Here is a checklist of useful questions to pose to a seller or seller’s representative when looking at a specific piece of land or property.
We hope this helps you get the full lay of the land, so to speak, but please note that this checklist is intended as a general guide rather than exhaustive outline. Every piece of land differs, just as real-estate transactions will vary based on different locations, property uses and individual buyer and seller circumstances. Please consult with a qualified land professional to assure you are getting the right information and advice for your land or property purchase.
Read More: What You Need to Know When Buying Raw Land Online

- What are the access rights on the property? For example, does the land offer legal access to a public road or is access provided via an existing deeded easement?
- Is this land or property served by existing utilities like electricity, sewage, water? Are any wells or septic systems installed on the property?
- Has the land been surveyed recently? Are the boundary lines painted or marked?
- Who are the adjoining neighbors? Are you aware of any current property line disputes with neighboring landowners?
- Do any mineral rights such as for timber, water or gas convey with the sale of this property?
- Are there existing easements in place on the property, including for conservation, utilities, access or adjoining owners?
- Are there any known environmental issues with the property? Have the current owners received notice from any governmental entities about future assessments that would affect this property?
- How is the property zoned? What are permitted uses or special exceptions for this piece of land? (This is also a question that can be asked of the local government or municipality where the property is located.)
- Is the property governed under the terms of a Homeowners Association? If so, what restrictions apply to future development of this land of property?
- Are you aware of any development proposal for any adjoining land or properties?
- Are there existing tenant or lease obligations to others on the property?
- What are annual property tax obligations for the land or property?
- Are there any tax exemptions as a result of the investment in the property? (such as agricultural, horticultural, or timber exemptions)
- Why is the property owner selling this particular property? (Please note, the seller or seller’s representative is not required to disclose this information, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.)
- Is the seller offering financing on the property?
- How soon can the seller close on the transaction?
- Does the property include any water features such as lakes, rivers, springs or ponds? What about internal access routes such as fire roads, trails or pathways?
- Where are the nearest public access lakes or waterways? What are the closest public lands (i.e. state or national forest, state or national park, BLM land)?
- Do any property improvements not convey with the sale (e.g. fencing, outbuildings, gates)?
- Will my purchase of this land or property include a fee simple General Warranty deed?
- Am I able to obtain clear title to the property with title insurance?
- What is the quality and value of timber on the property (e.g. types of timber, age of trees, planted or natural species)? Where are the nearest timber mills and outlets? Is any of the current timber stock sellable?
The above questions should help you paint the picture of a property’s existing state as well as future potential. In addition, of course, there will be many questions that may relate to various state and local conditions and regulations that should be fully discussed with the seller.
More Useful Resources
- 10 Essential Tips for Buying Rural Property
- Essential Tips for Getting Your First Farm or Ranch Loan
- How to Buy Raw Land in a Digital World
Tell us in the comments section if you think we have missed anything in our above checklist!


Originally published 4/24/2018, updated 12/21/2020.
Show Comments
Nooron Khan
Thank you for the information. Can you also explain the situations, ifs, and buts, with each of these points that you have listed above about buying ” raw land on line”? I would really appreciate receiving this information.
Best regards
Nooron Khan
Roy Leslie
You missed a really big question!
Must add this to the signed disclosure statement:
“Have you ever received, on the subject property, a cervid (whitetail deer, axis, sika, elk, red deer, or fallow deer) from a breeding facility or any other wildlife seller. If so, what specie, when, how many, and from what facility. List the owner, the address, the phone number, and email address of the Breeder facility.”
FINDING CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE ON YOUR PROPERTY COULD LOWER ITS VALUE EXPONENTIALLY, and SUBJECT YOU, AS A SELLER TO SERIOUS LIABILITY, AND AN AGENT TO TREBLE DAMAGES.
Dean Phillips
I thought it was great how you said to ask if the land that you are planning to buy has existing utilities like electricity and water. My father has been wanting to buy some land that he can build a cabin on and stay in during the summers. It may be beneficial for him to work with a real estate company that can give him a wide variety of residential lots to choose from.
Anil Suriya
Here are the some keypoints we have noted:
1. What is the token advance amount that you need to pay while booking the plot?
2. Is there any Bank Loan facility available for the said plot?
3. Check if all the titles of the said plot are cleared by the local governing authorities?
4. Probe and get the update of the current condition of the said property?
5. Also find out – what are the various amenities that the said property is giving along with the plots?
6. Investigate if the said plot is prone to any environmental hazards?
7. Find out the various route maps to reach the property for sale – like Rail Route, Roadways etc…?
8. Are the plots covered with boundaries?
9. Is the said plot properly surveyed?
10. Find the asking rate of the land owner before making a counter proposal for the said plot?
Once you are done with the above mentioned list of questionnaire – It will be definitely help you in taking the right decision as far as the future investment is concerned.
Eli Richardson
It makes sense that one should keep in mind if one will receive a clear title with title insurance. My grandfather has been thinking of buys some acres to build a house. I’ll be sure he keeps these questions in mind when buying the land.
Rachel Frampton
I have been wanting to buy a land where my apartment building will be constructed; that’s why I’m currently looking for a drone surveying service, so I can make sure that I am making the right choice. I’m glad you shared this; I’ll make sure to choose a lot that is accessible to public transportation. I’d also keep in mind to scrutinize the place for any existing easements.