See how to check if a plot of land is buildable. Learn how to use the Local Land Use Plan, check land records and the Land Registry.
Buying a plot of land for our dream house is a big decision, on which many factors depend during the construction and later operation of the building. To choose the right one, we need to conduct a meticulous analysis and familiarize ourselves with basic land regulations.
In order to avoid costly problems, it is important to make sure that the selected property actually meets the conditions for a building plot. Is it adequately connected? Is there access to utilities? Is the land not under environmental protection? Or does the land require de-landing? All these questions and many more are worth asking before signing a purchase and sale agreement.
In Poland, there are strict regulations on the classification and use of land, which affect the possibility of building a house. Lack of knowledge of these regulations can lead to a situation in which an investor learns about obstacles only after purchasing a plot of land. Therefore, before deciding that a particular plot of land is the one for our single-family house construction and deciding to buy it, it is worth contacting a professional who will give a final opinion.
What is a building plot?
A building plot is nothing more than land that meets certain conditions that allow for the construction of buildings. According to the Law on Spatial Planning and Development, it is a land property or part thereof, the geometric features of which, access to technical infrastructure and compliance with the local zoning plan or zoning decision allow the construction of buildings in compliance with the regulations.
We can find the definition of a building plot in the Law of March 27, 2003 on planning and spatial development:
For a plot of land to be considered construction, it must meet several criteria:
Size and shape
The plot of land for construction must be suitable for the planned project. Plots that are too small, as well as irregular, oddly shaped plots, may prevent the realization of a particular house project or may require additional, sometimes costly, arrangements. The minimum area is specified in the Local Development Plan. It is not only about the area itself, but also its dimensions.
Access to public road
This is a prerequisite, since every building plot must have access to a road, whether directly or by establishing an appropriate road easement. The access road to a public road can be either paved, asphalt, concrete or unpaved.
Development of the plot
Adequate development of the plot is a requirement. Access to utilities such as electricity, water, gas or sewerage greatly facilitates and speeds up the time of implementation and reduces the subsequent costs we have to incur when developing the land. However, in order to call our plot a building plot, it must have the possibility of connections to technical infrastructure or to technical infrastructure facilities.
Compliance with local laws
The land must be designated for development in the Local Development Plan or have a positive zoning decision. The designation of the plot can also be found there.
Legal and registration status
The plot should be free of legal encumbrances, such as mortgages, use restrictions or ownership conflicts.
Its classification in the land and building registry is also an important aspect. For example, agricultural or forest land requires special procedures for deforestation or land clearing before it can be used for construction. It is also crucial that the land is outside environmental protection areas, which could prevent the project from going ahead.
What is a Local Development Plan (LDP)?
We have already mentioned the term MPZP. This is a document that specifies the purpose of the land and detailed rules for its development. Thanks to it, you can find out whether a plot of land is intended for residential, or perhaps agricultural or industrial development. There you will also find information on the permissible types of development, the maximum area of development in relation to the owned area of the plot and the minimum biologically active area.
Importantly for our future construction, the Local Development Plan will also include specific architectural guidelines, such as the type of roof or the height of the building.
How to check if a plot of land is buildable?
One of the most important steps in verifying the status of a plot of land is to check its designation in the Local Development Plan (LDP). It is this document that determines whether a property can be zoned for development. The Law on Spatial Planning and Development assigns municipalities the responsibility for developing and adopting the Local Land Use Plan, which means that all land use decisions are within the authority of local governments.
What if the plot is buildable, but it is not in the Local Development Plan? In this situation, we are left to apply for development conditions.
We can check the land use of a plot in three ways.
How to check the status of a plot of land in the land registry?
The land registry is one of the most important documents to check before buying a plot of land. It is an official register kept by the land and mortgage court, which determines the legal status of the property and contains key information about it. With this document, you can make sure that the plot is not mortgaged, has no third-party claims or any other restrictions that could affect its use.
Nowadays, access to land records is extremely easy thanks to Electronic Land Records (EKW), which can be viewed at ekw.ms.gov.pl. To check the status of a plot of land:
Find the land register number – This consists of three parts: the district court code, the book number and the check digit. You can get this number from the seller or find it in the land plot documentation.
Go to the EKW website – Open Electronic Land Records portal.
Enter the book number – Type it in the appropriate search field and click “Search”.
Review the information in Section I – In Section I of the ledger you will find details about the location of the plot, its area and any restrictions on its use, as well as the plot’s intended use.
How to check the status of a plot of land at the office?
Before buying a plot of land, it is crucial to ascertain whether it can be developed, that is, whether it is a building plot. To do this, visit the relevant municipality or district office, according to the location of the property.
In the municipality or city office, in the department dealing with spatial management, you can find out whether the plot of land is covered by the LSDP and what zoning has been specified for it. If the plot is not covered by the plan, in the office you will obtain information on the procedure for obtaining a zoning decision.
In addition to land use, a building plot must meet other requirements, such as access to a public road and the availability of utilities, including water, sewer, electricity and gas. Detailed information on this can be obtained from the county district office by reviewing the land and building registry, as well as from the county surveying and cartographic documentation center, where technical infrastructure data is available.
How to check the status of a plot online?
In the digital age, more and more information can be obtained without leaving home. Thanks to tools such as geoportal or platforms with open spatial data (e.g., e-map), you can check the designation of a plot of land yourself online. To do so, all you need to know is the exact location data of the property:
plot number,
The cadastral precinct (village name or number),
the registration unit (municipality),
district.
After entering this data in the geoportal’s search engine, you can access the zoning map, which provides information on the plot’s designation. Once you have familiarized yourself with the designations and colors used in the spatial plans, you can assess whether the selected plot of land is intended for development.
These tools make plot verification simpler and faster, avoiding unnecessary paperwork and saving future investors’ time.
Let me help you
You already know how to check whether a site is a building plot. However, the process can seem complicated, especially for first-time buyers. That’s why it’s a good idea to enlist the help of experts who will guide you through every step – from verifying the plot’s designation, to analyzing the Local Land Use Plan, to design and construction formalities.
Energetic Project is a general contractor that will comprehensively handle the implementation of your project. Our team of specialists will help you verify the status of the plot, assess the availability of utilities, and advise you on documentation and permits. With us you will avoid unnecessary stress and unforeseen problems.
Trust our experience and professionalism – we’ll make sure your dream home is built quickly, efficiently and in accordance with current regulations. If you have questions or need support, contact us today! Together we will create a space that will become your dream place on earth.
