NSBRC Guide to Finding Land and Appraising a Plot - 6th February 2026

This extensive in-depth and informative course will delve deeper into the challenging world of plot hunting to give you the expert advice and knowledge you need to find, and determine the suitability of your ideal plot.

Our How to Find Land & Appraise a Plot course is delivered by Independent Project Manager, Mark Stevenson.

Having worked as a builder and construction professional for almost 30 years, Mark Stevenson, now helps self-builders build their own homes. Whilst Mark describes himself as a ‘professional builder’ as a result of his career in house building and timber systems manufacturing, he has specialist knowledge of timber construction and extensive expertise in finding land and appraising building plots.

What will the course cover?

Why are plots hard to find?

• The Right to Build legislation

• Competitors in land buying

• Understanding the competitor advantage

How to get started

• Understanding the difference between land and a building plot

• How much land do you really need

• What to look for when looking for a plot - different plot types

• Plots to avoid

• Specialist planning policies for exception plots

Top 20 ways to find a plot

• Case study examples

• How to identify plot ownership

• Replacement dwellings

• Replacement dwelling appraisal / Checklist

• Custom build plots

• Using online maps and plans

• How to make your own plot

• Live example of using online mapping to find a plot

The plot buying process explained

• Legal considerations explained

• Option agreements explained

• How to assess the viability of a plot

• How to make sure you pay the right plot price

• Plot valuation excel model - live demonstration

Assessing the planning potential of a plot

• Planning appraisals - detailed considerations

• Obtaining pre-application advice

• How to prepare for a pre-application meeting

• Identifying plot construction risks

• Plot construction risks, detailed examples

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher The National Self Build & Renovation Centre