Offered land

sjoyce87

So to my complete shock, my grandfather has offered me a plot of land to build a house (was never looking/expecting him to offer it)
Now obviously as this is a complete shock it also means I have no idea how it works with regards the process..
Like how does the process start?? Roughly how much would it cost me to complete the process of getting it in my name?? (He won't be charging me anything, say the land is valued at 50/60k)
The land is located in meath and I'll be taking the bare minimum of land needed (probably half an acre)
Anyone point me in the right direction of information would be greatly appreciated..

rayjdav

If the idea is to build, before you go down the line of solicitors etc to change over the land you need to be sure your not inheriting a dead duck... Do pre-planning to see if you will actually get permission first, then apply for planning and only then do you go about the process to change over the lands. As land owner he only has to give you written permission at that stage to apply for the planning. Otherwise you might be stuck with a field of absolutely no use to you.

Pkiernan

As for the site, Stamp Duty at 6% is payable.

Additionally Gift Tax will apply at 33% of the site value above the €32500 exemption between grandparent and grandchild.

Pkiernan

As for the site, Stamp Duty at 6% is payable.

Additionally Gift Tax will apply at 33% of the site value above the €32500 exemption between grandparent and grandchild.

sjoyce87

rayjdav wrote: »

If the idea is to build, before you go down the line of solicitors etc to change over the land you need to be sure your not inheriting a dead duck... Do pre-planning to see if you will actually get permission first, then apply for planning and only then do you go about the process to change over the lands. As land owner he only has to give you written permission at that stage to apply for the planning. Otherwise you might be stuck with a field of absolutely no use to you.

Yeah planning wouldn't be a major concern, I've lived on the road for the last 12 years, both sides of my family have lived on the road for 40/50 years, my dad built on it 12 years ago and there are numerous houses built on it, so couldn't see it being a problem.. and the plot he is offering me is located beside and across from two new builds, but the information about applying for planning first is useful, so that would mean first port of call would be an architect??
Edit: just realized you said pre-planning.. so that just means I send in forms saying I want to build a house in this area and basically will it be a waste of my time applying.. just need a map of the location?? And fill out the forms??

JoeA3

There’s no “forms” as such. Yet.
You just need to contact the local planning office and request a pre-planning meeting. That meeting will be very informal. You’ll meet one of the planners. Show them (on map) where the site is. They’ll give you a general idea of whether you’re good to go or not. It can take a while to actually get that meeting though, not sure what Meath is like but it can take months in my area.

It’s likely you’ll need to substantiate a local housing need? For that you’ll really need to prove your ties to the area. Birth cert, proof you attended the local school, letter from local GAA club etc. If you grew up in the area and your parents still live close by to the site then you should be ok.

You don’t absolutely need to engage an engineer / architect for the pre planning but it can help to have one with you at that meeting. They can help ask the right questions. Indeed, if you engage a local engineer now, who knows the area well, they’ll be able to assist you a lot, they’ll be able to tell you if you’re chances of getting planning are reasonable or not.