Building plots

[Turnip]

Hi,

Does anyone know if it is possible to buy a plot of land and then engage a specialist firm to supply, deal with planning applications and erect an off the shelf designed house?

Is this method cheaper than buying "Off plan"?

[BJSLIV]

In most parts of France away from the biggest towns the normal way is to buy a plot and then to tour the local developers to see what they have to offer. Most areas have a number of builders who offer their interpretation of the local style, and will quote you a more or less inclusive price for the package. its worth watching the more or less bit, as the extras can soon mount up.Its an interesting way to go about things, and the additional costs are far more controllable than with a renovation project.

[Michelle28]

All I can tell you is that we have done just that.  I first saw a plot in August 03 and agreed to buy it there and then, it was all done through an agent in London.  The agent then appointed a builder and between all parties, planning permission etc has all been sorted. I hope!  We just keep signing lots of bits of paper!  The agent helps with translation etc.  The builders are a large national company and I am cautiously confident in the whole process.  completion is expected around October so, in all it will have taken more that 2 years.  The agent is paid by the Builder.  No doubt I have been charged for this.  So far we have been very happy with it all but I suppose that the jury is still out.    I have been over to France a couple of times to sort out what we want.  We do realise that not everything will be perfect but we have no choice as we live a long way away.  As for cost, I can only go on what I have been told.  Hopefully for a cost of about 180,000E we will have a 4 bedroom, 3 bath house in a plot of 1200sqm, in Normandy.  The land was expensive as its on the edge of a golf course and very close to the sea.  We definately could not afford that in the uk as a second home.

Good luck

Michelle

[Turnip]

Thanks for replies so far - perhaps I should make it clear that I am not seeking a "second home" but a retirement property.

I had seen TV programmes where a person buys a plot of land and the house (timberframe etc) is brought onto site and bolted together. Other designs consisted of wooden frame and old fashioned limne plaster etc.

[Alexis]

You can certainly buy a plot of land but it will depend on 'factors' as to the design of your house.

I would think the first would be if you were near a Monument Historic...which could be the Church door for example.  If you don't have problems with this, the Maire will be the next obsticle (sp!)  If he doesn't like your house plans it will be no.  Some are more adventurous than others but some will ask that the house should be in keeping with the others.  Of course, if you are in a wooden chalet area, you won't have any problems.

Saying that, a wooden house was built near me only recently and not far away there is a round one.  Just like a spaceship!  That has been there some time.  It is in wood too.

[Piprob]

I know I've said this several times on the site. Go for it! Do your homework first of course, but do not be too anxious. It wastes so much time.

The plot we bought 3 years ago has already more than doubled in value. The house we had built could be sold even in current conditions for rather more than it cost to build. And for us it was not a speculative venture. Like you, we actually want to live there.

Although we produced our own plans, all part of the fun of doing it, our builder would have been entirely happy to repeat any one of several charming house he had already built in the area.

Good luck.

[Turnip]

[quote]I know I've said this several times on the site. Go for it! Do your homework first of course, but do not be too anxious. It wastes so much time. The plot we bought 3 years ago has already more than...[/quote]

Thanks Piprob and all others who replied. Now for some serious research