Congratulations! You’re the proud owner of your very own land property. This is a big investment and an exciting new chapter, but you may be wondering—where do I start?
Navigating newly acquired property is no small feat, especially for a first-time land buyer. You’ll likely have lots of ideas, yet will also be faced with a laundry list of chores, repairs, and projects. But with a little planning, it’s easy to optimize your land use while maximizing potential revenue streams.
Read on for our essential guide on the development and management of your new land.
Set Clear Goals
In the excitement of obtaining new acreage, it can be easy to become sidetracked or lose sight of your original vision. Plus, unforeseen circumstances or issues can become overwhelming and even derail your projects.
Just like it is important to make a checklist before buying land for the first time, the same goes for post-purchase. Make a plan with—at the very least—the following:
- Budget (monthly, yearly, and other appropriate timelines)
- Revenue streams
- Crop projections
- Livestock
- Construction and renovations
- Staff
You bought the land for a reason, so you want to keep your priorities in mind.
Study the Map
You won’t be able to make a clear plan for your property without carefully learning every inch of it. This includes the terrain, boundary lines, elevation, and more.
If your seller didn’t provide a topographic map, you should request one. Topographic data will let you know the most level area to build a house, for example. It is also useful if you intend to plant crops or raise livestock.
Know Your Soil
It is common to receive soil reports when purchasing land, but you may want to carry out additional testing. Soil quality is the number one make-or-break factor in agriculture–without fertile soil, your farm is destined to fail.
There are many soil types to be aware of (sand, loam, clay, silt). Certain crops thrive better in dry climates and clay-based soils, while others require rich middle-ground soil. If you are building a farm on your new land, it is important to choose crops that are well-suited for the soil type.
Keep Your Affairs in Order
Before you break ground, there are a few logistics to keep in mind. As with any major investment, it is best to be organized and proactive from the start to avoid a hassle down the line. From paperwork to regulations, here are a few essential considerations.
Gather and Store Documents
When you acquire land, you will receive lots of important paperwork. Keep these documents in a safe place, as you never know when you will need to consult them. Plus, they’ll come in handy if you ever decide to re-sell.
These are some common documents that all landowners should have1:
- Title and deed
- Easements
- Timber records
- Wildlife census
- Soil and water tests
- Water rights
- Zoning regulations
Depending on the property type, you may also receive other pertinent evaluations from the previous owner.
Play By the Rules
Make sure that any construction, planting, and irrigation are well within the law. You should be aware of restrictions and regulations when purchasing land, and it’s crucial to brush up before starting a new project.
Pay particular attention to the following regulations:
- Water rights – All water used for agricultural purposes is officially regulated. Water laws differ by state and can have complex clauses, so you should either research these regulations or consult with your local water agency.2
- Zoning class – Your property’s zoning status determines what can and can’t be done on your land. For instance, some land is only approved for residential use. Plus, your property taxes will be based on your zoning class.
- EPA policies – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces laws, regulations, and other compliance on numerous ecological concerns regarding conservation, air quality, hazardous waste, pollution, and more.3
Even an accidental mistake can result in lost time and money—don’t be caught unawares!
Apply for a Street Address
When you purchase empty land, an address is not automatically assigned to you by the Postal Service—you will have to apply for one in a local government office. The process will differ depending on the office where you live (city, county, town, borough, etc).4
You may be wondering—if it’s just land, why do I even need a street address? For starters, staff and guests will all need an address in order to find your property. In fact, many utility companies and external contractors require you to have a valid address before beginning work.
Additionally, a street address allows landowners to:
- Receive mail and packages
- Run power lines
- Install plumbing
- Enter the census
Even if you don’t plan on building a house, it is important to have a registered address for first responders to easily find your property in the event of an emergency.
Mark Boundary Lines
Chances are you received a surveyor’s report before closing, but it’s unlikely that you’ll see a physical demarcation of those lines on the property. Adding fences or gates are useful for any new landowner. Physical borders (and signage) provide a visual guide as you get to work, and ensure that you won’t accidentally intrude on someone else’s land.
Marking property is also a safety measure, as it helps landowners to:
- Contain livestock
- Keep predators out
- Minimize trespassing
- Deter hunters
Depending on your specific needs, barbed wire and wooden fencing are popular options for property lines.
Prep the Land
The type of landscaping on any property depends on your particular goals. Are you going to grow and sell crops? Will you have livestock? Do you want to build a house, barn, or other structure? While some land is purchased ready to go, oftentimes you will have to make minor or major improvements.
Build a Road
An entrance road is an important first step when purchasing undeveloped land. Without one, you won’t be able to access the property, and neither will any staff or contractors that you hire. Before starting to clear the land, build a home, or plant crops, you’ll need a road first to ensure safe transportation of materials and equipment.
Your road certainly doesn’t have to be paved—dirt and gravel are sturdy and affordable options. Just keep on top of maintenance (ruts, potholes) throughout harsh winters, rainy springs, and other normal wear-and-tear.
Clean Up
When you purchase land, you never know what will have been left behind from previous owners or years of abandonment. Trash, debris, scrap metal, rusted equipment, fallen trees—you could find anything. Grab your wheelbarrow and get to work tidying up. Not only will it look better, but the land will also be safer for you, your staff, and any livestock.
Pro tip: garbage or debris can easily become wedged under the topsoil. Do a little digging under the surface to make sure you’re thoroughly cleaning up. Who knows—you may even unearth a cool artifact.
Clear the Land
Not all landowners need to clear their land, but if you have farming or construction plans, chances are you’ll need to remove trees or other obstructions. You can do it yourself with a few friends, or hire a tree removal service to get the job done quicker.
If you’re clearing trees and old wooden structures, save the wood for fires or repurpose it to build furniture, fencing, and more.
However, remember to look up alternatives to “slash-and-burn” land clearing techniques (before permanent use or annually). This method can negatively impact your farmland via5:
- Exacerbating climate change
- Soil erosion
- Watershed degradation
- Biodiversity losses
And if the reasons above aren’t enough to consider alternative, environmentally friendly land clearing, slash-and-burn may soon be illegal in your area. For example, California—and the San Joaquin Valley in particular—are planning to fully phase out slash-and-burn by 2025.6
Choose a Trusted Team
Your plan and budget should also include any potential staff you may hire. There are some essential considerations to take into account, especially if you are looking to use your land for farming.
Perhaps you’ll need farmhands for everyday work or seasonal employees to help with harvesting. Depending on your goals, you may need to contact other professionals. For instance, whether or not you start a farm will greatly influence the type of expertise you’ll need.
Some potential staff includes:
- Landscapers
- Foresters
- Construction workers
- Veterinarians
- Accountants
As the saying goes, many hands make light work, and this couldn’t be truer for a new property or farmland.
Meet Your Neighbors
Just like the team who will lend a helping hand, your new neighbors will be invaluable resources when you buy new property. They have likely lived on the land for a long time and will be able to give you helpful advice and recommendations, as well as local knowledge. It is also comforting to know that you have neighbors nearby in the event of an emergency.
Once you get settled, introduce yourself and exchange phone numbers. Having a good relationship with your neighbors goes a long way!
Find Community on Land.com
Grow your business, meet like-minded landowners, and receive expert advice at Land.com, the nation’s leading online marketplace for rural real estate. Whether you’re looking to expand your acreage, flip and sell land, or gain agricultural insight, we can help. There’s a reason why we receive over 12 million monthly visits across our online network: through tailored solutions, we empower landowners to make informed decisions, innovate sustainably, and support their legacy.
For extra tips and tricks, check out Land News and LAND Magazines. Written with our community in mind, these resources are designed to expand the collective wisdom of landowners nationwide. From building a homestead to starting a farm, our trusted network helps you find success and contribute to a greener future.
You’ve already bought the land— now it’s time to get started on your journey today.
Sources:
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Land Acquisition Planning. https://www.fws.gov/policy-library/341fw2.
- The National Agricultural Law Center. Water Law: An Overview. https://nationalaglawcenter.org/overview/water-law/.
- EPA. Regulatory and Guidance Information By Topic. https://www.epa.gov/regulatory-information-topic.
- USPS. Where Can I Find New Construction and Street Address Information? https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Where-Can-I-Find-New-Construction-and-Street-Address-Information.
- ICRAF. ICRAF in SE Asia. https://soilhealth.ucdavis.edu/download_file/view/219/234.
- CARB. Staff Report Agricultural Burning Alternatives Analysis Report. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/Agricultural_Burning_Alternatives_Analysis_Report.pdf.
