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If you're considering buying land, you need to talk to a land agent.

As land investment grows in popularity, there is no shortage of land agents willing to help you channel your money into the land they promote. Finding a good, reliable land agent is the first step to profitable land ownership.

Whilst buying land is usually more straightforward than buying property, it is still a legally-binding deal and things can go wrong. That's why you need an honest land agent that can help you through the process from start to finish and ensure that everything runs smoothly. When you are looking on the internet for land agents, or speaking to an agent on the phone, make sure you check that they:

Recommend a solicitor

Even though the process is fairly clear-cut, it is a good idea to have a solicitor look over your contract to check that everything is in order. Agents that dissuade you from going to a solicitor may have something to hide ' those that recommend that you take the contract away and make sure you're happy with it are a better option.

Talk you through the planning process

The level of profit you reap from your investment in land is largely down to whether planning permission is granted for the development of your land. Make sure that you ask the land agent about this process, so that you understand how it works, the timescales involved and what happens to the value of your land if planning is denied.

Give no guarantees

Even with an excellent investment like land, there's no guarantee that you will make a profit and a land agent shouldn't offer such a guarantee unless they can prove to you how your money will grow. Be very wary of agents who don't make it clear that profits are based purely on the rising value of the land, which is affected by a variety of factors outside the control of the agent.

Are happy to give recommendations

Ask if you can talk to some current or previous clients so that you can get some feedback on the advice and service given by the land agents. In today's world, most people will find land agents by looking on the internet and it makes sense to have access to other people who have used the agent rather than being seduced by a website ' always make sure there is experience and expertise at the heart of the agency.