8 Key Questions to Ask When Buying Land to Build On

Buying land is the first step in turning your custom dream home into a reality. However, choosing the right plot isn't as simple as picking a beautiful spot with a great view. There are many factors to consider before making a purchase, and asking the right questions can save you from future headaches and ensure that the land you choose is perfect for building your home.

From zoning laws to utility access, environmental restrictions, and more, it's crucial to gather all the necessary information before you commit. Let’s walk through the five critical questions to ask when buying land, setting you on the path to building the home you've always envisioned.

Top 8 Questions To Ask When Buying Land to Build On

Before buying a plot of land, do your research and ensure it’s the perfect location for your dream home. Once you’ve secured the ideal plot, bring your vision to life with Meadowlark Design+Build. 

Our resourceful team is ready to guide you through every step of the building process, ensuring your dream home becomes a reality. If you need any help along the way, we’re here to assist.

1. Work With a Local Realtor Who Knows the Ins and Outs of Land Zones

Understanding the zoning laws is crucial when buying land for your custom home. Zoning regulations determine how the land can be used, and you need to ensure that the plot you’re considering is designated for residential use. 

We recommend working with a local realtor who monitors the market and knows of lots of land for sale or when new lots will be available. They’ll know if a lot is zoned correctly for your needs and can get answers from local zoning authorities if necessary.

2. Take Property Lines Into Consideration 

Property lines are where your lot ends and another one begins. When considering purchasing a lot, consider where the property lines are so you have a better idea of how much room you have actually to build on. 

In addition, find out if the land has any setbacks – setbacks are the minimum distance you can build a home from the property line. This distance typically falls between 10-30 feet and will affect where you can place your home on the lot.

If necessary, you can consult with a surveyor to investigate the property lines, setbacks, and other stipulations of the lot more thoroughly. Then, you’ll be set up for success when the building process begins.

3. What Are the Utility Access Options?

Check if utilities like water, electricity, gas, and sewage are readily available on the property you’re considering investing in. If these utilities are not already in place, you may need to arrange their installation, which can add significant costs and time to your project. 

Tip: Before purchasing, get an estimate of the costs involved in extending or connecting utilities to the land. This will help you keep your budget accurate and avoid any surprises during the construction process.

4. Are There Any Environmental or Conservation Restrictions?

Before purchasing land, investigate whether the property is subject to environmental or conservation restrictions. These can include conservation easements, protected habitats, wetlands, or other environmental regulations that may limit where or how you can build on the land. These restrictions are designed to protect natural resources but can significantly impact your building plans and property use.

Tip: Research local and state environmental regulations before purchasing the land. Understanding these restrictions early on will help you make an informed decision and avoid potential complications during construction.

5. Research Restrictions and Limitations

Before you move forward with a lot, do your due diligence to learn the environmental conditions and ensure you can build the home you want there. Otherwise, you may find the perfect plot of land but then find out that it doesn’t meet the requirements to build on.

The land's topography and soil condition are critical factors in determining its suitability for building. You need to analyze the land's slope, drainage, and soil quality to ensure that it can support the structure you plan to build. 

Steep slopes may require extensive grading, and poor soil conditions might necessitate special foundations or additional site preparation, both of which can be arranged but will increase your costs.

Tip: To understand the land's suitability, hire a geotechnical engineer to assess the site. This professional evaluation will provide valuable insights and help you avoid costly surprises during construction.

6. What Are the Long-Term Costs and Taxes?

Before you buy a plot of land, you need to consider the long-term financial implications, including property taxes and any special assessments tied to the land. 

High property taxes can significantly impact your long-term budget and the overall affordability of your custom home. Other fees or assessments, such as homeowner association (HOA) fees or insurance costs, may affect your financial planning. 

Tip: Consult with a local tax assessor to understand the potential tax implications of your purchase. This will help you accurately budget for the future and avoid unexpected financial burdens.

7. Explore Different Neighborhoods

The neighborhood you end up in is just as important as the lot of land itself. For the happiest life possible in your new home, ensure the neighborhood you build in is ideal for your lifestyle and needs. 

Do you have small children? If so, opt for a family-friendly neighborhood with highly rated schools nearby and perhaps parks or playgrounds. 

Do you want to be close to work? If so, you must consider commute times when searching for properties. 

It’s also beneficial to consider the neighborhood’s growth potential. It may not have room for new builds if it's an older area.

8. Don’t Ignore Traffic and Noise

The last thing you want is to build a home only to realize you’re in a highly trafficked area that’s too busy, noisy, or on a crowded street in a prime neighborhood. What a nightmare! 

Ask yourself these questions when evaluating lots to give yourself peace of mind: Is the lot close to a highway? Is it up against a home with lots of traffic? Can you hear the car noise at the lot? Will this noise be bothersome to you? Whether or not these factors are issues is up to you.

Partner with Meadowlark Design+Build to Bring Your Dream Home to Life

Purchasing land is an exciting and significant step in building your dream home, and it requires careful consideration to avoid unexpected issues down the road. By asking the right questions and doing thorough research, you can ensure that the land you choose is the perfect foundation for your custom home. 

Once you've found the right plot, Meadowlark Design+Build will help you bring your vision to life. Contact us today to discuss your custom home-building project, and let our expert team guide you through every step of the process.