8 Cheap Ways To Improve Land Values

Raw land, often considered a blank canvas of opportunity, holds tremendous potential for investors and property owners looking to enhance its value. While real estate development might seem like a daunting task, there are numerous cost-effective strategies that can be employed to uplift the worth of raw land. This article explores a range of techniques that can give significant returns without breaking the bank. Whether you're an investor eyeing future profits or a landowner seeking to make the most of your property, these budget-friendly methods can help you unlock the hidden value of raw land.

1. Clearing and Cleanup

One of the simplest and most economical ways to enhance raw land's value is through clearing and cleanup. Removing debris, overgrown vegetation, and unsightly structures can transform the appearance of the land, making it more appealing to potential buyers or tenants. Clearing also helps to showcase the natural features of the property, giving buyers a clearer vision of its potential.

Heavily wooded lots can sometimes offer hidden value with the lumber. If you have a good sized lot full of quality trees many companies will gladly clear your land and give you cash for the lumber. Then, you can groom the land for looks and sell to potential home builder for much more than you would get for a wooded lot.  

2. Access and Infrastructure Improvement

Improving access to the land can significantly boost its value. Creating or enhancing driveways, paths, and roads makes the property more accessible and appealing. Basic infrastructure improvements like installing fences, gates, and signage can also enhance the property's overall aesthetics and functionality.

A lot of land in the United States is either with dirt roads, no roads or poorly paved roads. If you can get the road to your lot in better shape by renting some heavy equipment, it could significantly increase the selling price of your land. Some roads have become quite wooded too, cutting out a path to your property can really rake in way more potential buyers. 

3. Land Grading and Leveling

Land grading and leveling address issues related to slope and uneven terrain. By grading the land, you can create a more even surface suitable for various uses such as building structures, gardening, or recreational activities. Proper grading also helps with water drainage, which is crucial for maintaining the health of the land and any potential developments. You don't even necessarily have to grade the whole property but even just a home site or camp site can work. It presents more of a vision to a buyer rather than just land like the rest of the parcels around you. 

4. Landscaping

Strategic landscaping can work wonders in enhancing the value of raw land. Planting native trees, shrubs, and plants not only beautifies the property but also creates a more attractive environment for potential buyers. Consider low-maintenance and drought-resistant landscaping options to minimize ongoing costs. 

Say you have a flat desert property and most comparable lots are just natural around you. Maybe a few with some homes which is great. However, if your lot looks cleared for a home build with nice drainage and landscaping plants it really paints a canvas to a buyer. Just about everyone would rather buy a plot of land that looks more appealing. You could do all this over a couple weekends and charge a higher prices than those around you with no improvements. It also can attract many more buyers

5. Utility Connections

Connecting the land to essential utilities, such as water, electricity, and sewage, can substantially enhance its value. Many buyers and developers prioritize properties with access to these utilities, as it simplifies the development process and opens up more possibilities for land use. A huge amount of land in the United States is without utilities, meaning off grid. Some hold their property a long time in hopes city unities will expand to their property. When that does happen, it's a massive jump in value and you didn't even have to do anything. 

If Utilities are fairly near, such as power, you can usually pay a fee to get the power lines drawn to your property. The local county and power department will handle this process, depending on the county it could be quite affordable. Even just adding a water well can be a huge boost in sale potential. If you have a good affordable method or connection many buyers will pay way more on a property that has water available. 

6. Subdivision

If the land is large enough, subdividing it into smaller parcels can increase its value significantly. This can be especially lucrative in areas where smaller plots are in demand. However, keep in mind that subdividing land involves legal and regulatory processes that should be thoroughly researched and understood. Getting a property survey and specialist in subdividing land is key. While you could do some of it on your own, you don't want to deal with rejections from the building department. 

Best part about this method is you don't even have to touch the land. If rules and regulations allow it, you can just subdivide it out. Say you have 20 acres of land, you want to divide it into four 5 acre lots and sell those individually. After some documentation and a plot map is submitted and approved, each will be given its own tax APN number and sellable on the open market. You didn't have to do anything to the land, just handle the paperwork and some payments that were required. It's quite amazing how much more you can flip land for using this method. 

7. Alternative Land Uses

Consider alternative land uses that align with the property's strengths and local demand. This could include recreational activities like camping or hiking, creating a community garden, or even leasing the land for events. Exploring these options can lead to consistent income streams and increased land value.

Camping parcels are in high demand, even more so if you can use an RV on it as well. Spending a weekend or two and grading the lot, adding a fire pit and some basic landscaping can be a huge selling point to someone wanting a camping area of their own. Many people also make money off of hipcamp.com, they have basic land and make money just like an AirBnb would. Some raw land owners are making $45k+ a year on their raw land for campers!!!!

8. Minimalist Infrastructure

When developing infrastructure on the land, opt for cost-effective and minimalist designs. For example, if you're building structures, consider modular or prefabricated options that are efficient to construct and maintain. Keeping infrastructure simple can reduce expenses while still adding value.

Home kits are becoming quite a trend, even just a cabin out on your land now becomes a majorly improved property. I have seen land in the $20k range for a few acres in Arizona. One person put a very small tiny home kit they bought online and sold the $20k range property for $60k. It cost them only $10k or less to do this, they can be found on several websites and even Amazon. Talk about an easy improvement for massive return.