Important Things to Check Before Purchasing Land

Land purchases carry more document risk than built property, because there is no building to inspect and everything depends on paperwork and access.

Land ownership

Verify the current owner against the deed and national identity documents. Where the land is inherited or jointly held, confirm that every co-owner consents to the sale in writing.

Deeds

Trace the chain of deeds back at least thirty years through a lawyer. Look for gaps, unregistered transfers or conflicting descriptions between deeds.

Survey plans

• Confirm the plan is prepared by a licensed surveyor.
• Check that boundaries on the ground match the plan.
• Confirm the extent stated matches what you are paying for.
• Ask for a fresh survey if the existing plan is old.

Walk the boundaries with the surveyor and the seller present. Boundary disputes are far cheaper to prevent than to resolve.

Road access

Confirm whether access is a public road or a private right of way, that the right of way is recorded in the deed, and that the width is adequate for construction vehicles.

Electricity

Check the distance to the nearest supply line and the cost of extending it. Long extensions can add materially to your build budget.

Water

Confirm mains availability, or test water table depth and quality if a well is required. Also confirm drainage and flood history during monsoon months.

Zoning and development considerations

Permitted use

Confirm the zoning classification, permitted building height and coverage, and any reservation for future road widening.

Approvals

Speak to the local authority about the approval process and timelines before you buy, not after.

Surrounding area

Look at neighbouring land use, planned developments and the general direction of the area. Land is a long hold, so the trajectory of the neighbourhood matters more than its current state.