Are you considering selling your vacant land to one of those companies that buy land or ‘we buy land’ websites? Here’s what they are looking for…
As one of the largest networks of companies that buy land, the team here at SellTheLandNow.com has received thousands of submissions from people looking to sell their land.
We’ve tracked which properties end up being bought by our network of land buyers.
Here are the 5 things most companies that buy land are looking for…
1. Companies that Buy Land Say “Bigger the Better”
Companies that buy land tend to purchase low cost-per-acre properties.
That is – the more acres for less amount of money – the better.
Based on data from the last few years our network of companies that buy land successfully bought properties that averaged 25 acres in size.
The average cost-per-acre was around $8,000.
To calculate the cost-per-acre of your vacant land property simply divide the asking price by the number of acres.
Vacant land properties that are 10 acres and larger tend to receive more cash offers than those that are smaller.
2. Companies that Buy Land Want Established Road Access
Most companies that buy land offer to buy your vacant land site unseen.
These investors are comfortable buying vacant land without ever setting foot on the property.
Companies that buy land use online resources to learn more about the property you want to sell remotely.
A rule of thumb that companies that buy land tend to follow is: “If you can’t see the property on Google Street View then we don’t buy it.”
Another way companies that buy land check for established road access is to use satellite imagery provided by Google or Bing Maps or county property websites.
A vacant land property that’s easy to get to in a car or truck is more valuable than ‘land locked’ properties.
However, every company that buys land is different with a different set of buying criteria.
It’s not a deal breaker if your vacant land property doesn’t have road access.
There are companies that buy land that specialize in buying properties with limited or no road access.
Investors are willing to buy land without seeing it in person. It’s a plus if your land is visible on Google Street View.
3. Companies that Buy Land are Looking for Minimal Restrictions
Do you know the zoning for the vacant land property you are looking to sell?
Zoning laws are rules set in place by local governments – typically city, town or county governments – that dictate what can and cannot be built on the land.
In addition to local government regulations a vacant land property may be subject to rules set in place by a subdivision, Property Owners Association or Home Owners Association.
These types of rules are called deed restrictions.
Knowing the specifics on what’s someone can do with your vacant land property is important for companies that buy land.
Can someone hunt on the land? Are farm animals allowed?
Can a mobile home be placed on the property or only site-built homes?
Generally, the least amount of restrictions the better if you are looking to sell your vacant land property to a company that buys land.
Some companies that buy land only want to invest in land that allows for mobile homes.
4. Companies That Buy Land Prefer Something to Look At
Does your vacant land have views of mountains?
Is there a river near by?
If you were to walk on the property what would you see?
Most companies that buy land will never see your property before they offer to buy it.
Promote any natural features on or around your vacant land.
What Companies That Buy Land Look for in Properties
If you’re considering selling your vacant land to a company or website specializing in land purchases, understanding their preferences is key to securing a sale. Companies that buy land often have specific criteria that determine whether a property is a good investment. Here’s what you should know about their priorities.
Bigger Properties are Better
For land-buying companies, larger properties with a low cost-per-acre are the most attractive. Data indicates that the average size of properties purchased by such companies is around 25 acres, with an average cost-per-acre of approximately $8,000. Properties exceeding 10 acres tend to garner more interest and cash offers than smaller parcels. To calculate your property’s cost-per-acre, divide the asking price by the number of acres.
Road Access is a Key Selling Point
Accessibility is crucial. Companies often buy land without conducting in-person visits, relying instead on satellite imagery and online resources to assess a property. If a property can be viewed on tools like Google Street View or accessed via established roads, it significantly increases its appeal. However, if your land lacks road access, some companies specialize in purchasing such properties.
Minimal Restrictions are Preferred
Companies buying land favor properties with fewer restrictions. Local zoning laws and deed restrictions from subdivisions or property owner associations can impact a property’s usability. For example, properties that allow mobile homes, farming, or hunting are often more desirable. If your land has zoning or deed restrictions, be prepared to communicate these details upfront.
Attractive Features Add Value
Natural features like mountain views, rivers, or other scenic elements can make your property more appealing to buyers. Highlighting these aspects in your listing or during discussions can improve your chances of receiving an offer. Even if buyers don’t visit in person, promoting these features can help them visualize the property’s potential.
Improvements May Decrease Appeal
While improvements like fences, sheds, or foundations might seem like added value, they are often considered a drawback by land-buying companies. These companies may view improvements as liabilities, with associated removal costs factored into their offers. If your land includes structures, be prepared for potential devaluation.
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to sell your vacant land quickly, connect with companies that specialize in purchasing properties. By filling out a form, your property’s information can be sent to multiple buyers simultaneously, increasing your chances of securing a competitive cash offer.