property investment. Land without planning permission can be bought incredible cheaply, representing the best value for investment via the biggest margins in this industry.


Q. Size of plots?

A. They vary according to price and all conform to government specifications regarding size.


Q. Red Tape?

A. Current housing pressures are sweeping many of these away. Government is keen to ensure enough adequate housing at affordable prices for potential voters. Building new houses is one way of achieving this. Legislation recently enacted has streamlined the whole process making it speedier and flexible. Council planning reviews have been shortened to every three years in some, and four in others.


Q. Why are the local people and councils often upset by the proposed development?

A. The UK is currently experiencing a massive housing shortage and more and more land is needed to accommodate these homes. This can be a very political issue and many local people are fiercely protective of their much-loved surrounding green areas. Having said this, the fact still remains that there is a housing shortfall and Plott sites are always in locations ear-marked for growth.


Q. What is the Local Plan, and how might this affect my plot?

A. Planning laws are continually changing to meet the demands of our housing needs. A recent change has been to make the planning system quicker and more flexible. Land will now be considered for allocation to residential development every three years instead of five. And in cases of a significant housing shortfall, it can be considered every 12 months.


Q. Are there any site maintenance costs that I may incur?

A. No. Unlike many land agents, Plott cover any costs that may be incurred in relation to their sites, providing you with complete peace of mind.

Q. Can I use my own builders, or build myself?

A. We do not suggest that you enter this investment with the expectation of building your own home. If our site is re-zoned, you can negotiate with a developer to build you a house within the overall scheme design in an agreed suitable location.

A developer may be happy to do this as it would gurantee a sale and avoid them having to buy your land. Obtaning planning consent for a single dwelling on the site is very unlikely and we do not recommend you enter any investment such as this if that is your ambition.

Q. What are the title deeds?

A. These are legal documents detailing the specifics of the land and who is the owner.


Q. What is the difference between outline and detailed planning consent?

A. If outline-planning consent has been granted, this means you have permission to build upon the land. Detailed planning consent relates to the specific type of property you want to build, i.e. type of brick, windows, number of rooms etc.


Q. What is an Article 4 notice?

A. An Article 4 helps to preserve the look of the land prior to development, and prevents individuals from erecting fences etc. around individual plots without planning permission.


Q. What is the UDP? (The local authorities Unitary Development Plan)

A. The UDP's Purpose: To identify the need for housing and what kind of housing is required, i.e. social, private where and how much building should take place.


Q. Do I need a solicitor?

A. Unlike a bricks and mortar property purchase, a solicitor is not essential however, some people prefer to use a solicitor for their own peace of mind. Using a recommended solicitor who already knows the sites and concept is advisable as this can save you a lot of time and money. The law Society ensuring that your best interests are their only concern regulates all solicitors. The solicitors recommended to Plott customers are a large, established and well-respected legal practice. For more information, please contact Plott.


Q. Can I use my own solicitor?

A. Yes you can. Plott are happy to deal with any solicitor of your choice, however you must keep in mind that a solicitor that has no knowledge of the concept or the sites on offer, may take considerably more time to complete. As a result, this can mean you incur unnecessary additional legal costs for yourself.


Q. Can I sell my plot?

A. Yes you can. You own the freehold title deeds to your land and may sell it at any time.


Q. Will the plot increase in value before it gains planning permission?

A. Yes, over recent years land has continued to increase in value. On average, land values have increased by 15% per year over the last 10 years. Given this recent history, it is reasonable to conclude that even without planning consent the value will continue to rise significantly.


Q. What surveys and/or checks have been carried out on the land?

A. A full legal and environmental search is carried out on every site offered by Plott. This ensures that each site fits all necessary criteria to be suitable for residential and commercial development.


Q. What is PPG3? (Planning Policy Guidance 3 : housing)

A. Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) sets out the Government's policies on different aspects of planning. It provides guidance on a range of issues relating to the provision of housing. It replaces the 1992 version of PPG3. Recent and proposed changes to PPG3 reflect the Government's recognition that private house builders are central to it's key objective to build more homes. And it also addresses the issues of planning for sustainable communities in rural areas.


Q. What is a Section 106 agreement?


A. A Section 106 agreement of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990, allows a local Planning Authority (LPA) to enter into a legally binging agreement (planning obligation) with a land developer over a related issue. The obligation is sometimes termed as a "Section 106 Agreement."


Q. What is the Site Owners Community (SOC)?

A. The Site Owners Community is a collective group of investors that have purchased land with Plott. A new community is created for each and every site, providing members with regular access to information, updates and news as to the progress of their investment sites. This services is completely free of charge to all of Plott's customers.


Q. How much of a return should I expect to make on my investment?

A. This figure is based on the current market values only and not a projection of how much it may be worth in 5 or 10 years. All plots offered for sale by Plott are sold at approximately 10% of their current market value if planning consent had already been approved. Taking into account the general inflation, the real return over a five to ten year period could be significantly higher.


Q. What are the tax implications when buying land?

A. Plott is not legally qualified to advise on taxation matters. If you have any questions or would like more information, we recommend that you speak to the tax office directly or seek professional advise from a trusted accountant.