With the economy in a downturn and interest rates low, land sales have surged. Some say it’s a sign that investors are looking for safer, more stable investments than stocks and mutual funds. And it’s true that if you are smart about your purchase, land is an affordable long term investment. You can buy a large tract of land for much less than a single-family home, there are no utility bills to pay, insurance is inexpensive and property taxes can be fairly reasonable in certain areas.
But there are a few things to be aware of before you make your final purchase. It is important to understand the difference between surface and mineral rights. It is also important to find out what restrictions the land may have if any – including environmental, cemetery or other easements that limit your use of the land. Lastly, you should make sure that the land is accessible in all types of weather conditions.
Recreational land developers spend huge amounts of money on road improvements, water and sewage systems, yacht and country clubs, riding stables, golf courses, swimming pools and tennis courts. Many of these developments are marketed as family vacation or retirement destinations. But the reality is that these properties are often speculative and rarely yield any substantial income from the land itself.
Some people choose to live on the Fast Track Land Sales in Texas and use it as a hunting, fishing, hiking or recreational destination. In some instances, these buyers are spending thousands of dollars an acre to enhance the land. The problem is that the improvements they make are not likely to return their original investment and can actually cost them more in future capital gains tax.
In fact, if you are not careful, the purchase of recreational land can become a big tax liability. For this reason, it is important to consult with a qualified tax professional before you make your purchase.
If you are considering the purchase of recreational land in Texas, you should also consider the proximity to urban amenities and the availability of health care and education. The last thing you want is to invest in a piece of land that will not meet your needs in the future.
If you are serious about purchasing land in Texas, it is important to work with a broker who has experience in these transactions. Reagan Wood, founder of Land Dev Brokerage in Austin, has a skillset that is unique in the Central Texas area – she’s both a licensed real estate agent and a former land development engineer. This gives her a deep understanding of the complexities involved in buying and selling raw land. She has created her company to provide a service that is currently missing from the market in this part of the state. Click here to learn more about how Land Dev can help you with your next land purchase.