TIPS FOR BUYING LAND FOR
YOUR NEW HOME BUILD

Building a new construction home is an exciting opportunity, but it all starts with the land you build it on. Choosing the right lot isn’t just about location; you need to consider zoning, topography, utility access, and long-term livability. Whether you’re dreaming of a custom home in the suburbs or on a rural lot, buying land requires thoughtful research and expert guidance. If you are weighing the option of building your next home, this blog will provide you with tips and what to look for when buying land, so your dream starts on solid ground.

Tip #1: Know Your Goals and Lifestyle Needs

In any scenario where you’re buying a home, even if it’s not new construction, you must clearly identify your goals and lifestyle needs so that your new residence fits in seamlessly. Maybe you want to host big holiday gatherings several times a year or want a big backyard for your pets. Maybe you only want to live on a cul-de-sac road or be a certain distance from work.  If you’re dedicating a significant amount of time and money to build your custom home, it’s crucial to make sure you love the location as well.

Consider the Type of Home You Want to Build

People are often baffled by just how many home types are out there! Think about the kind of home style that suits you best. Do you want a large floor plan, a walkout basement, or a swimming pool? All of these crucial details will help guide you towards the type of land you should be looking for. To use the examples mentioned here…

  • If you want a home with an abundance of square footage, you’ll need to find a large lot or a piece of land with deeper setbacks.
  • A walkout basement may require a sloped lot.
  • Installing a swimming pool requires making sure the lot is mostly level and that it can fit a long enough distance away from the property.

Essentially, if there is a big feature you want to have as part of your home, research how land can affect that goal.

Match Location to Your Daily Life

You likely won’t be spending 24 hours a day in your home, and you want to make sure that the places you want to go are convenient for you! Identify the most important locations for you. Do you want to live near the hospital, your children’s schools, work, or grocery stores? Also consider where you don’t want to live. If you don’t want to live in an area with heavy traffic, consider not building near any major highways.

Aside from local landmarks, you also want to decide your preferences for settings, whether it’s quiet and rural, lively and urban, or somewhere in between! Each setting affects things like utility access, zoning laws, and commute times. Choosing the right location isn’t just about today; it’s about what life will look like in the years to come.

Tip #2: Understand Zoning and Land Use Restrictions

What Exactly is Zoning?

Zoning typically refers to municipal or local laws that control how land can be used. These regulations aim to separate incompatible land uses. For example, zoning laws can prohibit a large manufacturing property from being built directly next door to a residential home. “Zones” are typically classified as Residential (homes), Commercial (businesses), Industrial (manufacturing), Agricultural (farms), and Mixed Use, although these may vary depending on the specific community you’re looking in.

This Lot is Perfect…Or Is It?

Just because a piece of land looks perfect doesn’t mean you can build a home on it. Make sure the lot is zoned for residential use and verify whether it allows single-family homes or has other limitations. Check for restrictions on building height, square footage, or number of structures allowed. If the zoning doesn’t align with your plans, you may want to consider searching elsewhere.

Look for Restrictions or Easements

If the lot you have your heart set on is in a residential zone, don’t celebrate just yet. Even residential lots come with restrictions or easements that could affect your ability to build. One thing we want to make VERY clear: restrictions and easements are not the same. Restrictions are rules that can limit what you can do on your own property, whereas Easements are rights that allow someone to use another person’s property for a specific purpose, regardless of ownership.

Some Restrictions to Be Aware Of:

  • Environmental Restrictions – This typically means the land is protected and can’t be built on.
  • Building Codes – This is to ensure it is safe to construct in a certain area.
  • Road Access – A piece of land must have legal access via a public or private road to be buildable. Lack of legal access could prevent you from getting a building permit altogether.

Some Easements to Be Aware Of:

  • Utility Easements – These include things like power lines, gas lines, internet cables, and water pipes.
  • Access Easements – When someone has to cross over another person’s property in order to access theirs.

These are just a few of the many restrictions and easements out there. When looking to buy land, make sure you consult with a trusted real estate professional to ensure you have a full understanding of the limitations that come with a certain piece of land.

Tip #3: Carefully Evaluate the Lot’s Physical Characteristics

Once you’ve found the perfect location and made sure you’re adhering to all zoning laws and regulations, you’ll want to carefully assess the ground itself. First, look at the topography. Flat land versus sloped land affects the foundation and how the driveway will be placed. Additionally, learn how water flows across the property and what the natural drainage looks like. You don’t want to be mid-build and discover that your backyard floods easily! You should also evaluate the soil itself, as stable soil is essential for future building.

Tip #4: Check for Access to Utilities

Not all lots come with utility hookups ready to go. Check if factors like public water/sewer, electricity, gas, and internet are available. If they are not, you can bring them in from afar, although doing so is extremely expensive. If this is the direction you decide to go in, be sure you know what you’re getting into cost-wise!

Tip #5: Be Prepared for Costs Beyond the Land Price

Buying the land itself is just the tip of the iceberg. Make sure you are aware of the other potential costs you might have, even before you start building.

Site Preparation Costs

These include, and are not limited to, clearing trees, grading, soil tests, or adding a driveway, and they can quickly add up. Additionally, if the lot is not “build-ready”, it may require significant work.

Permitting and Development Fees

These include, and are not limited to, local permitting fees, impact fees, and any special assessments.

Tip #6: Work with Local Real Estate Experts

Before you embark on the exciting journey of buying land and building your dream home, make sure you have an expert team by your side to help you navigate the process. To start, there are two professionals you want to take careful consideration of when hiring: a REALTOR® and a builder.

Why You Need a REALTOR®

Hiring a local expert REALTOR®, especially one who is experienced in land sales, can help evaluate buildability, resale value, and negotiate terms. Additionally, they can provide guidance on neighborhoods or towns where land is available for residential use.

Why You Need a Builder, Even if You’re Not Ready to Build

While it may seem obvious that you’ll need to hire a builder to build a home, you may not know the benefits of collaborating with a builder early, even if you’re still only in the process of finding the right land. Regardless of whether you’re ready to build, your builder can assess the suitability of the land and help you avoid costly surprises by getting their professional input before closing.

Tip #7: Work with Lamacchia Realty

Choosing the right piece of land is the first and most important step toward building the home of your dreams. By understanding zoning rules, evaluating physical characteristics, and planning for utility and access needs, you’ll be better prepared to make a smart investment. The expert REALTORS® at Lamacchia Realty are here to help you navigate every step of the land-buying process with confidence. Contact us today to get expert advice on finding the perfect lot to build your future home. After all, a solid foundation starts with the right lot!

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