Land & Lots

Start With Due Diligence

Survey, zoning, restrictions, access, utilities, and soils determine what you can build. See our lot due-diligence checklist.

What Land Research Involves

Vacant land rewards patience. Before closing, you want a survey that matches the deed, confirmation of road access and easements, an understanding of zoning and recorded restrictions, and — where public sewer is not available — evidence the soils can support a septic system. Topography and drainage affect foundation cost as much as any finish choice.

Our lot due-diligence checklist walks through each item, and Building a Custom Home in Lancaster County explains the sequence from land to permit. If buying land is a step toward a spec or custom project, see Spec Homes and our Build vs. Buy vs. Renovate planner.

What to Verify on Any Parcel

For any land purchase, confirm zoning and permitted uses with the county, the boundary with a current survey, recorded easements and restrictions, flood-zone status, road access, and how water, sewer, power, and internet would reach the site. Our lot due-diligence checklist goes item by item.

Agricultural or other special assessment classifications can change when use changes; ask the county assessor before you plan around a tax figure, and read the property-tax guide.

From Land to Home

If you plan to build, read Building a Custom Home in Lancaster County and the build vs. buy guide. For utility availability, see Utilities & Services. To start a search or ask a question, use the buyer's guide.