Did you know that not all land is automatically suitable for building? Whether or not a plot of land can be built on depends on a number of criteria, both material and legal. In this newsletter, find out what conditions must be met for a plot of land to be considered suitable for building, and how you can check these criteria before making a purchase.
Definition and buildability criteria
Building land must meet specific criteria. First of all, it must be physically capable of supporting construction, i.e. it must be stable and accessible. Secondly, it must be connected to essential networks such as water, gas and electricity. Finally, and most crucially, it must be legally permitted for construction according to local urban planning documents. These documents include the local urban development plan (PLU) or carte communale, available from the town hall.
The difference between building land and building land
It's important to distinguish between building land and land suitable for construction. A building plot is ready for immediate construction, being bare and serviced. A building plot, on the other hand, may require additional costs for demolition or servicing. For example, a plot of land may be connected to the essential networks, but require administrative procedures to obtain building permits.
Constructibility check
To check whether a plot of land is suitable for building, it is essential to consult the town planning documents available at the town hall. The local urban development plan (PLU) or carte communale will provide you with the necessary information. What's more, requesting a certificat d'urbanisme (planning certificate) is an essential step. This document will tell you which planning regulations apply to the plot, and confirm that it is suitable for building. You should also take into account the cost of servicing, which can vary according to the size of the plot and its proximity to existing networks.
In short, for a plot of land to be constructible, it must be physically suitable, connectable to essential networks, and legally authorized for construction according to town planning documents. Before investing, be sure to consult the local town-planning plan and request a town-planning certificate to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
