Buying Vacant Land? Know What You Can (and Can't) Build
Imagine paying for something you fully own, then being told you can’t really use it. That’s the reality with a lot of land.
Veronica Murphy has spent a lot of time researching vacant land, and it surprised her how little say an owner sometimes has.
You own it, but the rules decide what you can do
When you buy land, you get the title. But what you can build, and whether you can build at all, is controlled by zoning and government regulations, including:
- Your local municipality
- Your region, such as Niagara Region
- The province
- Conservation authorities and other agencies, depending on the property
These rules can decide whether you can build a home, how big or small it can be, and whether the land can be used for residential, commercial or agricultural purposes.
Why the rules exist
There are good reasons for zoning. Communities need to plan where homes, businesses and farmland go, and protect things like wetlands and natural areas. Still, it can be frustrating when you want to build something that benefits your family or community and the answer is no.
Veronica came across one property where the owner could essentially only walk on it. You could hike it and look at the birds, but you couldn’t build.
Questions to ask before buying land
- What is the zoning, and what does it allow?
- Is the lot buildable? Not all land is.
- Are there conservation or environmental restrictions?
- Are services available: water, sewer, hydro and road access?
- Will the municipality support what you want to build?
Make your offer conditional on getting these answers, and talk to the municipal planning department before you commit.
Looking at land in Niagara?
Buying land is very different from buying a house. Our team can help you ask the right questions before you spend a dollar.
Call Veronica at 289-768-9968 or contact us.
