Before you buy a piece of land, you need to know what you’re looking for. One empty lot might seem pretty similar to any other, but the truth is that there are a lot of variables that you’ll need to consider before you find the right land for sale near you.
Keep reading to learn from our real estate experts about a few of the key characteristics that you’ll need to keep in mind when looking to buy land in Texas.
1. The Size of the Lot
One of the most important factors when it comes to buying land is the size of the lot you need. The amount of space you’ll have can vary widely depending on what you plan to do with the land as well as your own preferences.
For instance, if you plan on developing a piece of land into a commercial shopping center, you’re going to need a lot more land than if you wanted to build a small home. Then again, if you prefer having a large yard, you might need a larger lot for your home.
In any case, you can talk to a real estate expert like UDD to learn how much land you need.
2. Utilities
Utility access is another key concern for potential land buyers. Keep in mind that if utilities aren’t already available on a piece of land, you will need to pay to have them installed if you intend to use them—and those installation costs can get rather pricey.
In addition to things like access to the electrical grid, you’ll also need to check if the property is hooked up to the municipal sewage and water supply systems. You’ll need to come up with alternatives if utilities aren’t available.
3. Distance From Neighbors
Keep in mind while you’re shopping for land that you might have to interact with any neighbors in the area potentially for years to come, so it’s a good idea to know how willing you are to tolerate nearby neighbors.
With neighbors who are close by, you might have to deal with things like loud noises and pets, yard upkeep issues, and more. Of course, having neighbors nearby also presents more opportunities for socializing.
You’ll need to carefully consider just how close you’re comfortable being to others.
4. Distance From Town
The proximity to the nearest town can also play a major role in picking which land for sale is right for you. If you’re buying for commercial purposes, being too far from a city center could mean less traffic and slower deliveries, not to mention more travel for you.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for land to build a home, you may not want to deal with the bustle of city life. Keep in mind things like hospital access and groceries when deciding which lot is right for your home.
5. Property Taxes
In Texas, the average property tax rate is 1.6%, but the actual rate you can expect to pay will vary widely from one place to another. Before buying land, talk to a real estate expert in your area about the local property tax rates.
Keep in mind that taxes on vacant land are usually lower than taxes on developed land. If you plan on developing your land, you’ll need to know about what you may owe in property taxes.
6. Road Access
Of course, you’re not going to get far developing any piece of land if there’s no nearby road access. If you’re investing in vacant land, it may not matter if there’s road access to the property, but if you plan on building anything, you’ll need the infrastructure in place to do so.
You’ll need to check whether or not there’s a stable roadway accessing the property, and you’ll also need to know whether or not it will be your responsibility to take care of things like maintenance and snow removal.
7. Soil Makeup and Forestry
Two more concerns that can vary widely depending on what you plan to do with the land you buy are the presence of forestry on the property and the condition of the soil. If you plan on building a home, you may want there to be a certain number of trees on the lot to make a nice yard.
Similarly, if you plan on growing a garden or building a basement, you’ll need a certain depth of soil before bedrock. However, if you plan on clearing the lot to develop a larger building, you’ll need to pay to have any trees removed.
Find the Perfect Tract of Land for Sale in Texas With Union Design Developers
Land is a limited resource, and that makes it one of the smartest long-term investments a person can make. Whether you plan on building a home, developing commercially, or keeping a vacant lot, UDD can help you find the right land for sale in Texas.
If you’re ready to make your dream of owning land in Texas a reality, reach out to the real estate experts here at UDD for help.
