Buying land to build your dream home? Exciting! But hold up—before you dive headfirst into visions of wraparound porches and custom kitchens, there are some critical steps you need to take. Purchasing land isn’t like buying a house. It is a whole different beast. There are zoning laws, access concerns, and potential surprises hiding in the fine print. Use our eye-opening checklist on how to buy land to build a house.
How to Buy Land to Build a House
Zoning & Right-of-Way
- Check Zoning Laws
Why it’s important: Zoning laws determine what you can and can’t build on the land. You might have dreams of a cozy cottage, but the land could be zoned for agricultural use or, worse—completely unbuildable.
How to find out: Visit the local zoning office or check the county website. Look for zoning maps and speak to a zoning officer to confirm what’s allowed. - Investigate Right of Way and Access
Why it’s important: Owning land doesn’t guarantee you can get to it. Seriously. If the property is landlocked (surrounded by other properties without a legal road leading to yours), you’ll need a right-of-way agreement to access it.
How to find out: Check the deed for easements or access rights. A title company can help with this, and a land surveyor can confirm if a usable road exists.
Survey & Title
- Get a Land Survey
Why it’s important: A survey confirms the exact boundaries of the property and identifies any encroachments or easements that could complicate the building.
How to find out: Hire a licensed surveyor. This step is non-negotiable—it protects you from disputes with neighbors or future legal issues. - Verify Land Ownership and Title
Why it’s important: You need to ensure the seller has clear ownership of the land and that there are no liens or disputes.
How to find out: Hire a title company to conduct a title search and provide title insurance.
Environmental and Natural Risks
- Check Soil Quality and Drainage
Why it’s important: Not all soil is buildable. Poor soil quality or bad drainage could mean expensive foundation work—or make the land unsuitable for building altogether.
How to find out: Hire a geotechnical engineer to test the soil. This might seem like overkill, but it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. - Look Into Environmental Protections
Why it’s important: Your land could be subject to environmental restrictions, such as protected wetlands or endangered species habitats. These could severely limit where and how you build.
How to find out: Check with the local environmental agency or use online mapping tools to identify protected areas. - Evaluate Flood Zones and Natural Risks
Why it’s important: Building in a flood zone or an area prone to landslides or earthquakes can mean higher insurance costs and stricter building requirements.
How to find out: Use FEMA’s flood maps. Check with local planning departments for risk assessments.
Taxes & Permits
- Understand Property Taxes
Why it’s important: Taxes on vacant land can vary widely and may increase significantly once you build a house.
How to find out: Check with the county tax assessor’s office for current and projected property taxes. If the land is in a special district (like a flood zone), additional taxes or fees may apply. - Know the Permitting Requirements
Why it’s important: You can’t build without permits, and some areas have strict building codes that could delay or prevent construction.
How to find out: Visit the county or city building department to learn what permits you’ll need for the type of home you plan to build. Factor in permit costs and timelines in your planning.
HOA & Utilities
- Investigate HOA or Covenant Rules
Why it’s important: Some areas have homeowners’ associations (HOAs) or deed restrictions that limit what you can do with your property. Want to paint your house purple? Not if the HOA says no.
How to find out: Ask the seller for a copy of HOA agreements or restrictive covenants. Review them carefully before buying. - Research Utility Availability
Why it’s important: You need a lot of things for a house to make a good home. A home needs water, electricity, sewage, and possibly gas. If these utilities aren’t readily available, you’re in for a costly setup.
How to find out: Contact local utility companies to see if services are available at the site. If not, get quotes for alternatives like drilling a well, installing a septic tank, or extending electrical lines.
Infrastructure Costs & Future Growth
- Budget for Infrastructure Costs
Why it’s important: Raw land often requires additional infrastructure like roads, driveways, and fences. These costs can add up quickly.
How to find out: Consult contractors for rough estimates based on the land’s condition and your planned layout. - Factor in Future Growth
Why it’s important: Today’s quiet countryside could become tomorrow’s bustling suburb. This could either increase your property value—or make it less appealing to live there.
How to find out: Research local development plans and trends with the county planning office or a real estate agent.
Resale Value & Working with Experts
- Consider Resale Value
Why it’s important: Even if you plan to stay forever, life happens. You want land that will hold its value—or better yet, increase in value.
How to find out: Look at comparable land and home values in the area. Consider proximity to amenities, schools, and transportation. - Work with Experts
Why it’s important: Buying land is a complex process, and mistakes can be costly. You’ll want a team of professionals in your corner.
Who to hire: Look for a real estate agent specializing in land. Use a title company. Have a surveyor check the land. You may also need a land-use attorney.
How to Buy Land to Build a House – Final Thoughts
Enjoy your thrilling adventure, but don’t skip any steps. Use our checklist. It will help you”” sidestep common pitfalls and ensure the process goes smoothly. Remember, the key is research, research, research! Your legwork upfront can save you from a mountain of headaches down the road—and get you one step closer to that dream home you’ve been envisioning.