7. Environmental Restrictions and Hazards
Environmental concerns are becoming increasingly important when buying land. Some factors to check include:
- Flood zones: Research whether the property is in a flood zone. This could affect your insurance rates and the safety of your home.
- Protected areas: Ensure the land is not part of a protected area or nature reserve. Building in these areas may require special permits or could be outright prohibited.
- Contamination: Check if the land has been exposed to environmental hazards, such as chemical contamination or the presence of asbestos. Conduct environmental assessments to ensure the land is safe for residential use.
Ignoring environmental concerns can result in costly mitigation and potential legal issues.