15 Super Easy Questions to Ask Before You Buy Land

Buying land is a big decision. The right questions asked early will save you from expensive surprises after you close. Here are 15 questions to ask before you put any money down on a parcel.

Why These Questions Matter

Most land buyers don't know what they don't know. They find a parcel they love, fall in love with the price, and skip the research. These 15 questions cover the things that most commonly create problems after purchase.

The 15 Questions

1. Who actually owns this property?

Confirm the seller is the legal title holder. Check the county assessor or recorder's office to verify ownership before you go any further.

2. Are there any back taxes or liens on the property?

These transfer with the property. You inherit them as the new owner. Check the county tax collector's website before making any offer.

3. What is the zoning?

Zoning determines what you can legally do on the land. Call the county planning department and confirm the designation and what it permits.

4. Are there any deed restrictions or CC&Rs?

Pull the deed and any recorded covenants from the county recorder. Restrictions can prohibit mobile homes, limit setbacks, or require minimum home sizes.

5. Is there legal road access to the property?

Landlocked parcels exist. Confirm there is a deeded easement or public road access before you close.

6. Are there utilities available?

Electric, water, sewer — confirm what's available and what it costs to connect. On rural land, this often means a well, septic, and power line extension.

7. Is the property in a flood zone?

Check FEMA's flood map. Flood zone designation affects insurance requirements and what you can build.

8. Does the property have wetlands?

Check the US Fish and Wildlife Service Wetlands Mapper. Wetlands limit development and require special permits.

9. Who owns the mineral rights?

Mineral rights and surface rights can be separated. Confirm whether mineral rights are included in the sale.

10. What is the soil like?

Soil type affects what you can grow, what foundation types are possible, and whether a septic system can be installed.

11. Is there an HOA or POA?

Association dues and rules can significantly affect how you use the property. Get the full CC&Rs before you close.

12. What are the annual property taxes?

Check the county assessor's records. Property taxes vary widely by county and land use designation.

13. What are the neighboring properties like?

Check adjacent parcels. A neighbor running a commercial operation or a landlocked parcel next door can affect your experience and resale value.

14. What is the full chain of title?

Track ownership back at least 30 years. A title company can do this for you. Gaps in the chain create legal risk.

15. Have you walked the property?

Online research covers a lot, but nothing replaces a physical visit. Walk the parcel, check access, and see what's actually there before you close.

Bottom Line

These 15 questions take a few hours to answer thoroughly. That investment of time will tell you more about a parcel than any listing description ever will — and it's the difference between a confident purchase and a regrettable one.