The Complete Guide to Finding a Plot

When you decide to go down the route of buying a plot of land for your new home, you will instantly find yourself in a bit of a race. There are other self-builders, small builders, people working in the development industry and even ‘land finders’ who specifically find and buy plots of land. That means you need some tactics to help you find the plot you want.

Top tips for finding the right plot

Discover some top spots for a potentially perfect home…

Using all these resources is an important part of your search but you need to know what you are looking for. Here are some top spots for a potentially perfect home:

• Between and behind houses – easy to get planning permission and often good access to roads and utilities
• Houses of a similar size and quality – may be worth buying, demolishing and rebuilding
• Disused land and brownfield sites – even old petrol stations can become great plots

Don’t have too many preconceptions

When you start hunting for a plot, it is important to keep an open mind. Many people fail in their search because they won’t compromise—they have a precise vision of what they want. This is good, but you also need flexibility because the chances of finding exactly what you want can be slim.

If you have specific requirements about where you will live, this limits your options. But if you know the kind of house you want, but not the exact location, you have more choices. Also consider the combination—traditional villages rarely grant permission for ultra-modern houses in the centre.

Understand plot types

There are lots of different types of plots out there. A plot with packaged planning permission is ideal, but you don’t need to limit yourself to these. You may find hidden plots behind estates, or older houses that can be bought, demolished and rebuilt in great locations.

Look at maps

Use Google Maps and Street View to spot potential locations that may not appear in listings. Sometimes the perfect small plot doesn’t show up on search platforms.

Know the area

If you have a preferred area, get to know it well. Don’t pick too large an area or you may spend more time researching than making progress.

Check out land listing agencies

Land listing agencies can be very useful. Plotfinder.net is one example, alongside specialist agencies that gather land information from private sellers and estate agents. These services can quickly highlight potential sites.

Also look for estate agents who handle land and register your interest with them.

Go to the planning department

Planning applications—approved or declined—are all listed on the local authority’s Planning Register. Recent outline applications for single houses are especially useful. A plot is rarely advertised before planning approval is granted.

If you find an application, contact the applicant or agent to see if the plot will be sold. Also look at upcoming changes to the Local Plan to spot emerging opportunities.

Sign up with estate agents and auctions

Find agents who specialise in land and register with them. Auctions can also be a great source of plots—sign up to be notified of upcoming events.

Don’t hesitate to chase estate agents—they’re busy and may need reminders.

Tell everyone you are searching

Use your network—friends, family, social media, tradespeople, builders. You never know where a plot lead may come from.

Don’t worry about current plans

If a plot has approved plans you dislike, don’t panic. Developers usually apply for safe designs to guarantee approval. You can often upgrade or revise the permission later.

Check out custom build schemes

Custom build developments often release serviced plots suitable for self-build homes. These can be ideal locations offering more flexibility than traditional developments.

Get to know professionals

Self-build companies, architects and land professionals may know about plots before they hit the market. Just be sure there are no obligations attached before engaging them.

Professional land finders are another option—mainly used by larger firms, but still worth approaching.

Viewing a plot

Always view a plot in person before making decisions. Check access, size, services, and the surrounding area.

Please check out our Oak self-build home kits for inspiration.

Last updated: 26 November 2025