Buying land is an exciting but complex journey, and knowing your priorities upfront is the key to finding the right plot. Without clear criteria, it’s easy to waste time viewing land that won’t meet your needs—or worse, buying land that turns out to be unusable for your plans.
For most people, the four biggest priorities when buying land are:
1️⃣ Location – Do you want seclusion, mountain views, access to a water source, or proximity to a town? Your setting will shape your entire experience.
2️⃣ Budget – Setting a firm budget helps you filter your search and avoid costly surprises.
3️⃣ Purpose – Whether you plan to build a home, start a business, or live off-grid, defining your purpose will help determine what land features you need.
4️⃣ Size – More land isn’t always better. The right acreage depends on your goals, budget, and how much land you can realistically manage.
Creating Your Own Priority List
Beyond these core factors, land buying is deeply personal. The best approach is to create your own list of 5–20 priorities or non-negotiable dealbreakers. Think about what truly matters to you—whether it’s access to fresh water, a south-facing slope for solar, or being within a certain distance of a supermarket.
To help you refine your own priorities, I’ve included my personal list below. These are tailored to my goal of creating a campsite or log cabin business in Northern England or Scotland. Your list may look completely different, but using a structured approach like this will help you filter through listings faster and with more confidence.
67 Essential Priorities When Buying Land
To help with your search, I’ve created a detailed list of 67 land-buying priorities. These cover everything from location, infrastructure, and business potential to practical living considerations so you can quickly spot red flags, compare properties, and focus on the best opportunities.
- Planning Permission Potential – The ability to build a home or business structure.
- Land Price Per Acre – Ensuring the cost is reasonable for the area and purpose.
- Size of the Plot – Enough land to meet housing, farming, and business needs.
- Road Access & Legal Right of Way – Ensures you can reach the land year-round.
- Flood Risk & Drainage – Determines buildability and land usability.
- Soil Quality & Suitability – Essential for growing food or keeping livestock.
- Existing Planning History – Previous refusals or approvals impact future applications.
- Distance to Supermarkets & Services – Convenience for daily living.
- Internet & Mobile Signal – Critical for remote work or running a business.
- Water Supply – Access to mains, borehole, or well water.
- Electricity Access – Connection to the grid or viable off-grid alternatives.
- Seclusion Level – Ensuring privacy without being too remote.
- Existing Buildings & Structures – Barns, sheds, or cabins can add significant value.
- Land Classification & Zoning – Agricultural, greenbelt, or open countryside restrictions.
- Topography & Elevation – Flat land is best for building; slopes can limit usability.
- Nearby Industrial or Environmental Risks – Avoiding pollution, power stations, or landfills.
- Ease of Getting a Postal Address – Some plots are unregistered and difficult to formalize.
- Weather Resilience & Exposure – Windy, rainy, or extreme seasonal conditions.
- Crime Rate & Local Community – Ensuring a safe and welcoming environment.
- Access for Large Vehicles – Important for deliveries, construction, or farming.
- Waste Disposal & Sewage – Septic tanks, compost toilets, or mains sewage.
- Mortgageability – Some plots are cash-buy only, which limits financing options.
- Footpaths & Public Rights of Way – Can impact privacy and security.
- Resale & Investment Potential – Could the land appreciate in value?
- Hardstanding & Tracks for Vehicles – Needed for car boot sales, campsites, or access.
- Proximity to Schools & Healthcare – This is Important for families moving full-time.
- Nearby Employment Opportunities – If not fully self-sufficient, are jobs available?
- Tree Cover & Woodland – Useful for firewood, privacy, and biodiversity.
- Wildlife Presence & Restrictions – Protected species (bats, newts) can block development.
- Security & Trespassing Risk – Can the land be accessed easily by strangers?
- Ease of Maintenance – Overgrowth, brambles, or poor drainage can cause issues.
- Fire Risk & Prevention – Woodland areas and dry climates require careful planning.
- Road Surface Quality – Is it paved, gravel, or dirt track? Essential for winter access.
- Tourism & Rental Potential – Could it support glamping, Airbnb, or farm stays?
- Business & Money-Making Viability – Farming, workshops, events, or rentals.
- Caravan or Temporary Living Options – Allows residence while seeking planning approval.
- Hedging & Natural Windbreaks – Protect crops and improve microclimate.
- Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) – Limits tree removal for construction.
- Climate Suitability for Crops & Animals – Frost risk, rainfall, and growing season.
- Nearby water sources, such as springs, ponds, or streams for irrigation.
- Future Expansion Potential – Can adjacent land be purchased later?
- Opportunities for Government Grants – Rewilding, conservation, or farming subsidies.
- Conservation Area Restrictions – Certain areas have stricter building rules.
- Slope Stability & Erosion Risk – Important for hillsides or sloped plots.
- Hunting, Fishing, & Foraging Opportunities – Can you legally harvest food?
- Medical & Emergency Access – How far is the nearest hospital or GP?
- Potential for Renewable Energy – Wind, solar, or hydroelectric suitability.
- Existing Fence & Boundary Markers – Ensures clear property ownership.
- All-Season Accessibility – Can you get in and out in heavy rain or snow?
- Local Noise Levels – Airports, train tracks, or industrial activity nearby?
- Legal Easements or Restrictions – Are there any rights others have over your land?
- Storage or Workshop Space – Useful for tools, business, or farm use.
- Ability to Grow Trees or Specialty Crops – Truffles, nuts, or fruit orchards.
- Available Labour & Support Services – Farmhands, delivery networks, or local tradespeople.
- Covenants or Legal Restrictions – Some land has usage limitations.
- Natural Disaster Risks – Landslides, wildfires, or earthquake zones.
- Potential for Community Engagement – Allotments, farm shops, or local collaborations.
- Ease of Getting Deliveries – Building materials, livestock, or business supplies.
- Wind Energy Potential – Is it suitable for turbines?
- Existing Water Features – Ponds, lakes, or streams for aesthetic or practical use.
- Camping & Recreational Use – Can you legally have campers or caravans?
- Heritage or Historical Restrictions – Some land is protected due to historical significance.
- Ease of Registering a Business at the Location – This is Required for commercial ventures.
- Proximity to Public Transport Links – Important for some businesses.
- Reputation of the Local Council – Some councils are more planning-friendly than others.
- Community & Networking Potential – Access to smallholding groups and rural networks.
- Gut Feeling – Does the land feel right for your goals and lifestyle?
My Personal Land Priorities (Example)
Everyone’s land search is different. To give you a real example, here’s my own list of top priorities. I’m looking for land in Northern England or Scotland to create a campsite or log cabin business, with 12.5+ acres, road access for deliveries, and a mix of woodland and pasture for forestry and agriculture allowances. A natural water source, stunning views, and seclusion with no direct neighbours are must-haves, while I’m avoiding Green Belt, AONB, prime farmland, and flood-risk areas.
This list keeps me laser-focused on the right properties, and I highly recommend you create your own set of 5–20 must-have priorities and dealbreakers.
With the right priorities in place, your land search will be faster, smarter, and more rewarding—helping you avoid costly mistakes and secure land that truly supports your goals. 🚜🌿🏡
Next, we’ll explore what you can and can’t do with your land, so you know exactly what’s possible before you buy.
Core Priorities
📍 Location: North England or Scotland
📏 Size: *** acres
💰 Budget: £***
🏕 Purpose: Campsite or log cabin
Land Suitability & Features
🚫 Must Not Be: Green Belt, AONB, AOSI, Prime farmland (Grade 1-3a), flood risk
🏚 Existing Structure: Barn, old house, or brownfield land to make planning easier
🛣 Road Access: Must allow for delivery of supplies if building a house
🌳 Woodland & Pasture: Needed for fuel, building materials, and land use allowances
⛰ Gradient: At least 2+ acres of flat land or 1 acre with prime views for cabins/camping
🏞 View: Hills, valleys, water, trees
Water, Utilities & Infrastructure
💧 Water Source: Stream, fresh spring, waterfall for swimming, or a water table suitable for well drilling
⚡ Utilities: Electricity required for sauna & Starlink; septic tank acceptable
🏗 Similar Projects Nearby: Search within 1–5 miles for successful tourism businesses
Environmental & Practical Considerations
🏡 No Direct Neighbours: At least 200 ft away
☀ South-Facing Site: Essential for solar energy & avoiding damp conditions
🛒 30 Mins to Supermarket: For weekly shopping and supplies
🐜 Wildlife Considerations: Avoid areas with extreme midges
🌦 Weather: Not too windy or excessively rainy
✨ Minimal Light Pollution: At least 10 miles from the nearest city (check dark sky maps)
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