08/16/2026
🌲 Thinking about buying vacant land? SAVE THIS POST.
A piece of land can look like the perfect place to build, but there can be a lot more to consider than acreage and price.
Before you fall in love with a piece of land, check these 7 things:
1. Check Zoning
Find out how the property is zoned and what uses are permitted. A parcel may look perfect for your plans but not allow the type of home, business, or other use you have in mind.
2. Verify Septic Feasibility
If there isn't municipal sewer, don't assume a septic system can be installed. Soil conditions, lot size, setbacks, wetlands, and other site characteristics can affect whether a property can support a septic system.
3. Check for Wetlands
Wetlands can impact where you can build, place a driveway, install a septic system, or disturb the property. Don't rely solely on what you can see from the road—verify the property with the appropriate resources.
4. Verify Legal & Physical Access
Make sure the property has legal access to a public road. If access is through another property, understand whether there is a recorded easement and what rights it provides.
5. Check Utilities
Determine what is actually available at the property. Is there municipal water and sewer? A well needed? Electric at the road? Don't assume utilities are available simply because nearby properties have them.
6. Review the Floodplain
Check whether any portion of the property is located within a floodplain. Floodplain designation can affect where you can build and may create additional requirements or restrictions.
7. Confirm Building Restrictions
Look beyond zoning. Check for deed restrictions, covenants, easements, subdivision restrictions, conservation restrictions, shoreland requirements, or other limitations that could affect what you can build or do with the property.
Every property is different. Verify information with the appropriate municipality, county, DNR, zoning department and other applicable authorities before purchasing.
