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Buying a Home: Land, Infrastructure, and Circulation
Last time, we tackled the challenges of understanding the climate and landscape of the property, but what about the things you can't see? There's plenty to consider when buying a home, from social and economic, infrastructure, and even road access.
Table of Contents
What Social And Economic Factors Affect Home Buying?
The "invisible structures" that affect home buying come in many forms. This section will touch on a few social and economic factors to consider when buying a home or property, including:
- land purchase or lease options
- easements and right of way
- property size considerations
- municipal zoning and bylaws
- neighbors and homeowner associations, and
- access to food.
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.
What About Neighbors? Is There A Homeowners Association?
When you are looking to buy, examine the properties that are directly around you. Are you purchasing a home in a cul-de-sac, or are you looking for something a bit more rugged with potential miles between you and your nearest neighbor? Occasionally, a resident may have to pay into a homeowners association when living in a subdivision, planned community, or condominium. Knowing the benefits and restrictions before moving in will help guide you to what sustainable features you may be allowed to add to your home.
Are There Any Local Markets Nearby?
Living a more sustainable lifestyle can extend from the home to the local markets and shops. But how far will you have to commute from your home to purchase from these stores? Locations that you plan to frequent regularly, for example, a market or workplace, are preferably within biking (or other forms of active transport) distance from the house. By placing these features closer, trips can be made more efficiently with a smaller impact.
How Do Road Access And Circulation Affect Home Buying?
Roads and circulation can affect the overall flow of your day, both on and off the property. Ill-placed paths can take valuable time out of your day depending on your home or homestead's size. So what are some things to consider when looking at the overall flow of your property? Be sure to ask these questions:
- What are the access points?
- Do roads and paths allow for easy vehicular and pedestrian access?
- Is there additional storage, and if so, are they conveniently located?
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.
How Do Existing Buildings and Infrastructure Affect Home Buying?
When you buy a home, you want the building to be in working order. But other areas like paved surfaces, fences, and utilities are considerations too. The present infrastructure of a property at the time of buying can save you money or quickly become a financial burden. Be sure to:
- get your home inspected and check allowable uses
- examine fences and gates
- check the state of the paved surfaces
- look for power and gas lines, and
- find out where snow accumulates.
Building Condition and Use
When looking to buy a house, inspecting the home to ensure it is up to code is commonplace. But be sure to look for additional features that may affect the overall quality of the house. For example, if you're buying a larger property with an older home on site, how long ago was it used? Does it already have a well and septic? What is the state of the foundation? If a home on the property is in disrepair, it will require resources and potential waste removal. And while it is best to repair and recycle what you can, always be sure to put your health and safety at the forefront.
Why Should You Think About Zones Of Use Before Buying A Home?
Understanding the boundaries of your property gives you knowledge of how to maximize the use of every square inch. But, of course, this doesn't just mean the property lines, but also the locations that receive the most and least daily activity.
Tanner Sagouspe
Tanner Sagouspe has a Masters in Environmental Management and is a Permaculture Designer who promotes tackling the climate crisis at home.
