Property Ownership And Tenure

When buying a home, typically, the purchaser becomes the owner of the house and accompanying land. However, in some instances, instead of purchasing, a person may have the opportunity to lease a property. There are, of course, pros and cons to each. The difference between purchasing and leasing ultimately comes down to the right to change a property within legal boundaries. If a person is a leaseholder, other restrictions may be placed by the property owner, limiting possible changes.

Property Easements And Right Of Way

Before you buy those 100 acres for your homestead at a too-good-to-be-true price, see if the property is hiding any easements and that it includes the right of way to enter. Some properties can be for sale but require the future homeowner to discuss with neighboring properties to pass roads, pipes or powerlines, through with their land first.

Property Size Considerations

It may come as a surprise to no one, but it costs money to purchase a property. Sometimes, buying the biggest piece of property may not be the right solution. In permaculture, we discuss small and slow solutions, which can, of course, also apply to purchasing an urban homestead! If you opt for a smaller plot, you could use the additional capital to jump-start a food forest or install renewable energy to power your home. 

Regulations For Municipal Zoning And Relevant Laws

Just as crucial as property ownership, understanding the zoning regulations and local laws helps guide you toward what a homeowner can and can't add to a property. Researching things like, for example, how many chickens are allowed on a property within city limits provides you with information to influence your future designs. Checking local municipal bylaws should always be done early to ensure that your dreams of what this property could become are legally obtainable.

Access Points

Where do you enter your property? When examining a site, look for different places to access it either by car or foot. Proper road access is crucial, so if your land does not have this, ensure that it is installed correctly and up to the appropriate state or provincial codes. Access points can also mean finding a section of your property that can provide a nice walking trail away from your home. 

Vehicular and Pedestrian Access

As you examine a property for flow, look at the size of the paths and where they lead. Vehicle paths will be the largest, leading to and from the house or garage, but are there other locations they can or need to reach? Cart paths, used for hauling things like tools or your homegrown produce, are narrower than car paths and are doublewide compared to footpaths. Finally, footpaths allow a person to move comfortably and lead into gardens or a particularly restful spot.

Additional Storage: Sheds, Garages and Their Locations

If you're buying a large property, search for present storage sheds and their position in the landscape. What materials would you store, how often would you travel to get them, and what could you add along the way? Asking these questions helps determine the flow of the property and if the current state works for your purposes. Your time is valuable, and it is best to streamline the property as much as possible.