Why carry out a feasibility study before a land project

What is a land feasibility study?

A land feasibility study is a multidimensional analysis of land to determine whether a development project is technically feasible, legally permittable and economically viable. It precedes any investment or development decision.

Components of a complete feasibility study

• Topographic study: relief, altimetry, plot boundaries
• Geotechnical study: soil type and bearing capacity
• Hydrological study: drainage, flood risk
• Regulatory analysis: zoning, easements, planning constraints
• Economic analysis: development costs, market value, profitability
• Risk analysis: identifying and quantifying key risks

The value of a feasibility study

A feasibility study prevents costly surprises: unstable soil requiring special foundations, a flood zone making building impossible, easements blocking the project, or regulations banning the planned use.

When should a feasibility study be carried out?

Feasibility studies should be done before the final land purchase or, at minimum, before any significant financial commitment. They can run in two phases: a quick preliminary phase before purchase, then a detailed phase after acquisition.

Indicative costs and timelines

Feasibility study costs vary with plot size, project complexity and required studies. A preliminary study can be done in 2 to 4 weeks. A complete study generally takes 4 to 8 weeks.