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Forest land: buy and build, how to go about it?

Published at May 12, 2021 by Loanne Le Cunff
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Forest land: buy and build, how to go about it?

Investing in a forest is possible and it's a dream! Whether it is to take advantage of its exotic setting or generate income, there are many solutions available to you.
However, when it comes to land, it also means regulations, between the town planning code or the local town planning plan, the legislation is very precise and sometimes very complex. In order not to expose yourself to criminal penalties, you can find in this article a lot of information on how to use your forest land in full compliance.

 

How to buy forest land ?

Buying a forest as an individual is possible! Acquired by 75% from private owners, the forest is now an investment with great potential.

To acquire forest property, you can go to:

  • Notaries, they have a good knowledge of the forest plots for sale in your region

  • The forest owners union

  • To forestry experts in your region

  • Websites offering forest properties for sale

Described as a responsible investment, acquiring forest property has many advantages. Indeed, you can benefit from tax advantages such as income tax reduction or exemption from financial wealth tax. This investment also allows you to build up potential income through a hunting right granted or income from the exploitation of your forest.

 

What regulations for building in the forest ?

Acquiring forest land with a house already built on it allows you to make it your main residence.
Construction d'un foret d'alpage dans une forêt - Image de liggraphy sur Pixabay

Otherwise, it is forbidden to build a permanent habitat,
That is to say a main dwelling occupied for more than 8 months in the year.
However, you may well consider building an alternative habitat. In this case, in addition to having to be easily removable and transportable, this habitat must be a construction without a foundation, autonomous in water and. energy.
However, you will need an authorization from the town hall.
You are free to choose between a trailer, yurt, tipis, mobile homes ...
Although this list is not exhaustive, it leaves you with a wide choice!

Good to know: The wooden huts used as a play area for children and often smaller than 5sq. do not require any formalities.

 

 

How to obtain a building permit for a forest property?

You should know that for an alternative habitat that is less than 40sq., a simple prior declaration to the town hall is sufficient. On the other hand, for dwellings with more than 40sq. in floor area, you must obtain a building permit that your municipality may or may not accept.

To make your request, you must go to the town hall where your future home will be built. Following this, the municipality has 2 months to examine your request, but this period can be extended up to 6 months in the case of a protected site or a historic monument. As a result, the municipality ensures that your permit is in compliance with town planning rules. Particular attention will be paid in particular to heights, respect for the environment or even the materials used, for example.

In the meantime, you can already consult the Local Urban Planning Plan of your municipality, if it does not have one, the national urban planning regulations apply.

 

promenade famille en forêt

Is it necessary to insure my forest ?

 

In recent years, the frequency of natural disasters has increased significantly. For this, it is necessary that your forest is well covered by specific insurance, as civil liability is not sufficient.

Indeed, the most frequent climatic risks are insurable such as storms, hail or even prolonged droughts and fires. These events can be the result of a loss in value of your forest, despite insurance.

In addition, phytosanitary risks, although frequent, are one of the few risks that cannot be insured.

 

 


What are the risks for an undeclared construction?

Construction without prior declaration to the town hall of its municipality or without a building permit constitutes an infringement of the town planning code.

Once the infringement is noted, a report is filed with regard to you. As a result, the tribunal de grande instance may demand that your constructions be brought into conformity, or conversely the stoppage and / or demolition of the work.

Thus, you risk a fine ranging from 1200 euros to 6000 euros per sq. , (article L480-4 of the Town Planning Code). In addition, failure to comply with the decisions of the tribunal de grande instance leads to additional penalties such as a fine of € 75,000 and imprisonment for 6 months.

We often mistakenly think that there is little chance that someone will notice our work or the modifications we have made to our home, think again! Although life in the forest is exotic, a hunter or a forest ranger can denounce the modifications made to your plot.

 

What you need to remember!


With a number of advantages, many individuals are attracted to the idea of investing in forest property.
If your plan is to make it a permanent and sustainable home, look to forest land that already has a home built on it.
On the other hand, if you choose to take advantage of plots in order to make them an alternative habitat, check with the Local Urban Planning Plan of your municipality in order to be able to apply for the necessary authorizations


After reading this article, do you want to invest in a forest? Would you like to have some additional information to help you with this investment?
Once you have found your dream land on ma-propriete.fr, do not hesitate to contact the expert in charge of this property. He can answer all your questions so that you can use your forest properly!