What will the land cost? That question is just like asking how long is a piece of string? Land costs are difficult to advise on as national variations are too great. Even within a distance of just several miles, prices can double. This is normally due to the fact that when buying a house it's "Location, Location, Location". The only major consideration we recommend to any self builder who is looking for land is always consider your overall budget and the local value of the neighboring properties. It is not a good idea to build the most expensive property in your area.

If you can afford to spend a little more on the land then this is a sound investment since you can always build that garage or finish the garden later when you have the funds, but you can not move the house to a better address. If financial gain is the main object then this option should be a serious consideration.

Check the prices regularly so that if a plot comes on the market you instantly know if the price is reasonable or not. Unfortunately as Self Build has become more popular and less plots are available (specifically in certain areas) then the vendor asks more for the single plot. It's the old situation of supply and demand that is constantly pushing the plot prices higher.

Finally, on a personal recommendation, if at all possible do not go looking for land that you can fit your house design on. It could make finding land very limiting and difficult. By all means have an idea of the style and size of dwelling, but a good architect or designer could probably still design your ideal home on a plot that you may of considered to narrow or too unusual a shape.

Have faith, be consistent and keep looking eventually you will find what you are looking for.

Keep an open mind, if land is scarce, consider an existing dwelling to knock down and rebuild, this can and often is a sound way to get that plot, especially if the building is in vast need of repair and the asking price reflects that.

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