What should you review before buying a lot to build on?

1. Title and property records

Review available registry and cadastral information, boundaries, area, easements and relevant annotations. If documents do not match the physical site, clarify the differences before closing the purchase.

2. Planning rules and buildable capacity

Check permitted uses, setbacks, height, site coverage, development indices and other applicable conditions. The fact that neighboring properties were developed in a certain way does not guarantee the lot can be developed in exactly the same manner.

3. Access and utilities

Verify legal and physical access and the availability or alternatives for power, water, wastewater, gas and communications. In rural areas, these conditions can materially change the investment needed to make a house feasible.

4. Topography and site shaping

Steep slopes can affect siting, excavation, fill, retaining work and accessibility. A reliable survey helps estimate how the architecture can adapt to the terrain.

5. Environmental or infrastructure constraints

Depending on the property, stream setbacks, planned roads, utility corridors, protection zones or other restrictions may apply. These conditions should be checked with the relevant authorities and professionals.

6. Feasibility before committing to the purchase

Using the available information, prepare a preliminary view of buildable area, siting, technical needs and investment range. A feasibility review cannot remove every uncertainty, but it can identify major incompatibilities before purchase.