[Olly]

Originally Posted by DOG

If you want to know if land is likley to gain a permission then this is simple, ask the local council and you will get a reply !

I am in planning and we have public documents that clearly show where the development boundaries are. We also have staff available to advise the public if a piece of land is likely to gain planning permission or not. Although the planning system is forever changing you should get a clear idea of the councils need for land to cover the demand for the next ten years.

Land banking is very risky and even if the land does get permission developers often want to pay rock bottom prices and do not want to deal with 10s or 100s of sellers on 1 parcel of land. If just one owner goes missing and cant be contacted the whole development can be affected. I have seen a small strip of land in front of a car park hold up a development just because the owner could not be found !! All other investors would be affected as a result, and the developer would simply look else ware for a piece of land. Most local developers have already identified possible future sites and will have made contact with the owners long before a land banking company comes knocking!!

If you want to sell real estate then find a company who is well established and let them know you are interested. I am sure they will give you a commission only deal and help train you to a high standard. Well motivated people are always hard to find!
Good luck.

Of course you're right 'Dog'...

Least in the uk but most of this item is centred on overseas land ownership issues which, generally speaking, is a lot more hazardous.

As for the training of agnets aspect; sadly very lacking and little or no incentive to improve at this time. The NAEA is definitely keen on people being trained up to an acceptable standard. However, experience suggests a Regulatory Body is established to both police brokers & agents. Preferably in a positive manner but where supsicious or criminal activity is clear, make certain the law investigates and have a fund to compensate those damaged by an agents actions.

Classes on Ethics are also necessary alongside the Principles, Practice & Law pertaining to Real Estate. And, as a separate category Overseas Real Estate too - by Country & Region. Only those suitably qualified should then be permitted to practice in these markets. It's a great way to forceably raise standards.

Makes everyone a lot better informed about their subject area whether it be on a local basis in say, Birmingham or say, Turkey. The differences are not legion just different and sometimes wider than people perceive.

Best of good fortune wherever and whatever you buy or sell property...

Olly