Buying Land to Build on

Visitors to the site may have noticed that we have put up a couple of examples of plots of land for sale.  Here at TPB we are finding that more and more clients are coming to us asking if we can locate for them a plot of land rather than an already built house.

It seems to us that there are several reasons for this.  Of course the main one being that you have complete freedom (subject to planning permission) to design the exact house of their dreams.  There are no developers’ constraints and you are free to have the rooms in the colours, sizes and designs you choose.

There are now number of reputable architects and builders in the Eastern Algarve who can turn a project like this into reality.

Another move is towards self-build.  As in the UK we are seeing more and more talented DIYers taking on the task of building their own home.  There is a huge amount of satisfaction to be gained in knowing that the home you live in was built by your own hands.  One thing to bear in mind though is that to do this you would have to register yourself with the local authorities as a builder.  Additionally, as in the UK, electrics and plumbing must be checked by a qualified person.

If you are interested in plots of land there are (as always in Portugal) a few points to bear in mind.  Make sure that, if the plot does not already have planning permission, it will be possible to obtain this.  As in the UK, planning here is a minefield.  We can only recommend that you take professional advice.

Building work can take time in Portugal.  Be prepared for everything to take just a little bit longer than you thought it would.  Suppliers will be late, builders will disappear for a couple of days, materials will be wrongly ordered.  Sorry but that is the way it is!! Take a deep breath, relax and be safe in the knowledge that it will all be finished.  

Of course if you do go down the “build your own route” a lot of these problems will be avoided.

If you are interested in a land only purchase please do not hesitate to get in touch.  With our local knowledge we just might be able to find you the perfect plot.