Building land checklist

Checklist for buying building land abroad

Buying building land abroad can be attractive, but it is often more complex than buying an existing apartment or villa. This checklist helps buyers review ownership, zoning, buildability, access, utilities and local restrictions before considering land in Bulgaria, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Croatia, North Macedonia or Kosovo.

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General orientation

Land is not just an empty plot

With building land, the main value lies in rights, restrictions, access, infrastructure and future approval. A beautiful location can still be unsuitable if ownership, zoning, utilities or planning rules do not support the intended use.

This checklist is for general orientation only. It does not replace local legal, tax, notarial, cadastral, technical, architectural, planning, insurance or property management advice.

Checklist

Questions to structure before buying building land abroad

Before considering

Before considering building land

Define your purpose: private villa, second home, small project, development, long-term holding or business use.
Understand that land rules differ strongly per country and region.
Check whether the land is actually suitable for your intended use.
Never assume that land for sale automatically means buildable land.
Be extra careful with coastal, rural, mountain, agricultural or protected areas.

Ownership

Ownership and cadastral checks

Who is the legal owner?
Are cadastral records complete and up to date?
Are boundaries clearly registered?
Are there co-owners, inheritance issues, claims, mortgages or restrictions?
Does the plot size match the official records?
Is the seller authorised to sell?
Are there restrictions for foreign buyers?

Buildability

Zoning and buildability

Is the land classified for building?
What type of building is allowed?
What maximum size, height, density or footprint is permitted?
Are there minimum plot size requirements?
Are coastal, heritage, environmental, agricultural or forest restrictions relevant?
Are planning documents current and officially confirmed?
Can the intended project be approved locally?

Access

Access and infrastructure

Is there legal road access?
Is the access public, private or shared?
Are electricity, water, sewage, internet and drainage available?
Are connection costs known?
Is the road usable year-round?
Are there easements or access rights that must be documented?
Is the land suitable for construction equipment and delivery access?

Permits

Permits and development process

Which permits are needed before building?
Is an architect, surveyor or engineer required locally?
Are local planning authorities involved?
What is the expected process and timeline?
Can the buyer apply for permits as a foreign buyer or through a local structure?
Are there risks that permits may be refused?
Are there local fees, infrastructure contributions or development charges?

Technical

Technical and environmental checks

Is a land survey needed?
Are slope, soil, drainage, flood risk or landslide risk relevant?
Is geotechnical investigation needed?
Are there protected trees, habitats or environmental restrictions?
Is the plot suitable for foundations and construction?
Are retaining walls, access roads or earthworks required?
Are there neighbouring buildings or boundaries that affect the project?

Costs

Costs and financial planning

Purchase price
Transfer taxes and registration costs
Lawyer and notary costs
Surveyor and architect costs
Permit and planning costs
Utility connection costs
Road and access improvements
Construction cost estimate
Maintenance before development
Possible taxes or local fees

Risks to avoid

Do not treat land as automatically buildable

Assuming land is automatically buildable

Buying without cadastral review

Ignoring zoning or land-use rules

Underestimating utility connection costs

Not checking legal access

Relying only on seller statements

Buying agricultural land without local advice

Paying before permits and ownership are clear

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How BSP can help

BSP can help structure the orientation process, compare countries and regions, prepare the right questions, shortlist suitable land opportunities and identify which local specialists should be involved before moving further.

BSP does not replace local legal, cadastral, planning, architectural, technical, insurance, property management, tax or financial advice.

Next step

Use the building land checklist before you reserve, sign or pay

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FAQ

Questions about buying building land abroad

Is buying building land abroad more complex than buying a house?

Often yes. Land requires extra checks around ownership, cadastral records, zoning, buildability, legal access, utilities, permits and local planning rules.

Can foreigners buy building land in every country?

No. This depends on the country, buyer status, land type and purchase structure. Local legal and tax checks remain necessary.

Does land for sale always mean land can be built on?

No. Buildability must be checked locally through official zoning, planning and permit information.

Do I need a local lawyer?

Yes. A local lawyer or qualified legal specialist should review ownership, restrictions, contracts, buyer status and transfer conditions before signing or paying.

Should I use a surveyor or architect?

Often yes. Surveyors, architects, engineers or planning specialists may be needed to review boundaries, access, slope, soil, utilities and development feasibility.

Can BSP guarantee that land is buildable?

No. BSP cannot guarantee buildability, permits, zoning outcomes, future value or resale. Local specialists must verify the facts.

Does BSP provide legal or planning advice?

No. BSP provides orientation and structure only. It does not replace local legal, tax, notarial, cadastral, technical, architectural, planning, insurance, property management or financial specialists.