Selling vacant land in Georgia can be very different from selling a house. Buyers may care about access, zoning, utilities, septic suitability, topography, surveys, development potential and dozens of other factors that can affect what your property is worth.
If you own land in Georgia and are considering selling, here are the main things to know before making a decision.
1. Understand What You Own
Start by gathering basic information about the property.
Helpful information includes:
- Property address or parcel number
- County
- Approximate acreage
- Current zoning
- Road frontage
- Legal access
- Existing survey
- Utilities available
- Septic or sewer information
- Any easements
- Property taxes
- Whether the property is wooded, cleared or improved
You do not necessarily need all of this information before speaking with a buyer, but the more you know, the easier it can be to evaluate your options.
2. Find Out What Your Land May Be Worth
Land values can vary dramatically even within the same county.
Two properties of the same size may be worth very different amounts depending on factors such as:
- Location
- Zoning
- Road frontage
- Access
- Topography
- Utilities
- Septic suitability
- Development potential
- Nearby property uses
- Floodplain or wetlands
- Demand in the immediate area
Online estimates can sometimes provide a starting point, but land often requires a more detailed review.
3. Check Access and Road Frontage
One of the first things many land buyers evaluate is access.
A property with paved road frontage may appeal to a much larger group of buyers than property that is landlocked or accessed through a private easement.
If your property has unusual access, that does not necessarily mean it cannot be sold. It simply means the access situation should be understood before determining value. For more info check out Can I sell My Land With No Road Frontage?
4. Understand Zoning
Zoning controls how property can generally be used.
Depending on the location, zoning may allow uses such as:
- Residential homes
- Agricultural uses
- Commercial development
- Industrial uses
- Multifamily housing
- Recreational property
- Timberland
A property’s development potential can have a major impact on its market value.
5. Determine Whether a Perc Test Matters
Many properties outside public sewer service require a septic system.
A perc test or soil evaluation helps determine whether the property may be suitable for a septic system.
If your property has not been tested, that does not necessarily prevent you from selling it. Some buyers will purchase land without a completed perc test and perform their own due diligence.
6. Decide Whether You Need a Survey
A survey can help identify:
- Property boundaries
- Acreage
- Easements
- Encroachments
- Road frontage
- Access points
You may already have an older survey in your closing documents.
A new survey is not always required before selling, especially when selling directly to a buyer who is willing to handle some of the due diligence.
7. Decide How You Want to Sell
Georgia landowners generally have several options.
List the Property
Listing with a real estate agent may make sense when maximizing exposure and price is your primary goal and you have time to wait for the right buyer.
Sell It Yourself
Some owners market their property independently through online land websites, signs and direct advertising.
Sell Directly to a Land Buyer
A direct sale may appeal to owners who prefer a simpler transaction without extensive marketing, repairs or repeated showings.
Depending on the transaction, a direct buyer may also be willing to purchase property as-is and handle much of the due diligence.
8. Gather Your Property Documents
If available, gather:
- Deed
- Survey
- Tax bill
- Recorded plats
- Easement documents
- Soil or perc test reports
- Septic permits
- Utility information
- Timber information
- Previous appraisals
- Zoning information
Do not worry if you do not have everything. Many records can be obtained from county or public sources.
9. Compare Your Offers Carefully
The highest offer is not always the strongest offer.
Also consider:
- Inspection period
- Financing contingency
- Closing timeline
- Earnest money
- Buyer experience
- Who pays closing costs
- Survey requirements
- Due diligence requirements
- Ability to close
A slightly lower offer with fewer contingencies may sometimes be more attractive than a higher offer with significant uncertainty.
Thinking About Selling Land in Georgia?
Cox Property Group buys houses, land and commercial property throughout Georgia.
If you own land you are considering selling, tell us a little about the property. We can review it and discuss your options.
There is no obligation to accept an offer.