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How to build your dream home abroad: key stages and challenges

How to build your dream home abroad: key stages and challenges

How to build your dream home abroad: key stages and challenges
  • How to build your own house: steps and tips for successfully completing the project
  • Why is adhering to local building codes so important for successful projects?

Building your own house

Some people, unable to find a suitable housing option in the foreignreal estate market, decide to build a house on their own. This choice may seem challenging, but it offers the opportunity to create a home that fully aligns with personal preferences and desired lifestyle. Building a house involves several key stages:

1. Acquisition of a land plot

The first step is to acquire a plot of land. In many countries around the world, Russian citizens have the right to purchase land for residential purposes. However, in some situations, legal nuances may arise that can complicate this process. For example, in the following countries:

  • LithuaniaRussians can only purchase real estate through a legal entity.
  • LatviaThere are restrictions on land ownership for foreigners in border areas.
  • Turkey,Bulgaria,Montenegro,CroatiaSimilar legal restrictions apply, requiring different legal forms for purchasing.

In addition, in some countries there are areas where construction is prohibited. Before making a purchase, it is crucial to ensure that residential buildings can be erected on the land in question.

For example, in Austria, each plot of land is assigned a specific status, and there are categories of land designated for agriculture or forestry, as well as protected zones where construction is prohibited. In some situations, it is possible to reclassify a plot of land into a construction category, but this is not always feasible. Strict restrictions apply in Tyrol and Vorarlberg, as well as in the vicinity of major cities like Salzburg and Innsbruck.

2. Obtaining a construction permit

The next step is to obtain building permits. Some plots of land may be sold with existing permits, which generally increases their value. For example, inCroatiaThe presence of all necessary documents can increase the price of the plot by up to 50%. However, most often, plots are put up for sale without the required documentation, and in this case, you will need to gather all the necessary permits on your own.

To do this, it is necessary to present a house project to the local authorities, which has been created in collaboration with architects and engineers. This is especially convenient when the project is developed by a team that will then be responsible for the construction, as they are motivated to obtain all the necessary permits.

Final remarks

It is important to remember that careful planning and adherence to legal norms are the keys to successfully completing the construction of your home. During the preparation process, it is essential to consider many factors, including local laws, the state of natural resources, and the conditions for future living. One should not forget that the quality and safety of the finished housing also depend on the qualifications of the workforce and the integrity of local contractors.

Considering all the mentioned stages and nuances, building your own home can become an important and successful project for realizing the dream of the perfect living space.

The significance of local building codes and standards

Specialists in the field of design must have a deep understanding of the specific requirements for constructing residential complexes in each particular region. For example, when designing villas inTuscany, it is essential to consider local architectural traditions, which include stone facades, clay tile roofs, and exposed wooden beams.

Similar principles apply in Austria, where, for example, strict rules prohibit painting buildings in arbitrary colors in border areas with Germany and Switzerland.

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Strict restrictions in Europe

In most European countries, the construction process is subject to strict laws and regulations, and it is not allowed to build structures on plots that exceed the maximum limits set by local legislation. For example, in France, each municipality has developed an urban planning document (le plan local d'urbanisme, PLU), which establishes the land occupancy coefficient (le coefficient d'occupation des sols, COS).

This coefficient indicates the maximum area that can be built relative to the total area of the plot. If an increase in living space is planned, it is necessary to ensure that it complies with the established COS. Detailed information can be obtained from the local administration where the construction work is planned. It should be noted that in some environmentally oriented projects, exceeding construction and landscaping standards by 30% may be permitted.

Special conditions in Austria

In Austria, land plots for residential construction, especially in areas with high population density, are also subject to special restrictions known as the building coefficient (Baukoeffizient), which is recorded in the land registry. When purchasing a plot that already has a residential building and intending to construct another house, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the imposed restrictions beforehand.

  • If the specified construction coefficient is 40%, it means that on a plot of 10 acres, only 4 acres can be built on.
  • Even if all 10 acres have the status of "land for construction" (Bauland).

The situation in Spain

As for Spain, the situation here also requires a careful approach. As Esteban Batie, president of Mas-Spain Luxury Properties, noted, "The government of each autonomous region develops its own land laws, and local authorities create a unique urban planning plan (PUM/PUOM), which must first be approved at the city level and then at the regional level."

  • This plan outlines which plots of land can be developed and which cannot.
  • Establishes land use regulations (for example, for hotels, residential complexes, or other facilities) and the level of density and height of buildings.

The importance of adhering to standards

Thus, especially considering all these aspects, designers and architects must strictly adhere to local construction guidelines and legislation to avoid unpleasant surprises during the project implementation. Otherwise, their plans may conflict with legal restrictions, leading not only to construction delays but also to a significant increase in costs.

Therefore, understanding the specifics of urban planning requirements becomes critically important for the successful implementation of construction projects in European countries. It is essential for all participants in the construction process, from designers to investors, to recognize the importance of adhering to these regulations in order to minimize risks and ensure the smooth completion of projects.

How to build your dream home abroad: key stages and challenges

Conclusion

Building your own home is not just a challenge, but also a unique opportunity to create a space that fully meets your desires and needs. Despite the difficulties associated with purchasing land and obtaining building permits, many people take this step, as the chance to realize their dreams of the perfect home is worth it.

Careful selection of a land plot

First of all, creating housing requires careful selection of a land plot, where all legal aspects are reliably considered. Even in countries where foreigners have the right to purchase land, there are certain prohibitions and restrictions. Ensuring the legality of construction on a given plot is a top priority for any potential developer. Moreover, knowledge of local regulations, including style requirements, urban planning, and building coefficients, will help avoid unpleasant surprises and protect your investments.

Choosing a qualified team

It's important to remember that the successful completion of a construction project doesn't depend solely on administrative aspects. An important factor is also the selection of a qualified team.

  • architects
  • engineers
  • builders

These specialists will assist not only in the project development but also in preparing all the necessary documents. As practice has shown, working together with professionals who are familiar with local standards greatly simplifies the entire process.

Result

Ultimately, building your own home abroad requires effort and patience, but the result can exceed all expectations. It is an opportunity to create a unique space for living and relaxation that will not only be a cozy nest but also a reflection of your individuality. Therefore, if you have decided to build your dream home, be prepared for the fact that this journey will take time, but in the end, it will bring you incredible joy and satisfaction.

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