Buying Land

Types of Land

Many people looking for their own piece of the wilderness want to be near some kind of water. In some areas you have to be careful of flash flooding or high water events. In other areas, trout streams may be managed and controlled by the state and require special permits to build near by.

Mountain-side building carries another set of new challenges, not insurmountable by any means, but important enough to take into account. Septic systems in particular can be a challenge in these situations.

Lake-side land is always popular and many areas have land available near or on a lake, with the surrounding area being part of a development. This has the disadvantage of being near other people but the advantages of having electricity and water already available, roads in place and neighbors to keep an eye on your place when you’re not there.

Timber land is often sold by the acre and you can buy large tracts where you can do what you like. This generally means you are responsible for pushing in roads, drilling a well for water and sorting out your own power supply. Some large acreage properties can be logged for the timber and this will help pay for the land itself.

If you’re buying land for a part-time weekend retreat, most people with experience will tell you to pick land that is more than an hours drive from home so you’re not tempted to run back home every time you forget to pack something or remember an item of work to do. At the same time, keep the property within 2-3 hours drive so you can get there easily after work on Friday and aren’t exhausted for the weekend.

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Considerations When Buying Land

Water – Be certain when buying land that it has a reliable water source such as a private or community well, or that you can tap into an existing community water line. At the very least the property should come with the permissions to drill a well as you may not be issued a building permit without water. Drilling a well is always an unknown factor, despite what people may claim. Typical drilling costs can run around $8-15 / foot, plus the cost of the pump, casing, controls, etc.

Septic – Depending on the land and layout, you may need to get a perc (short for percolation) test to determine how your land will handle a septic system. In some areas you may need to install a strong pump to pump your waste uphill to a more advantageous area or even install a special system where the septic is built up to accommodate waste disposal. All this can add up so check in advance about your septic options.

Acreage – Ascertain the exact acreage you’re buying and the precise points which locate it so there is no doubt in the future about exactly what you own. You should be given a copy of a plat showing your property and the surrounding land.

Covenants and Restrictions – You need to check with the developer or homeowners association about covenants and restrictions which will dictate what you can and cannot build on your lot. You want them relaxed enough where you are able to build what you want but restrictive enough to not allow trashy-looking trailers and work sites.

Electricity, Telephone, Cable or Fiber-Optic – Be sure to run in any telephone, cable, fiber-optic or other lines when you run in your power line. If you are building in a development, power will be available at the edge of your lot. If you are building in the wilderness you may have to pay to have your electrical cable run in from the nearest major line, and install a transformer for your building site. Another option is to stay off the grid and produce your own electricity using solar panels, a wind generator or an electrical generator run off of gasoline, diesel, propane or natural gas. Check out our page on installing utilities.

Association Fees – Association fees are one of the potential costs you may be incurring when you buy your land or lot. Check with your local homeowners association for any fees and learn what rights come with belonging to the association.

Zoning – Your local community may have zoning laws allowing or preventing certain construction. If you are far out in the country these tend to be pretty lax, but you need to be aware of them and follow accordingly.

Access – You have to consider how you will get building materials into your site, especially if you're planning to act as your own general contractor. Large, heavy trucks may need a temporary road built to enable them to get in and out with concrete, logs, trusses, lumber and other building supplies.

Time Limit to Build – Some controlled areas or developments may have a time limit for you to begin building your cabin. Be careful that you can meet these requirements.

Building Permits – Check with the local building inspectors at your county or city for building codes and required permits.

Liens and Judgments – If a property you’re buying has any liens or judgments against it, you need to know about it and find out if they go with the property and thus become your responsibility. Check with the local government seat or courthouse.

Property Taxes – You need to be informed in advance about the costs involved in your new property, such as property taxes. The local courthouse will generally have the information.

Easements – Your new land may have easements allowing others to use a section to access their land, or for the power company to install underground lines or to maintain overhead lines. Or you may require an easement from another property owner allowing you access to your property.

Site Placement for your Cabin – If your new land investment is on hilly or mountainous terrain, you may be restricted in the type of log home you are able to build or where you are able to place your cabin on your property. Setbacks for water routes such as trout streams may apply.

Nearby Trails, Parks, Streams, Flyways – Check to see if there are any restrictions on building within a certain distance of these natural pathways.

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Unspoiled wilderness and beautiful long-range views, world-class hunting or a quiet trout stream, wilderness boating or hiking trails, ranches or mountain properties – all are possibilities when you are buying land.

Whether you’re looking for wooded acreage in the California pines; buying land in New Mexico; eyeing mountain land in Colorado, a hunting cabin in the backwoods of South Carolina or lakefront property in the Minnesota northwoods, land is available at reasonable prices to fulfill your dream of an independent lifestyle.

Don't forget to check out the seized and surplus land being sold at auction prices at GovernmentAuction.com. Register as a bidder there and get free notifications of upcoming auctions and land sales and check out the current auctions!

Further Resources:

Cheap Land in America

Understand Your Options for Financing Land

Get Started with a Barn Kit

Build Your Own Log Cabin

Log Home Design Tips

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