Build a million green belt homes, urges think tank
Telegraph.co.uk 17/04/2006
Tories build on green belt The Times 09/02/2006
Building on Green Belt rises by 60pc
Telegraph.co.uk 28/12/2005
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions
• Is land really a good investment?
The short answer is - yes. The long answer is that the end value of your investment depends on many factors, including general appreciation of value and changes in the status of planning rights. Very large profits can be made by purchasing land that does not have planning permission and then holding on to it for several years until it (most likely) gains planning permission.
• How long will it take for my land to be granted planning permission?
Nobody can answer that question for sure, but the current process requires local authorities to review planning designations at least every three years. One of the biggest advantages of buying from Landex is the expertise we bring to selection of land sites. We specialise in offering sites that have the right conditions and the highest likelihood of receiving planning permission in the future.
• How much financial gain can I really make from my plot?
Again, nobody can tell you that for sure. But according to a December 2005, article in The Times, 'At present the value of a piece of undeveloped land can increase tenfold once planning consent is granted.'
• Isn't it risky to invest in land?
Investing in land does have some risk, of course, just as any other investment. It is less risky, however, due to the nature of land itself. Unlike shares or other "paper" investments, land is a real, tangible asset. Land is also a finite resource - that is, there is no more of it being made. So as the supply goes down and demand goes up, the value goes up too.
• Why don't your plots have planning permission already granted?
We specialise in plots without planning permission because these pieces of land have the greatest potential for providing you with a significant financial return.
• If planning permission is not guaranteed, then why should I even consider buying your land?
Unlike many of our competitors, our plots have been carefully evaluated by a team of experienced land investment professionals. We do not offer any property for sale if we do not think there is a good chance of it generating a substantial return on your investment.
Remember too, that over time the value of land eventually tends to appreciate because that is just the nature of real estate. It is a limited quantity commodity that generally goes up in value as demand increases.
• How big are your plots?
Our plots vary in size and shape, but they are generally large enough to hold at least a 3 bedroom house. You can see specific information about plot dimensions by clicking here to visit our Land For Sale page.
• Once I buy a plot, who really owns it?
You do. If you pay cash for the entire purchase price then the Freehold Title and Deeds are registered in your name. If you use our 12 to 24 month interest free financing option, the Freehold Title and Deeds are held by Landex until you make your final payment, at which time they are registered in your name.
• Is this much like buying or selling a house?
The process is exactly the same. We use the same type of process, the same type of paperwork, and the same land registry deeds are completed.
• Do I need my own solicitor to handle the transaction?
You may involve your own solicitor if you wish, but it is not a requirement. Many of our clients handle the paperwork themselves because it is so easy to complete. In either case, we supply all of the necessary documentation and work closely with you to answer any questions you (or your solicitor) may have.
• Do I get the actual deeds to my land?
If you pay cash for the plot, then yes. If you use our interest free payment plan, then we hold on to the deed until your final payment is made, at which time it is delivered to you.
• Can I sell my plot anytime I want?
Yes.
• Can I sell my plot to anyone I want?
Yes.
• Do I have to pay you a fee when I sell the land?
No. Unlike some of our competitors, we do not add any clawbacks or other clauses to our sales contracts. Some other companies do this so they can receive a percentage of the profits when you ultimately sell the land, but not Landex. We do not believe this is appropriate.
• If I am not British, can I still buy land from Landex?
Yes. Foreign nationals do not face any major restrictions to buying land in the UK, regardless of whether they live here or abroad.
• Can I buy land and put it in the name of my minor child or grandchild?
Yes, but any subsequent legal decisions about the land will have to be made by an adult until the minor comes of age.
• Can several people pool their money to buy a plot?
Yes. There have been cases where 4 family members have all put their money together, and bought a plot. Naturally they all wanted their names on the Titles, and this is easily done with Landex.
• Can I take out a loan to buy a plot from Landex?
Yes, but you are usually better off using the Landex 12 to 24 month/0% interest payment plan. Check with your bank or your solicitor to be sure.
• Do I need to take out insurance on the land I purchase?
You do not normally need insurance for your land.
• Are there any hidden or ongoing charges?
There are no hidden or ongoing charges when you buy land from Landex. The plots are sold at the price we advertised, and we do not charge a penny more. Land Registry charge £40 to change the name on a register to the new owner, and the only other possible cost will be your own solicitors fees should you wish to use one.
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