If you own raw land, you might be considering adding a fence to enhance its security and sense of ownership during your visits. In the United States, raw land typically retains legal protections regardless of whether it's fenced, thanks to property boundaries and deeds.
Nevertheless, there are surprising advantages to fencing your land. As a company actively involved in land acquisition, we've observed that fenced raw land tends to command significantly higher prices from buyers. Even when compared to an adjacent parcel of the same size, the presence of a fence can make a substantial difference. But why is this the case?
Fencing offers several benefits that can save buyers time and money, whether they intend to develop the property or hold it as an investment the following 3 things have already been paid for by the seller.
Land Survey: When you fence your land, it usually signifies that a professional property survey has been conducted to precisely define boundaries, dimensions, and physical features. Fencing without such a survey would be impractical and potentially wasteful.
County Approval: In most cases, erecting a fence requires property owners to obtain approval or a building permit from the county. While this process isn't overly complex, it's a value-added benefit for buyers not to have to navigate it themselves.
Building Costs Covered: The cost of the fence itself has already been borne by the seller, adding tangible value to the property. It transforms the land from raw and undeveloped to improved and more visually appealing. Be sure to maintain the fence in good condition to avoid potential issues with local authorities.
These factors contribute to the increased appeal of a fenced property for potential buyers. I've witnessed similar properties in the same vicinity, with the fenced one selling for a significantly higher price. In many cases, the added value from the fence more than offsets its installation cost. There's a psychological aspect to this phenomenon, as the presence of a fence transforms what was once empty, raw land into a tangible vision for potential buyers.
Of course, before installing a fence, it's crucial to conduct thorough research into the financial and legal aspects. However, if you're considering taking this step, you have a variety of options available to enhance your land's appeal and value.
Types of Fences to Consider
Chain-Link Fence: A cost-effective option suitable for security and boundary marking.
Wooden Fence: A classic choice that can be customized in various styles, such as picket, privacy, or split rail.
Vinyl Fence: Low-maintenance and durable, available in various styles and colors.
Metal Fence: Options include wrought iron, aluminum, and steel, known for durability and security.
Farm Fence: Includes options like post and rail, ranch rail, and wire mesh, suitable for agricultural purposes.
Bamboo Fence: Eco-friendly, providing a natural and tropical appearance.
Concrete Block or Masonry Wall: Offers security and privacy, often used in urban areas.
Composite Fence: Made from a combination of wood and plastic, low-maintenance and durable.
Electric Fence: Used for livestock or security, it delivers a non-lethal electric shock to deter intruders or animals.
Hedge or Living Fence: Rows of densely planted bushes or trees used for privacy and aesthetics.
Gabion Wall: A fence made of wire mesh baskets filled with rocks or stones, popular for its modern appearance.
Brushwood Fence: Made from natural materials like branches and twigs, often used for rustic or decorative purposes.
Wattle Fence: Constructed by weaving branches or sticks together, typically for a natural and rustic look.
PVC Fence: Similar to vinyl, these fences are made of polyvinyl chloride and require little maintenance.
Temporary Construction Fence: Used during construction projects to secure the site temporarily.
Concrete Barrier: Heavy and durable, often used for highway or industrial purposes.
Hog Wire Fence: Typically used for livestock, consisting of wire panels with large openings.
Basket Weave Fence: Alternating panels woven together for a unique and stylish appearance.
Stone Wall: A solid and long-lasting option, often used for aesthetics and property delineation.
Living Willow Fence: Created by planting and weaving willow branches to form a living fence.
So there you have it, everyone has different reasons to fence their raw land but in general it should pay off when you go to sell. You never know though, if the property just hasn't done well in the area or economy isn't favorable then you could lose money on it as well. So be smart in your research and investment, we hope this helps.
