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BUYING LAND
The following additional criteria to assess during the viewing process include :
The aspect of the land and its views :
• Is a scenic view important to you , or would you be content with a more sheltered and protected aspect ?
• Where does the sun rise and set ? The accessibility and the incline :
• Consider the lie of the land – without the benefit of existing infrastructure , visualise the ease of accessing the property or landscaping a garden , if it is situated on a very steep piece of land .
The measurements and topography of the land :
• Ensure the accuracy of the stated size of the property , and that boundaries and other features are clearly marked .
• If access is provided by driving across an adjoining lot , a Right of Access will be required . Similarly , establish what rights neighbours have to cross the property you ’ re considering ?
• Find out who maintains the roads and what your pro-rata share of the cost might be .
Subsoil examination :
• What ’ s beneath the surface ? The stability , composition and condition of the ground will need assessment .
• You could spend a fortune removing tonnes of rocks , and / or digging into bedrock for foundations and laying utility cables ; and it is simply not advisable to build on swampland .
• Forewarned is forearmed ! To prevent potentially costly surprises , engaging the services of professionals ( including a civil engineer ) is strongly recommended .
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