How to Find Your Dream Property with Acreage
- Craig Kaiser
- Jul 25
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 5
In today's fast-paced world, the dream of owning a house with ample acreage is more appealing than ever. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life or a place to start a small farm, finding the perfect house with acreage can be a rewarding endeavor. This guide will walk you through the steps to make this dream a reality, highlighting key considerations and tips for evaluating dream homes with acreage for sale.
Why Consider a Home with Acreage?
Owning a home with acreage offers unique advantages that go far beyond just owning land. Many people purchase homes with acreage due to the privacy it offers, the extra space for recreational activities, and the limited restrictions that can't be found in the city. Here’s why so many people are drawn to this lifestyle:
Privacy and Seclusion: With extra land surrounding your home, you create a buffer between you and the outside world. Say goodbye to noisy neighbors or busy streets. It’s your chance to enjoy peace and quiet in your own sanctuary. The added privacy is ideal for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Room for Hobbies and Recreation: Acreage provides the space you need to explore interests that wouldn’t be possible on a smaller property. From building an expansive workshop to setting up a personal hiking trail, the opportunities are endless. Outdoor enthusiasts or families with children will especially enjoy areas for sports, horseback riding, or even backyard camping.
Gardening and Farming Opportunities: Do you dream of growing your own food or raising animals? A property with ample acreage can turn those dreams into reality. Large gardens, orchards, or even small-scale farming can thrive with enough land. Whether you’re aiming for self-sustainability or just developing a new hobby, the possibilities are exciting and rewarding.
Long-Term Investment: The value of land appreciates over time, particularly in desirable locations. Owning a home with acreage isn’t just a lifestyle choice; it’s also a strategic way to invest in your future.
Limited Restrictions: Depending on local zoning laws, larger plots of land often come with fewer restrictions. This allows you to be creative with land use. Whether you want to build a guesthouse, install a pool, or try your hand at eco-friendly living, acreage gives you the freedom to experiment.
How to Find Your Dream Property with Acreage
Before you start your search, it's crucial to understand what you're looking for in a house with acreage and to determine how much you can afford to spend on your dream property. Ask yourself some essential questions:
What Will You Use the Land For? Consider what you want to do with your dream property before beginning your search. Do you want to homestead, hunt, or farm? How large of a home do you want? Knowing this will help you determine how much acreage you need. For example, if you're planning to farm, you'll need more land than someone seeking a large yard for privacy and recreation.
How Far Are You Willing to Live From Urban Amenities? Before researching properties, think about how far you are willing to live from critical amenities like schools, hospitals, grocery stores, and more.
What Type of House Do You Envision on This Property? Do you want to buy land to build a house, or do you want to purchase a home that has already been built? And how large do you want it to be? Answering these questions will help you narrow your search for your dream property for sale.
How Much Can You Afford to Spend? Determine your budget and the maximum amount you’re willing to spend, including extra funds for land improvements or maintenance.
Steps for Evaluating Your Dream Property with Acreage
When it comes to finding your dream property with acreage, it’s essential to consider more than just the square footage or number of bedrooms. Be sure to also determine your priorities and ideal location. Once you've found a property of interest, it's essential to research zoning and regulations and conduct due diligence for the property to ensure you're making the right choice. Here are practical tips to guide your search:
1. Determine Your Priorities
Start by defining what’s most important to you. Do you want a home that’s move-in ready, or are you open to renovations? Are you seeking a specific type of land, like wooded areas or flat, open fields? By clarifying your must-haves versus deal-breakers, you’ll narrow down your options effectively.
2. Choose the Right Location
Think about your ideal surroundings. Would you like to be completely rural, or do you still want reasonable access to urban amenities like schools, hospitals, and shopping? Additionally, research the climate and weather patterns of different regions to ensure they align with your lifestyle—particularly if you plan to pick a property for homesteading, farming, or riding horses.
3. Understand Zoning and Regulations
Every area has zoning laws and land-use regulations that dictate what you can and cannot do on your property. Before making an offer, confirm the zoning type. For example:
Residential zoning often has restrictions on farming or livestock.
Agricultural zoning may give you more freedom but could come with specific tax implications.
If you want to build additional structures, such as barns or guesthouses, double-check local building codes before purchasing.
4. Evaluate Land Condition
Walk the property thoroughly to assess the condition of the land itself. Look for features like natural water sources, soil quality, drainage, and terrain type, as they’ll impact how you can use the land. For example, wetlands or rocky areas might limit construction, while fertile soil is a bonus if gardening or farming is a priority.
5. Calculate Maintenance Needs
Owning acreage comes with responsibilities, especially regarding upkeep. Large properties often require regular maintenance for lawns, trees, and fencing. Depending on the landscape, you may need specialized equipment like a riding mower or tractor. Factor in these ongoing costs as part of your budget.
6. Work with a Knowledgeable Realtor
Not all realtors specialize in properties with acreage, so it’s important to find one who understands the unique challenges and opportunities these homes present. They can offer insights into local land trends and help you assess which properties are a good fit for your needs.
Dream Properties & Acreages for Sale
There are various methods and online tools that you can use to find your dream property for sale. One way to find your dream property is to explore local auctions and foreclosures. Sometimes, auctions and foreclosures offer hidden gems. Keep an eye on local listings and attend auctions when possible. These properties can often be purchased at lower prices, but they may require more work or renovations.
The internet is your best friend when looking for houses with acreage for sale near you! LandApp is one online tool that you can use to find dream properties with acreage for sale. Use LandApp's advanced filters to narrow down your choices based on location, price range, and land size, and apply tags to find specific types of properties with specific features like barns, pools, and more. Here are some examples of dream properties listed on LandApp's marketplace:
