Board of Health Approval is a crucial consideration when buying land

BOHA (Board of Health Approval) is a crucial consideration when buying land

 Especially if you plan to build a home or other structures. Here are some reasons why buying land with BOHA is important compared to buying land without it:

Advantages of Buying Land with BOHA

1. Verified Buildability:

   • Septic System Approval: BOHA ensures that the land has been approved for a septic system, which is essential for properties not connected to a municipal sewer system.
   • Water Supply: BOHA may also include approval for water supply systems, whether a well or connection to a municipal water system.

2. Reduced Risk:

   • Construction Feasibility: Having BOHA means that the property has been assessed for its suitability for building, reducing the risk of encountering unforeseen issues that could delay or prevent construction.
   • Legal Compliance: Ensures that the land complies with local health department regulations, avoiding potential legal complications.

3. Cost and Time Efficiency:

   • Faster Development Process: With BOHA, you can proceed with building plans more quickly since you won’t need to go through the approval process from scratch.
   • Financial Savings: It can save you money on surveys, tests, and application fees that would be required to obtain BOHA.

4. Increased Market Value:

   • Higher Resale Value: Land with BOHA is often more attractive to buyers, making it easier to sell and potentially at a higher price.
   • Negotiation Leverage: As a buyer, you have more leverage in negotiations since the property has already met essential health and safety criteria.

Disadvantages of Buying Land Without BOHA

1. Uncertainty and Risk:

   • Approval Uncertainty: There is no guarantee that the land will receive BOHA, which could prevent you from building or significantly alter your building plans.
   • Potential for Hidden Problems: Land without BOHA might have underlying issues such as poor soil percolation, wetlands, or other environmental concerns that make it unsuitable for development.

2. Increased Costs and Time:

   • Additional Expenses: You will need to invest in surveys, soil tests, and other evaluations to obtain BOHA, which can be costly and time-consuming.
   • Development Delays: The approval process can take several months or even longer, delaying your construction timeline.

3. Lower Market Value:

   • Reduced Attractiveness to Buyers: If you decide to sell the land in the future, it may be less attractive to potential buyers without BOHA, potentially lowering its market value.

Conclusion

Buying land with BOHA offers significant advantages, including verified buildability, reduced risk, cost and time efficiency, and increased market value. On the other hand, purchasing land without BOHA introduces uncertainty, potential hidden problems, increased costs, and development delays. Therefore, for those looking to build, land with BOHA is generally a more secure and advantageous investment.