[Arclite]

Hi

When we get there we are thinking of buying a section.

Questions:

- Does a section have a separate deed ?
- Does it usually have services to the boundary ?
- Does it usually already have planning permission granted ? or do you buy the section and apply yourself ?
- If you have to apply yourself how complex is the planning permission process ?
- What is the difference between a section and a sub-division ?
- Anyone on here done it ?

Any help you guys can give, much appreciated

cheers

Arc

[adamsat]

We haven't bought one ourselves but this is our understanding:
- Does a section have a separate deed ?
yes, although sometimes you have to wait for them as they can take time to come through after the land has been sub-divided
- Does it usually have services to the boundary ?
I think different councils have different rules on what has to be provided, and also on the minimum size of sub-division or section. Where we are power and telephone have to be provided to the boundary, along with a source of water. I think there is also a rule about the width and type of road access. - Does it usually already have planning permission granted ? or do you buy the section and apply yourself ?
I think both can happen, but I think you will normally have to apply yourself.
- If you have to apply yourself how complex is the planning permission process ?
Again I think this varies by region and local coucil rules. I know it is quite commom for people to build a barn or garage and then live in it while they are building the house. This happens a lot in rural areas on lifestyle blocks as it is quicker to get building consent for a barn than a house.
- What is the difference between a section and a sub-division ? I'm not sure of a strict definition, I can find definition of a section "a sub-division of a block" but not of sub-division? They seem to be used pretty much in the same way.
- Anyone on here done it ? not personally but know lots of people who have and there are a few on the forum.

[NeilV]

anyone have any further knowledge of this issue currently?

[willsken]

We are buying land at the moment. My understanding of a subdivision is when someone sells off part of their garden. We went to look a one such plot but it was too small. That being said there is a subdivision taking place on the land we are buying into 1 acre plots so I'm not too clear on this issue. The land we are buying is outside the town boundaries so we don't get town services. (Water sewerage) but electric and telephone are brought to the boundary. The minimum size of the plots outside the town boundaries is 1 acre. They can be a lot smaller in the town.

[Caroline and Dave]

We have recently bought a section which is part of a subdivision. As from tommorow we own it completely. The whole process took six weeks.
We bought a subsection which is part of a section consisting of 180 acres.
This was divided into 38 sub sections each of an acre with 4 acres surrounding your plot which cannot be built on.
Each lot has power and phone services.
We then had to get a PIM from the council. This contains all the regulations concerning the site. This also reveals any other major developments such as proposed airports,motorways etc.
The regulations for our lot was quite strict but every section is different.
Planning permission is not normally granted before as the council need to know what sort of property you want to build there. You can buy some sections with planning permission but this is usually where the seller has put in plans for a house and is selling the land with approved plans. The disadvantage of this is that you will have to build a house that is not to your specifications unless you submit new plans.As regards other services,gas,water,sewerage etc,this depends on whether you are in a town area or rural. As we are rural we will have to have a septic tank and water tanks. The whole building process and house buying is a lot less complex than in the UK.
If you would like to know anymore please pm us

Kindest regards

Dave and Caroline

[NeilV]

thanks for you detailed and informative posts. I'm sure I will have more to ask once i get there (3 weeks to go! :clap ) and start looking to buy.
:nice1