Buying Land & Building Your Dream House

When you want to build your dream home, one of the best ways to do that is through getting the right piece of land. Location is very important.
You don't want to build a gorgeous home in an unsafe area of town. You also might want to have a more rural location, or live in a gated community. Carefully consider your residential land requirements first, before you worry about building. You can always change the house, but you can't change the real estate it's sitting on.

How Much Does Land Cost?

The price of land is going to be affected by a lot of things. The location is the most significant issue when it comes to the price of residential land. A home site on the beach in a prime location may be small, and may sell for more than a million dollars. On the other hand, it's possible to get numerous acres of rural land in a less popular area for just a few thousand dollars. Whether the land has power and water available also matters, because bringing in those services can be a costly endeavor. It's not always easy to access some pieces of land, either, which can lower the value.

Where Can Land Be Bought?

Land can be bought almost anywhere. Even if there isn't an active listing for it, the person who owns it still may want to sell. You have to be sure you can get to the land properly, though, and that you can get utilities there, as well. You don't want to end up with a piece of land you really can't use because things like water and power aren't available. That may be fine for camping or hunting, but it's not going to be acceptable for things like building a beautiful home. Your dream home should be in a location you really love, and one that will work for you for a very long time.

How Much Land is Needed?

The amount of land you need depends on the size of the house you're trying to build. In many communities, there's a "setback" that you have to observe. You won't be allowed to build your structure right on the property line, so you'll want to make sure your property is big enough for the footprint of the home. Working with your builder can help address that issue, before you purchase the land you're considering. Of course, you may want more land for a variety of reasons. Consider all you plan to do in the future with and around your home, and buy land accordingly.

Are There Restrictions on Land Use?

Depending on where you want to buy, there may be restrictions on the piece of property you're interested in. If that's the case, you'll want to find that out as soon as possible. Don't buy a property you can't use the way you want to. Restrictions aren't going to just go away, and you may not be able to get them changed or removed later. Once you've done with you want to with your land, restrictions that are added later likely won't affect you. Before you buy any piece of residential land, make sure you'll be able to build where and what you want.
When you're choosing land, the price always matters. However, it's not the only consideration. Where the land is located and whether it's suitable for building is both more important than how much it costs. You also want to be sure you're getting enough space. If you like a large lot, don't settle for a tiny one. Ultimately, you won't be happy that close to your neighbors. It's much easier to take your time and get the land you want, instead of having regrets later.