How to Evaluate Land Before Buying – Beginner Checklist for 2025

by matt hammerly

Introduction

Buying land can be one of the best investments you make—or your most expensive mistake.

In 2025, rural land is in demand, but too many new investors skip due diligence. That’s why we built this Beginner Land Evaluation Checklist to help you avoid regrets and buy with confidence.

Whether you're flipping, building, or holding long-term, use this list before making your next offer.

✅ Land Evaluation Checklist (Beginner-Friendly)

1. Legal Road Access

  • Is there a public or deeded road connecting the parcel to a county-maintained road?

  • Can you physically drive to the property?

❌ Avoid landlocked parcels unless you're experienced with easement negotiations.

2. Zoning & Permitted Uses

  • What’s the zoning code for this property?

  • Can you build a home, live in an RV, or camp on it?

Call the county planning or zoning department to confirm.

Need help finding land with the right zoning?
🎯 Use Our Land Finder Tool

3. Utilities & Off-Grid Potential

  • Is power nearby (look for poles or call the local electric company)?

  • Will you need a well or rainwater system for water?

  • Does the soil support a septic system?

If not, check if the county allows composting or alternative setups.

4. Property Boundaries & Size

  • Does the parcel match what’s advertised in acres?

  • Are the corners marked or surveyed?

  • Use Google Earth or the county GIS map to check the shape and terrain.

Pro tip: Flat, cleared land is more usable (and valuable) than steep wooded lots.

5. Flood Zones & Environmental Restrictions

  • Use FEMA’s flood map tool to check if the land is in a floodplain.

  • Ask the county if there are any wetlands, conservation easements, or protected species on the land.

6. Taxes, HOA, or POA Fees

  • What are the annual property taxes?

  • Is there an HOA or POA, and do they charge dues?

Low-tax, non-HOA land is usually more attractive to long-term investors and off-grid buyers.

7. Market Value & Comps

  • Are similar lots nearby selling for more or less?

  • Is the parcel listed at or below market value?

📉 You want to buy low and ensure your exit strategy (flip, sell, lease, or build) makes financial sense.

✅ Check Available Land Deals — many listed under market value with owner financing

📘 Bonus: Grab the Free Land Investing Bible

Before you commit to any parcel, download the Land Investing Bible (Free PDF) — a 30-page guide packed with beginner-friendly tips, red flags to avoid, and strategies to build wealth with raw land.

Final Thoughts

Land buying doesn’t have to be risky—if you follow a proven checklist.

Ask questions, verify claims, and walk away if something feels off.
There’s plenty of great land out there — and the right one could be just one deal away.

Start Smarter:

📈 SEO Keywords Recap:
how to evaluate land, land buying checklist, due diligence land 2025, land investing for beginners, what to check before buying land

Leave a comment

Back to Blog Posts