Buying Vacant Land on Which to Build a Home: What to Investigate Pre-Purchase

Here's a handy summary of the issues to look into before purchasing a plot of land on which to build a home.

Buying Vacant Land: Will You Need a Septic System?

A sewer connection may be key to making your land purchase a good place on which to build a house.

Buying Vacant Land: Will You Have Water?

Look into whether you'll be able to tap into a public water supply or a community well before you finalize your land purchase.

Before Buying Vacant Land: Yes, You Need a Survey

Looking at a vacant piece of property isn't enough to tell you what you're really buying.

Before Buying Vacant Land: Getting an Environmental Assessment

Because you'll become responsible for any needed environmental cleanups, you'll want to have an assessment done before completing the land purchase.

Do I need a special real estate agent to buy vacant land?

Buying vacant land involves different issues than buying an already-built home, so getting an experienced buyer's agent by your side is worthwhile.

If I see a vacant lot, how do I find out whether the owner will sell?

There's no "For Sale" sign up -- but might the owner be willing to sell the vacant property anyway?

Buying Property That Abuts Your Own: Is It Worth It?

Depending on zoning and other considerations, you may be able to enhance the value of your property or create new buildable space by buying land that adjoins your own.

Can Zoning Be Changed to Allow Your Use of Vacant Land?

When a special use permit, variance, or even change of zoning might allow you to build the structure you want on your property.

Building on Vacant Land: Zoning Issues You Might Face

Make sure the home or other structure you plan to build is not prohibited by local zoning regulations; and that you won't face surprises in the neighboring property owners' use of land, either.

Building on Vacant Land: Will Protected Species or Habitats Affect Your Plans?

If your construction will affect endangered or protected plants and animals, expect extra permitting requirements and government oversight.

Building on Vacant Land - Will Blocking Other's Views Affect Your Plans?

Make sure your neighbors won't have cause to complain -- or worse -- about how your new construction has blocked their view.

Can I build a new house in a historic district?

What to expect if you hope to build a new home in an area where conformity to historical style may be expected or required by zoning rules.

Legal Restrictions Affecting Your Plans to Build a Home on Coastal Land

Planning to build a house on the ocean or other shoreline? Special laws and regulations may limit your building plans and procedures for getting approval.

I Bought Vacant Land to Build on, But New Law Says I Can't!

Will new laws derail your plans to build a home on vacant land?

Tasks You'll Need an Attorney to Handle After Buying Vacant Land to Build On

An attorney can help you figure out important things like whether zoning restrictions limit your use of the land, whether any restrictions came with the title, and what experience previous owners of your land had if and when they tried to develop it.

Can I Place a Tiny House on a Vacant Lot?

Learn more about the zoning and other ordinances that may impose restrictions on tiny houses.

Suspect Your Home Builder Is Using Cheap Materials? What to Do

How to ensure that your home is being built to the quality standards you expected.

What Combo of Loans You May Need to Build a New Home

An overview of the types of loans most buyers of vacant land use for purchase and construction.

Qualifying for a Loan to Buy Vacant Land

What you will need to show in order to obtain a loan to cover your purchase of land on which to build.

Qualifying for a Construction Loan

Without an existing house to add value to your collateral, showing the bank or lender that you're worthy of a loan involves extra challenges.

Closing Procedures for Vacant Land Purchase

Making sure that all contract contingencies have been met and you're getting what you paid for when you close on your purchase of raw land.