Buying a plot of land: how to search and compare offers
What you need the land for
People buy land for building, a weekend home, a farm, a business or as an investment. These purposes differ, and so do the requirements. For living, services and the road matter. For a weekend home, and especially for leisure, the surroundings matter: a lake, trees, quiet neighbours. For an investment, the prospects of the area and the right documents matter. If you want a plot for leisure by the water, find out about the rules near the shoreline, as building near water bodies is often restricted.
Think about the distance from the city too. A plot 30 km from Toronto, say in the countryside, can be worth it if there is a paved road and it stays passable in the rainy season.
What to put in your request
- location — state, district, distance from the city;
- size in sq ft or acres;
- purpose — building, farming, orchard, commercial;
- budget;
- services — power, water, drainage on the plot or nearby;
- access — paved road, dirt track, distance to the highway;
- surroundings — lake, trees, neighbours, shops;
- documents — survey number, title;
- payment — cash, instalments, exchange.
Example: “I am looking for a 4,000 sq ft plot for building in a rural area, within 30 km of Toronto. Power on the plot, water connection nearby, a paved road right up to the plot, preferably near a lake. Documents in order, with a survey number. Budget up to $67,000.”
How BlaBlaPrice works
You create one request, and instead of endless scrolling through websites you get offers in the chat from owners, agents and builders. They describe the plot, price, documents and payment terms, and add photos or a map. Sellers see where their offer stands and can improve the terms. Your phone number stays hidden until you choose a seller.
What to look at in the offers
- The permitted use of the land in the documents: it decides what you can build or grow here.
- The survey number and boundaries in the land records.
- Whether ownership is in order and there are no encumbrances or other leases.
- The price per sq ft compared with other plots nearby.
- Bringing in services: what is already there and what you will have to pay for.
Before the deal, have a lawyer check the documents.
Common mistakes
Believing stories about the “future development” of the area. Comparing prices without considering the permitted use and the roads. Viewing the plot only in summer, when you cannot see whether it floods in the rainy season. Paying a token amount without an agreement. Not checking whether the plot falls in a protected zone along power lines, pipelines or roads.
For more specific needs, see building plots, farmland and agricultural plots or land for rent. More details are on the “How it works” page.
