Local Land Buying and Market Research Report

What a good one includes

• A detailed breakdown of the local zoning classification, including setback requirements, maximum building heights, and permitted uses for the parcel.
• An assessment of current utility connections, including water, sewer, electricity, and internet availability, along with estimated proximity to municipal hookups.
• Identification of potential geographic or environmental constraints, such as flood zones, wetlands, steep slopes, or protected habitats that could restrict development.
• A curated list of raw land sales within the last six to twelve months in the immediate area to establish a realistic market value range.
• A verification of legal access to the property, detailing any shared roads, utility easements, or landlocked risks.
• An overview of the local building permit process, estimated approval timelines, and associated impact fees for development.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Relying on residential home comps instead of raw land sales to estimate the property's actual market value.
• Assuming that public utilities are easily accessible at the lot line without verifying physical distance or hookup capacity.
• Overlooking restrictive zoning overlays or HOA covenants that ban specific structures like manufactured homes or tiny houses.
• Skipping the verification of legal, deeded access to the property, which can leave a buyer with a landlocked parcel.

Frequently asked questions