Last Updated on May 3, 2025
Looking for a southeastern oasis to call your own? Whether you’re in the market for residential, recreational, or investment property, North Carolina is the perfect state for new landowners and experienced investors alike.
Thanks to Land.com, the buying process couldn’t be smoother. Our Land Pros are here with expert advice on how to buy land in North Carolina, from researching properties to making an offer.
Interested in land ownership in Avery, Cleveland, or Henderson county? Our experts can help. By the end of this guide, you’ll be one step closer to your dream North Carolina acreage.
Why North Carolina Is the Perfect Place to Buy Land
If you didn’t think it was possible to have it all, you haven’t been to North Carolina. From coastal landscapes to scenic mountains, the geographic diversity extends from big cities to rural neighborhoods alike. Whether you want an urban investment property in Charlotte or are searching for the best place to buy coastal land and have come across the Outer Banks, just know there are options for every lifestyle.
Not only is North Carolina an exciting place to buy land, but it’s also a smart choice when it comes to getting the most out of an investment. Potential buyers love North Carolina’s:
- Investment opportunities – Due to its coastal location, North Carolina is a lucrative state for summer rentals and more. Not to mention, it offers hiking hotspots on the Appalachian Trail, as well as commercial investments in urban hubs like Charlotte and Asheville.
- Affordability – North Carolina is often ranked as one of the more affordable states to live in and buy property. NC land is far enough away from expensive big cities to stay budget-friendly without compromising on property features.
- Diverse land use options – North Carolina is home to a wide variety of zoning permissions and mixed-use properties, including agriculture, recreational, and residential. Plus, local laws protect individual property rights, safeguarding landowners from zoning changes.
Now that you see why the Tar Heel State is ideal for landowners, here’s what to know about buying land in North Carolina.
How to Find the Perfect Land in North Carolina
The consideration of where to buy land in North Carolina depends on your lifestyle and goals for your acreage. Whether you’re dreaming of buying beachfront property in Carteret County, building a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountain area, or purchasing farmland in Johnston or Madison County, buying land in North Carolina offers something for everyone. Let’s walk through some of the ways to get started.
Define Your Land-Buying Goals: What’s Your Vision?
When you picture your ideal land purchase, what comes to mind? Do you imagine farmland, rolling hills, or beachfront views? A dream home or an investment property? Recreational or residential plots?
Before starting your search for NC land, make sure you know exactly what you’re looking for. Having a clear purpose will help narrow down your search, saving you time in the long run.
Discover the Best Areas to Buy Land in North Carolina
North Carolina is teeming with incredible landscapes for a range of property uses. The state’s top land-buying regions include:
- Blue Ridge Mountains – Part of the greater Appalachian mountain range, these breathtaking peaks not only offer incredible views but are also very popular amongst hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Blue Ridge Mountain area includes Asheville county, a small yet vibrant city with many affordable property options. Plus, the area is home to a diverse agricultural economy. Landowners owning farmland can grow traditional crops like corn, tomatoes, apples, and peaches, or join newly expanding businesses like trout production and wine-making.
- Outer Banks – These beautiful islands off the northern coast feature stunning beaches and charming neighborhoods. The Outer Banks boast significant growth potential, with a thriving market for recreational, residential, and commercial properties alike.
- Charlotte metropolitan area – Charlotte is a cultural and financial hub in the southern part of the state. Urban districts are ideal for commercial investments, while the sprawling suburban area offers affordable residential life.
Of course, the best area for you depends on your long-term goals for the property.
Know the Rules: Understanding Zoning and Land Use Laws
Another crucial factor to consider before purchasing land is its zoning rights. Zoning is less complicated than it seems—it simply determines how property can be used in certain areas. There are various types of zoning categories in North Carolina, including:
- Residential
- Agricultural
- Commercial
- Mixed-use
It’s important to ensure that your land is zoned for the purposes you need. Fortunately, there are many online tools and zone code checkers you can use to determine the restrictions of a particular area, or you can contact local zoning departments.
Check for Must-Have Essentials: Roads, Utilities, and Infrastructure
Lastly, make sure that your potential property has all the everyday essentials you’ll need. This includes:
- Electricity
- Water
- Sewage
- Road access
If infrastructure is not already in place, it can be costly and time-consuming to develop down the line, especially in remote areas. It’s best to determine what you’re willing to install on your land yourself, and narrow down properties accordingly.
How to Buy Land in North Carolina
So, the time has come to purchase your dream property in North Carolina. Congratulations!
Even if you’ve never bought land before, the process is simple, and Land.com is here to help. Let’s walk through our recommended process.
Find a Local Land Expert Who Knows the Market
We strongly suggest working with a local land agent to help find and secure a property. Local Land Pros will:
- Offer insider knowledge – Thanks to their on-the-ground experience, local agents have extensive knowledge of the land, ecosystem, and community.
- Predict market trends – Part of local expertise is market insight, including the best time to buy property.
- Spot red flags – Experts can help you avoid scams, overpriced properties, contract loopholes, and more.
- Help get the best deal – Having a professional on your side who can leverage local knowledge, contact sellers, and negotiate prices will help you get the most bang for your buck.
Real estate professionals who specialize in land transactions can offer expert insight from beginning to end, providing peace of mind throughout all aspects of the buying process.
Explore Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Land
Even if you can’t pay for property out of pocket, there are many options to responsibly finance this exciting purchase.
In addition to cash payments, you can buy land in a variety of ways:
- Land loans – Obtaining a traditional land loan from a bank or credit union is a straightforward option, with clear terms of interest and repayment.
- Seller financing – In this case, the seller is the lender, and you negotiate a contract directly. Both parties agree on a down payment, interest rate, repayment schedule, and land loan amount. This option can be easier than working with a bank, especially if you have a less-than-ideal credit score, but requires external legal counsel to ensure everything is in order.
- Government funding – The Farm Service Agency (FSA) runs a farm loan program specifically for agricultural land. These loans include assistance for new farmer-owners who are looking to establish a new farm.
With proactive budgeting and a clear payment plan, land ownership is both an accessible and smart investment.
Don’t Skip This Step: Get a Land Survey and Title Search
While it may seem tedious, checking all the bureaucratic boxes now prevents legal headaches later. Land surveys determine the exact boundaries of a property, which is key for landowners. For instance, imagine that you want to cut down a tree in your yard, but a neighbor claims the tree is actually on their property. A land survey helps avoid disputes like this.
Meanwhile, a title search reveals the land’s legal ownership (and thus who has the right to sell it). It will also review other public records related to a property’s history. A title search will ensure that there aren’t any outstanding problems, like debts or unclear ownership, that could complicate a sale.
Factor in Property Taxes and Hidden Costs
Keep in mind that the cost of land is more than just its sticker price—it includes additional financial considerations. You may have to budget for:
- Property taxes
- Maintenance costs
- Land-use fees
- Homeowners Association (HOA) dues
Don’t overlook these potential costs, as they vary by property type and may influence the type of land you’re looking for.
Make Your Move: How to Make an Offer and Close the Deal
It’s almost time to sign on the dotted line. In the final steps of the process, you’ll see how useful it will be to have a local land professional lending a helping hand. They’ll help you negotiate a fair price based on market trends, compile all the necessary paperwork, and seek legal advice when necessary (such as for seller financing).
In order to close the deal, both you and the buyer will review all real estate forms and sign the land agreement. Once the sale is finalized, the title is transferred to your name, and voilà—you’re a landowner in North Carolina!
Start Your Land Search in North Carolina with Land.com
Explore land for sale in North Carolina on Land.com, the nation’s leading online marketplace for rural real estate.
Browse listings for sale on our easy-to-use platform, where you can filter properties by price, size, features, and more. Once you’ve found acreage you love, connect with a local Land Pro to streamline the process and enjoy expert advice.
Land.com makes it easy to not only find the right property for you, but to make a smart investment as a landowner. Find North Carolina land today.
Sources:
WOBX. North Carolina ranked as 16th most affordable state. https://wobx.com/2023/05/06/north-carolina-ranked-as-16th-most-affordable-state/.
The Carolina Journal. New NC law protects property rights by limiting local ‘down-zoning’. https://www.carolinajournal.com/opinion/new-nc-law-protects-property-rights-by-limiting-local-down-zoning/.
Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. Contemporary Farming. https://www.blueridgeheritage.com/heritage/agriculture/contemporary-farming/.
Investopedia. Land Loans: Everything You Need To Know. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/credit-loans-mortgages/090716/land-loans-3-things-know-you-buy-land.asp.
Farm Service Agency. North Carolina State Programs. https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/North-Carolina/programs.
Investopedia. Title Search: What It Is, How It’s Done, and Title Insurance. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/titlesearch.asp.
