8 Easy Ways to Find Land to Build On

When most people search for land, they do so with the intention of building on the plot. Maybe they want to build their dream home. Maybe they want to build and rent out a home. Or, maybe they want to develop the land for commercial purposes. Regardless of the reason, finding the right plot of land can be a challenge.
Here are eight easy ways to find land to build on:

1. Look in Established Residential Neighborhoods

One of the quickest and easiest ways to find buildable lots for residential purposes is to look in established neighborhoods. Not all plots are guaranteed to be buildable in these areas, but the odds will be in your favor.

If you find a plot you like, be sure to drive through the neighborhood several times to get a feel for the area. Consider visiting during different times of the day to see what traffic and noise is like in the morning or evening. Take a look at the layout of the neighborhood and the plot itself to see if this is a place you would like to build in.

2. Take Advantage of Online Maps

Not sure where you want to buy land? Take advantage of online maps to scope out potential locations. Google Maps and Street View can be invaluable as they allow you to see the area without ever having to leave your home. So, if you’re considering buying land in Florida and you’re currently living in California, you can check out areas that you’re interested in virtually before making the trip out there.

3. Get to Know the Area

Whenever you consider purchasing land for sale, it’s important to get to know the area where you want to buy. Gathering as much information as possible can help you quickly identify which areas will work best for your building plans, and find plots that meet your needs.

Getting to know the area goes beyond just knowing the local population and the quality of the local school system. It also includes getting to know local building codes and the permit process, so you know what you’re up against before you make an offer. If the building process proves to be too complicated in one area, you know that you can scratch that location off of your list and move onto the next.

4. Search Online Land Listings

Whether you already know where you want to buy or are still in the early stages of planning, online land listings can help you find plots quickly and easily. The best part? You never have to leave the comfort of home to search and view these listings.

You have a few options when going this route.

- Traditional property portals (i.e. those that sell real estate) often have listings for land.

- Special listing sites like ours are also available that deal exclusively with land.

The second option is typically the best as you won’t have to sift through listings for homes. These listing sites are free to use and generally allow you to search for available land in all parts of the country.

There are also sites that provide listings for exclusive land deals. These sites aren’t as targeted (listings may not be available for all parts of the country), but they offer great deals on quality plots of buildable land. If you’re not particular about the location of the plot, these sites will help you get the best deal possible on your land. If you’re on a tight budget, this may prove to be the best route to take when searching for land.

5. Consult with Local Builders

If you’re planning on building a home on the property, consider consulting with a local builder to find available plots in the area. Builders have a large network of professional industry, and may know of land that’s for sale, but isn’t being advertised.

Additionally, builders often buy land before building a home. You may consider purchasing the newly built home and land from the builder directly.

6. Ask Around
If you haven’t had any luck finding land in the area you want, ask around. Someone may know someone who would be willing to sell their property for the right price. Let your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors and others know that you’re in the market for land. You may be surprised by how quickly you find owners who are willing to part with their property.

7. Check Out the Competition

If you’re looking for land for commercial development or for rental purposes, you may be able to find lucrative land opportunities by checking out where your competition is buying. Which neighborhoods are seeing the most action? What parts of town are being built up by other commercial developers?

If building is going on in these areas, it’s an indication that the area is growing, which is great news for you. Plots in these areas are also more likely to be buildable, which saves you time weeding through listings of vacant, unbuildable plots.

8. Consult with a Real Estate Agent

Not all real estate agents deal with land, but some do. Ask around or search online for a qualified agent who can help you find the ideal plot of land for your building needs. Although this is a quick and easy way to find a plot, it may also be a more costly route. That said, agents know the area and the local market, which may work in your favor when it comes time to negotiate.

Again, it’s important to make sure that the agent you work with has experience buying and selling land. Not all agents will have the skill and expertise to help you find the right piece of land.

Finding land to build on can be an even bigger challenge than the building process itself. Whether you’re looking for commercial or residential land, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when searching for available plots. Use these tips to simplify the process and find a piece of land that you can build on.