{"id":107985,"date":"2025-11-20T11:44:02","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T19:44:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=107985"},"modified":"2025-11-20T11:44:02","modified_gmt":"2025-11-20T19:44:02","slug":"first-time-land-buyer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/first-time-land-buyer\/","title":{"rendered":"First-Time Land Buyer? What You Should Know Before Buying Land"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re considering buying your first house or are looking for a new place to call home, you may be wondering if <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-buy-land\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">buying land<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is right for you. As a first-time land buyer, there are several key differences to know before embarking on your search, from zoning and utilities to financing and site conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this Redfin article, we\u2019ll outline what you need to know about being a first-time land buyer from loan options to due diligence. That way, whether you\u2019re considering buying land outside of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/2287\/ID\/Boise\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boise, ID<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, looking for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/city\/35711\/NC\/Raleigh\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">land for sale in Raleigh, NC<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, or anywhere else in the U.S., you know what to expect from the process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you plan to build, learn about the land\u2019s terrain, access points, utilities, and water.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understand if you need a land loan, a construction loan, or both.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Budget for surveys, environmental testing, and additional upfront due-diligence costs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do you plan to use the land?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a first-time land buyer, you\u2019ll want to determine how you plan to use the land. Are you <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-to-buy-land-and-build-a-house\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">buying land to build a home<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">? Or are you planning to make it a recreational area? <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/zoning\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zoning requirements<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will differ depending on how you use the land. For example, you\u2019ll need to consider the property\u2019s access and zoning if you\u2019re building a home. Some areas also have HOA rules or CC&amp;Rs that limit what you can build and how you can use the land.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Knowing what you intend to build on the land or not can also help determine how much acreage you should look for. You\u2019ll want to consider the land\u2019s condition, whether it\u2019s suitable to build on, and isn\u2019t prone to flooding. Checking FEMA flood maps or county floodplain data can give you a clearer picture.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First-time land buyer loans<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting a mortgage loan for land is a little different than buying a traditional home. Lenders often distinguish between raw land, unimproved land, and improved lots, and loan terms vary depending on how developed the land is. Most <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rocketmortgage.com\/learn\/land-loans\" data-wpel-link=\"external\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"external noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">land loans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> require at least 20% down and can be as high as 50% down. Interest rates are typically different, and often, are 1-2% higher than a conventional mortgage rate. Repayment terms are often shorter, from 5-15 years. Although you may be able to find some as long as 30 years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Land loans only finance the purchase of land and don\u2019t cover <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/building-a-house-guide\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">building a house<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Therefore, you may need a construction loan as well. Construction loans cover the cost of building a home and may convert into a traditional mortgage once construction is complete (a construction-to-perm loan). It\u2019s likely you\u2019ll need both loans if you plan to build a home on the land you buy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Due diligence for a first-time land buyer<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When buying land, there\u2019s additional due diligence and factors to consider. Here are some of the top things to cover as a first-time land buyer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work with an experienced real estate agent<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choosing an agent who specializes in working with first-time land buyers can be important to finding the right area and addressing any special circumstances. Some agents focus specifically on rural, off-grid, or recreational land, which can involve extra steps and local knowledge. A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/real-estate-agents\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">real estate agent<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with knowledge of land can help ensure you ask the right questions, schedule inspections, and know if you should walk away from a piece of land.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Survey and title searches<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/guides\/property-survey\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Land surveys<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> establish the legal boundaries of a property. If the land you\u2019re considering buying doesn\u2019t already have a land survey, consider having one completed. Some lenders may also require a land survey to determine the exact acreage, any easements or encroachments, and to determine <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/is-my-house-in-a-flood-zone\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">flood zones<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If you\u2019re planning to build on the land, a topographic or elevation survey may also be needed for drainage planning and permitting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s also important to do a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/definition\/title-search\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">title search<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, just as you would if you were buying a home. A title search will uncover any ownership issues, liens, deed problems, or unaddressed claims to ownership. If the property was recently subdivided, confirm that the plat was legally recorded.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Environmental testing<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re planning to build any structure on the land, you\u2019ll likely need environmental testing. A soil percolation test will show if the land is viable for a septic system. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/well-inspection\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Well water<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can also impact your ability to live on the land, so you may need groundwater testing. Groundwater testing can show chemical, bacterial, and mineral contamination that may impact water quality on the land.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some areas, you may also need:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A geotechnical or soil stability test to evaluate landslide or erosion risks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A wetlands delineation if the land could include protected wetlands<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wildlife habitat reviews, which are required in some regions for protected species<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Access rights<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is there legal access to the property? If there isn\u2019t a private or public road leading to the home, it can impact property values. You may need to factor in the costs associated with building a road and establishing deeded<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-is-an-easement\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">easements<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if there is no accessible road. Shared access roads may also require a road maintenance agreement, which some lenders require before approving the loan.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Availability of utilities<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regardless of how you use the land, utilities will be important. Be sure to ask whether the property already has utilities and water. If not, how much will it cost to add? Running electricity to a site can be costly depending on how far the nearest power source is, and some areas have limited access to high-speed internet or cell service.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inspections during different seasons<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to note that the time of year you have the land inspected can determine what you\u2019ll learn. For example, winter and spring months may show flood risks and potential drainage issues, while summer months may show drought problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding future developments<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While it\u2019s not always possible to know what an area will look like years down the line, it\u2019s important to check if there are plans for future developments in the area. It\u2019s likely that the county planning department will have information on potential subdivisions, infrastructure projects, commercial developments, and proposed highway or major road expansions. These can all change the land\u2019s value or lead to loud noise disruptions and increased traffic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Red flags to consider when buying land<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like buying a home, there are some red flags to consider when buying land. Some issues to look out for include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Failed percolation tests that prevent building a septic tank<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Water contamination that causes costly remediation\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No established utilities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No deeded access to the property<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unclear title of ownership<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excessive costs for development on the land<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Protected areas that eliminate the areas where you can build\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marshlands or flooding problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soil instability, erosion concerns, or landslide zones<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Easements that limit where you can build<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Strict zoning that doesn\u2019t allow the use you intend<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Property taxes when buying land\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Owning land can come with some <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/how-do-property-taxes-work\/\" data-wpel-link=\"exclude\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">property tax<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> differences. If you\u2019re using the property for farming or ranching, you may be eligible for agricultural tax exemptions. There are similar tax exemptions available if you\u2019re using the land for timber production. However, if you\u2019re planning to buy land to build a home on, you likely won\u2019t qualify.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vacant land may have lower taxes than developed land, but rates vary widely by state and county. It\u2019s best to speak with a tax professional if you think you may qualify for these exemptions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Final takeaways for first-time land buyers<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Becoming a first-time land buyer is a big leap and requires extra due diligence, whether you\u2019re planning to build a home on the land or use it for agricultural purposes. Working with an experienced agent, having the proper inspections and surveys, and choosing the right loan can help you through the process. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re a first-time land buyer, there are key differences. Learn about loans, the due diligence process, and if buying land is right for you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":537,"featured_media":91169,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[34276],"tags":[34529,34629],"coauthors":[33440],"class_list":["post-107985","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buying-a-home","tag-buying-faq","tag-first-time-homebuyer"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.7 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What to Know as a First-Time Land Buyer | Redfin<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you\u2019re a first-time land buyer, there are key differences. Learn about loans, the due diligence process, and if buying land is right for you.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/first-time-land-buyer\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"First-Time Land Buyer? What You Should Know Before Buying Land\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you\u2019re a first-time land buyer, there are key differences. 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