4 Advice for Buying Off-Grid Real Estate

Buying that piece of land to live off-grid can be a dream come true. But, this dream can become a nightmare if the property is unsuitable for anything you intend to use it for.

To avoid surprises that can get in the way of an off-grid lifestyle, buyers must research important aspects of their purchase before they buy.

Including different ways of purchasing land and property away from cities and metropolitan areas. Here are a few things to look at before someone commits to a property:

Make sure it isn’t land-locked.

One of the most important considerations is whether the new property owner can legally access their land once it’s been purchased.

Some parcels of land do not have access to a road without passing through another person’s property. When this happens, the property is considered landlocked.

This off-grid land problem is very common; the legal advice forum on Reddit, for instance, has frequent questions about landlocked properties.

Unfortunately, if the owner of the property where the new owner must pass through to get to their property has not been granted an easement, the property will remain legally inaccessible.

Check out the zoning restrictions.

Most people’s off-grid living dreams include livestock, chickens, off-grid power, and independent options for water for people and crops.

However, it is important to ensure that all these things are allowed on the property. Just because a property is far from any city or town does not necessarily mean it is free from local and state zoning restrictions.

There may be rules about what structures can be erected, building materials and dwelling size. Some areas allow certain animals but not others.

For instance, a homeowner may be able to have hens but not roosters or chickens but not other farm animals like goats or pigs.

In some places, occupied residences are required by law to be connected to an electrical grid. There are also often rules about rainwater catchment and connection to sewer systems.

Other considerations should include trees and land conservation. Many areas do not allow old-growth tree cutting or clearing.

Other areas may not allow a home to be built on or near environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands, aqueduct recharge or drainage areas, or areas with a species listed on the endangered list.

Look for a clear title.

When searching for any property, it is vital to ensure that there are not multiple land ownership claims. A title search can show whether there are liens or other issues that can prevent a clear title. Up-to-date land surveys can also ensure that all parties agree on the boundaries of a piece of land.

If there are issues with the title, these can sometimes be solved before the land purchase goes through. A Title company usually handles this.

However, discussing potential issues with a real estate lawyer and the purchaser’s real estate agent is important.

This way, the buyer can understand any risks associated with purchasing a specific parcel of land.

When buying land directly from a land owner, it is vital to ensure that the person selling the land owns it. Proof of ownership can be shown through documentation, such as deeds or bills of sale.

Ensure that the taxes aren’t too high.

Property taxes are an expense that needs to be investigated when investigating the costs associated with a piece of land.

The ideal off-grid location will typically include several acres of land. This can mean a hefty property tax bill yearly in a high-tax area.

Some areas offer different tax rates depending on whether a property is considered residential or agricultural. Learning what is required to qualify for an agricultural tax rate can help save thousands of dollars in tax payments over the years.

It may be required that the land be cultivated, for instance, or that a certain threshold of agricultural income is met each year.

The off-grid lifestyle requires a certain level of grit, tenacity, knowledge, and planning. By incorporating the knowledge of choosing suitable off-grid land into their skill set, buyers can get closer to fulfilling their goals of independent off-grid life.