Building our own home is a dream most of us have. Creating a space that perfectly reflects how we want to live is a true luxury. Having a floorplan that compliments our lifestyle whilst being surrounded by our favourite finishings, be that hand made tiles or hard wood decks, is a project that few get to implement. One of the freedoms of buying in the BVI is that homesites are readily available. If you want a waterfront home where you can snorkel before breakfast or if you prefer to be high up in the hills with expansive views the BVI have got it!

Lloyds Estate – fabulous island views, pricing from $110,000.00

The search for the perfect parcel for your dream home can feel overwhelming. Narrowing down the location is one thing but what factors should determine your choice when deciding exactly which parcel to buy? We asked two recent buyers for their thoughts and considerations during the buying process and building preparations and they very kindly gave these detailed responses:

Buyer One

Profile: Entrepreneurial, under 30, building an investment property (vacation rentals). Purchased in Belmont with views out over Smugglers Cove and across to Jost Van Dyke

When choosing my parcel these factors were at the forefront of my mind…

• Water flow – Be aware of how the water flows through or near the land you are looking at. Look for evidence of where water has flowed in the past; if it has been there before, it will be there again. Consider how your house and driveway may affect that water flow and incorporate drainage with further consideration for excessive flow and possible debris during storms that may clog water flow and cause flooding. In addition, consider how properties above you could affect the flow of water. Overlooking this can lead to years of frustration or considerable additional expense.
• Get surveyed – Many properties in the BVI have been inaccurately surveyed and there are many disputes as to exactly where property lines lie. It is best to have an independent survey, and then to walk the property line yourself to have a proper understanding of exactly what you own, and what is on the other side of your borders.

Views from Belmont, Tortola, BVI

• Driveway – Driveways are a part of your property that you use almost every day. A short stretch of road that you bring one of your more valuable possessions up and down. Driveways in the BVI can be extreme. Whether you intend to live in your house, or rent it out, you should put serious consideration into how steep the driveway will be, where you will turn around, and the width of the road you will be able to build. There will inevitably be days where you have to get in our out in bad weather, in the dark, in a hurry, you are otherwise distracted, or all of the above. If you are renting, tourists will have to get in and out in the dark and/or rain. They are generally not used to the kind of roads we deal with here and they can be downright terrifying for first time visitors. This will affect repeat visits and online reviews.
• Surrounding Properties – Take into consideration the kind of properties that have been built around you. Also consider what might be built in the future. Are they apartment blocks, residential homes, or rental villas? Are there covenants that dictate what can be built? Buying a piece of property only to have a six-apartment building put up above, below or next to you will significantly affect the your property value and possibly your view and air flow. Not to mention the noise and road traffic that comes with apartment blocks. Rental villas can also be risky as people on vacation tend to stay up later and make more noise, however I would consider this less of a risk.
• Covenants & Regulations – Be fully aware of government regulations and local covenants, especially if they are affected by your immigration status in the territory. Regulations like having to build within the first few years of purchase for non-belonger land holders can be problematic for those building on a limited budget. Covenants are generally beneficial to your property value and quality of life. However, depending on who has written them, they can be overly restricting for what you may want to do. Simple things like not being allowed to burn brush will mean that you must carry everything you clear off your property and to the dump. On the other side of that coin however, you will not have to spend weekends breathing smoke while your neighbors do their yard work.

Long Bay Parcels, walking distance to beach, listed at $400,000.00

• Sun & Wind – Take into account where the sun rises and sets in relation to your property, and how the property is affected by the prevailing trade winds. While most people like to be able to see the sunset, the hours between mid afternoon and sunset can be very hot as the sun gets lower and shines straight into the house. Also keep in mind that the position of the sunset and sunrise will change throughout the year by about 40 degrees on the compass, so while you may not be able to see sunset in December, it could be shining straight into your house in June. Breeze can also be problematic. Certain sides of the hills see a lot of breeze, especially in the windier months of December through March and June and July. There are many arguments for and against the sun and wind on each piece of property and in the end this comes down to personal preference and how you plan to use the property.

Buyer Two

Profile: Creative and innovative young family, circa mid 30’s, building a family home with pool. Purchased a parcel on Tortola’s north shore above Trunk Bay and the build is nearing completion. We have lived in the BVI for nearly ten years and after years of renting realised this was our home and we wanted to create a forever family home. These are our top tips for planning the build.

Views from Trunk Bay Parcels. Live Listing is 1.9 acres at $500,0000

• Geology Survey. Have a detailed typography done so you know exactly where you can build and where it might be too costly to excavate.  Knowing about large boulder within the parcel, above ground and if possible below, will help you identify where to build.  Large rock formations can be a stunning feature in the landscaping but if right where you want to build it can be very expensive to remove them.  Knowing as much as you can advance can save thousands of dollars when you come to build as you can position the property to compliment the typography rather than fighting to make it work.
• Preserve the Natural Vegetation: It can be temping to clear as much as the site as you can when you are preparing to build but don’t!  Preserve as much as you can.  Large trees are wonderful additions to the landscaping and surrounds and cannot be replaced.  They also steady the ground with their roots and give stability as you build around them.
• Sun Study: Also known as a solar study, sun path analysis or shadow study.   This is worth spending some money on.  Knowing how the sun hits the parcel and where will inform how best to position the property, the rooms and the outdoor decks and pool.  They key goals are to maximise natural daylight, minimize glare, evaluate shadows and improve solar access.  Analysis of hourly sunlight and sun path diagrams help map how and where to build.  Technologies to track include CAD, SketchUp, Revit, Rhino + Grasshopper. 

• Architect & Contractor Collaboration: Getting the contractor and the architect together as early as possible will really help with the planning.  Merging the artistic and creative vision with the practical implementation ensures you get the very best from all.  Contactors can give a steer on the feasibility of the design and can often suggest an alternative option that can save on costs.

Each parcel is unique as is the vision of each new owner but one thing for certain is buying land and building is a wonderful and forfilling (albeit stressful on occasion) adventure.  There is a great deal to consider but so much to gain.  Hopefully these insider tips from recent buyers will help in your decision-making process and we are delighted to offer a range of parcels for all budgets and all build options.  Give up a call on 1 284 344 1661 for more details.

Havers homesite, 0.43 acres, $125,000.00

Land Parcels for Sale