Can You Buy Land on Zillow?

Zillow is one of the most popular online real estate marketplaces, providing listings for millions of homes across the United States. But did you know that Zillow also lists land for sale? 

Yes, you can buy land on Zillow. The online real estate marketplace provides listings for various types of land including residential, commercial, agricultural, undeveloped and recreational. Users can search for properties using keywords and filters, view details about the land, inquire about listings and contact real estate agents to facilitate the purchase process.

Whether you’re looking to build a home, start a farm, or just want a piece of property to enjoy, Zillow offers a wide selection of land listings. In this article, we’ll look at how Zillow works for buying land, the types of properties available, and the process for purchasing land on Zillow.

How Does Zillow Work?

Zillow operates similarly to other real estate sites. Sellers work with brokers and agents to list their properties on Zillow. As one of the largest sites, Zillow attracts significant online traffic of buyers browsing homes and land. 

Zillow does not sell properties directly. Rather, it connects buyers and sellers, with real estate agents facilitating and earning commissions on transactions. For buyers, Zillow provides listing info, prices, photos, maps of properties, and the ability to inquire about or tour available land.

Can You Buy Land on Zillow?

Yes, you can buy land on Zillow. The site allows you to search, view details, and inquire about listings for vacant land just as you would a regular home. 

Zillow provides listings for all types of real estate, including homes, condos, commercial buildings, raw land and more. So whether you want to buy a 1-acre building lot in the suburbs or a 100-acre farm, you can find land listings on Zillow.

How to Search for Land on Zillow

Searching for land on Zillow works similarly to searching for homes. Here are some tips for finding land listings:

1. Using the Search Bar

Use keywords like “vacant land”, “empty lot”, “raw land”, or “building lot” in the search bar. You can further filter by adding a location.

2. Using Filters

On the search results page, use filters like property type, lot size, price range and more to narrow down land listings.

3. Using Map View

Toggle into map view and scan for vacant land plots marked on the map. Undeveloped areas indicate potential land for sale.

What Types of Land Can You Buy on Zillow?

Zillow provides listings for all types of real estate, so you can find many different kinds of land:

1. Residential Land

Look for building lots to construct a home in residential communities. Suburban subdivisions often have vacant lots for sale.

2. Commercial Land

Find parcels zoned for business use, such as office spaces or retail stores. Commercial land is often located along busy roads and highways.

3. Agricultural Land

Rural areas and farms frequently have agricultural land for sale. Search for acreage, farms, and ranches on Zillow.

4. Undeveloped Land

Zillow lists raw, undeveloped land suitable for off-grid living or recreation. Look for large acreage in remote areas.

5. Recreational Land

Those looking for hunting land, lakefront property or wooded acres can search for recreational parcels and land with amenities.

How to Purchase Land on Zillow: Step-by-Step Guide

Here is a step-by-step overview of the land buying process on Zillow:

1. Do Your Research

Study listings, prices and property details. Determine the features and acreage you need. Research permits, zoning and regulations in the area.

2. Understand the Costs Involved

Factor in the purchase price along with additional costs like surveys, title insurance, legal fees, taxes, and maintenance expenses. Consider getting pre-approved for financing. 

3. Consider Hiring a Real Estate Agent

An experienced agent can advise you and represent your interests during negotiations and closing. Zillow makes it easy to inquire and contact agents.

4. Get a Survey Done

Before buying, get a survey to verify the boundaries and total acreage. This can prevent disputes later.

5. Understand the Restrictions and Regulations

Check details like utility access, road access, zoning, lot limits, and whether you can build on the land. Ask the agent or contacts in the area.

6. Check Access to Utilities

Evaluate if electric, water, sewer and other utilities are available on the land or if you’ll need well and septic systems. This affects costs.

7. Consider Future Resale Value

Research neighboring lot values and area growth trends. Some land has more potential for appreciation over time.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Buying Land on Zillow?

Pros:

• Wide selection of land and property types
• Easy online search tools and filters
• Details like photos, maps and pricing provided 
• Agents available to contact and answer questions
• Competitive value pricing from having multiple listings

Cons:

• No option to virtually tour land listings
• Still need an agent for guidance and negotiations
• On-site inspections are necessary before buying
• Less inventory than some specialized land listing sites 

Conclusion

In summary, Zillow offers an extensive database of land listings that allow you to search, browse, and purchase many types of property. With the right research and preparation, buyers can use Zillow to successfully buy land online. However, virtual tours are limited, so on-site visits are still vital. For those looking for their perfect parcel or acreage, Zillow provides an easy starting point and resources to buy land.

FAQ

What Are the Different Types of Land That Can Be Bought on Zillow?

The main types of land available on Zillow include residential lots, commercial property, agricultural acreage, undeveloped recreational land, suburban building lots, rural farms and ranches, investment property, and more. 

What Are the Different Uses for Land?

Land can be used for building a home, starting a business, farming, ranching, recreation, off-grid living, camping, investment, development, resource extraction, and conservation, among many other uses. The zoning and features of the land determine its uses.

What Are the Costs of Buying Land?

When buying land, expect to pay the listing price along with closing costs, agent commissions, surveys, permits, legal fees, title insurance, taxes, site improvements, utility connections, and ongoing maintenance.

How Can I Finance the Purchase of Land?

Potential financing options to buy land include cash, conventional mortgages, land/lot loans, owner financing from the seller, partnerships, crowdfunding, and loans using the land as collateral.

What Are the Zoning and Permitting Requirements for Land Development?

Zoning regulations determine what can be built and how the land can be used. Permits are required for construction, utility connections, subdividing lots, changing terrain, removing trees and other regulated activities.

What Are the Environmental Regulations for Land Use?

Environmental regulations address stormwater management, endangered species, wetlands, flood zones, erosion, watersheds and other ecological impacts from land development or use.

What Are the Legal Considerations for Buying and Selling Land?

It’s important to verify property lines and boundaries, review title and deed history, confirm legal access to the property, handle easements, and disclose all known property defects during sale. Professional legal advice is recommended.