Buying land is never cheap. If you are savvy with your money and have a bit of luck, you may find some land under market value. But even then, you are likely to pay a hefty price. As with all significant investments, you'd be wise to do ample research and to ensure that it is worth considering. That is why we will use this article to outline the environmental considerations when buying land and how to deduce whether the land you are considering is worth the money.
Important environmental considerations when buying land
The following consideration is regarding only the environmental aspect of purchasing a piece of land. They will not cover the financial, legal, or development aspects. We would refer you to our website, which covers these factors with due depth.
Another thing to consider is that we won't cover why one might buy land. As you can imagine, some people purchase land for agriculture, while others purchase it for building sites. And while there is some overlap, the environmental factors in these two instances can wildly differ. So, we would ask you to educate yourself on land values first and then take them into account with our advice. With that out, let's take a closer look at necessary environmental considerations when buying land.
Soil quality
The first thing to consider is the soil quality of the land you buy. There are cases where natural causes can contaminate the soil. But, in most instances, the contamination is man-made by dumping, irresponsible agriculture, chemical spills, and poor land management. All these can drastically lower the soil quality. So, how do you spot potential issues with soil quality?
Well, a lot of potential issues are quite easily visible. If there are pesticide barrels in a wooded area, you can be sure there is an issue with soil quality. The same goes for trash, odd coloring, or lack of plant life. Of course, not all soil issues can be visible at first glance. That is why it is paramount that you find out as much as you can about the history of the land. You need to know who owned the land, how they used it, and whether there were previous issues. Know that the more research you do, the less headache you will endure.
Water quality
A big part of land's value is tied to its access to uncontaminated water. That is the case both in agriculture and landscape use. So, regardless of your plans, you should check the water quality. The best way of doing so is to hire a professional. On average, this will cost you between $300 and $500. But, it is a cost worth spending. You'd also be wise to check for existing streams and springs on the property. If there are any runoffs from other farms, residential areas, or industrial areas, they might impact both the water and the soil quality of your land.
Risk of flood
Another reason you should check the local history is the risk of flood. Mind you. That is not only the case with waterfront property. Lands that seem entirely immune to the effects of a flood can become compromised. Even if you don't have a small stream that will spill over, you can still have landslides. Knowing this will teach you how to value your property and whether or not to get extra flood insurance. You should check the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) website for more info on dealing with floods. Know that the risk of the flood doesn't have to be a deal breaker. But, it should impact the price of land.
PERC
Considering a piece of land with sewer access, you don't have to trouble yourself with a PERC test. You can buy the property and follow the advice of Triple 7 Movers Las Vegas experts and hire professional movers to help you relocate without concern. But, if this is not the case, a PERC test is much needed.
PERC stands for Percolation Test. What it does is check how quickly water will drain through the soil. The result of the PERC test will outline whether or not you can install a septic system. And it will determine how big of a house you can build if that is why you are buying land. If you fail a PERC test, the land will immediately lose value as you'll be heavily limited regarding the building size you can make.
Wetlands
Every person needs to do their part in protecting wetlands. They are an essential part of our ecosystem and house thousands of species. While every seller should be onboarding with wetland protection, they should also disclose whether the land they are selling contains it. Know that having wetlands as a part of your property can drastically lower the cost of it. Considering all the wetland protection regulations, there likely won't be much you can do with the land you own. So, do your due diligence and find out whether there are any wetlands nearby. You'd be wise to have a government office perform an inspection. That way, you won't have any uncomfortable surprises down the line.
Final thoughts
By now, you ought to understand basic environmental considerations when buying land. Apart from what we've mentioned, you should also check for endangered species that might live in your area or if there are any legal requirements that the landowner must fulfill. That boils down to the same tip we've mentioned multiple times. That is why ample research is paramount when it comes to buying land. Approach each investment as a unique instance, and research it from every possible angle. The more research you do, the better you will be at it. You can even use Google Earth to aid your research. And before long, you'll be able to quickly access all the pros and cons of buying a piece of land. You'd be surprised at how effective you can be once you learn the basics.
