Buying Acreage Property: Essential Considerations for Rural Land Purchases

Acreage properties (typically outskirts) lack suburban amenities. Additional costs and responsibilities apply.

Infrastructure Responsibilities

• City water/sewer/electric not available
• Well and septic tank = owner maintenance
• Pre-purchase: Inspect well/septic; test well for pollution (replacement very expensive)

Water Rights and Resources

• Springs/creeks on property? Water rights may be shared
• Downstream users may depend on flow = your responsibility to maintain

Future Development Risks

• Research planned surrounding improvements
• Landfill next door = disappointment despite typical acreage appreciation

Building Restrictions

• Zoning codes may dictate home size/type
• Livestock rules vary (cattle sometimes prohibited)
• Verify all limitations before purchasing

For Fairfax VA or McLean real estate, visit Courtland Homes inventory.