There’s a lot to consider when you invest in raw land. It’s an illiquid investment (until it’s developed), it doesn’t pay cash dividends, and you have to pay for liability insurance and property taxes each year. However, land does offer several key advantages over other types of investments.

Affordable

Owning land for sale is much less expensive than purchasing a home or an existing property. This is because homes are built on lots, often smaller than the land they sit on. This is why looking for raw land rather than a lot with an existing home or property attached is essential when searching for Florida land for sale.

Moreover, searching for land for sale near your current location can save you money on maintenance costs and other expenses related to managing the property. This is because it’s easier to manage land nearby than a property located an hour away or more. Investing in land for sale within your immediate vicinity is also wise because it will help you sell the property quickly if needed.

Another way to ensure you’re investing in the right piece of land is to ask the seller if they will accept an earnest money deposit, which can be put towards the purchase when the time comes to move forward with your plans. This option is usually more familiar with homes but can also work for land.

Long-Term Investment

Real estate investors often focus on properties with existing homes, offices, and retail space because these assets have a value that drives up the land’s price. But purchasing raw land with nothing built on it can still be an excellent financial move because it will likely appreciate over time.

Demand is the critical factor determining whether or not your land investment will be appreciated. Ranch land for sale, for example, offers value to developers, homeowners, and commercial tenants interested in future buildings. This means you could make a lot of money if you purchase the right property and wait for the demand to rise.

Low Risk

The risk with land investments is much lower than other investment properties. This is because raw land has different carrying costs of a house or commercial property, such as mortgage payments, utilities, insurance, and annual property taxes. Additionally, land value tends to increase at a rate similar to inflation.

While this is not a guarantee, it can significantly reduce the risk of losing money on a land purchase. Buying raw land is a low-risk way to make money if the investor conducts thorough research to determine what type of land best suits their goals. While it may not provide a quick payoff, the profits will come in time if the investor is willing to wait.

Another benefit of investing in raw land is that it requires far less start-up capital than other real estate forms. This makes it more accessible for investors with little to no experience in the industry. It is also easier to manage and maintain than a home, requiring only a few periodic visits to check the property’s condition. In addition, many land investors choose to lease their property for a short-term period for rental income. This can make the land more appealing and help potential buyers secure a sale.

Easy to Find

Raw land is a highly affordable investment because it doesn’t have the exact carrying costs of a home or commercial property. The cost of utilities, mortgages, and insurance are all less with land than other properties. This is one reason land is an excellent investment for those new to real estate investing or who want to diversify their portfolio. However, land does come with its own set of risks and challenges. For example, it only pays cash dividends and has little utility once developed.

Furthermore, the value of raw land usually increases slower than a home or other types of real estate. Also, if you buy land and hold it for too long, the city or county might change their code to make it harder to build on the property.

Overall, though, buying land is still a smart financial move. It’s cheaper than purchasing a property with a structure and offers developers a blank canvas for construction. It’s also an excellent hedge against inflation, as land values tend to rise at about the same rate over a long holding period.

Investing in raw land can be an excellent way to diversify your portfolio and grow your wealth over time. However, it’s essential to research and understand the market before investing. With the help of online platforms, professional agents, and specialized resources, finding land for sale is now easier than ever.