Further Checklists For Homestead Shopping

When looking at land, make sure you address the following right off the bat:

• Are there any toxic wastes on the property? Old dump sites?

• Are you downhill from a polluting chemical-using farm or factory?

• Are there any intrinsic assets within the property? Gravel quarry? Sand pit? Pottery clay? Mining possibilities? These can be instant business opportunities, or at least reduce the cost of constructing your own homestead.

• Consider flood risk: How likely is it to flood? Where did the last 100-year flood high-water mark end? Would you be completely underwater? Is the house in danger of flood? How would a flood affect your operation? (It might not if you have sufficient high land to move livestock out of danger and your house is above water.)

• Consider fire risk: Is there a potential issue with bush fires? If so, is it possible to put in firebreaks? When was the last wildfire in the area? If there is a wildfire, are there emergency services close by to assist you?

Once you find a plot that you like and meets your criteria, think about the following:

• Is there any construction on the land? If so, what condition is it in?

• Are the buildings or any existing infrastructure of any use to your farm plan? (Don’t buy property just because it has a building on it if it’s of no use to you.)

• Are these buildings located in the most suitable area?

• If the building is located at the top of a hill with great views, consider the downside. Water may have to be pumped up to the house, costing you energy.

• Would it be cheaper or better for your plan to buy empty land and construct what you need yourself?