The Top 5 Things to Consider Before Buying Land in Laurentian Region

Published: Monday, June 12th, 2023

Acquiring land in the Laurentian Region is a potentially advantageous decision that can afford a multitude of possibilities, whether it be constructing a dream home, cultivating farmland, or living amongst farm animals. Nevertheless, purchasing land entails both opportunities and risks, and thus requires a heightened degree of care and attention. Indeed, buying land is not a decision to be taken lightly, as much can go awry and render the investment futile. It is therefore advisable to conduct thorough research, seek professional assistance, and conduct due diligence prior to acquiring your coveted plot.

While researching is crucial when purchasing land, it is equally important to focus particularly on zoning issues, surveys, water rights, and title, among other factors. There is always more to consider when investing in a piece of land.

To this end, here are several tips to keep in mind when buying land in the Laurentian Region:

  • First, check the cost of surrounding land. Given the high value of land, it is prudent to obtain a reasonable quote on your property, despite its inherent high-cost structure. The best approach is to research the costs of similar-sized plots in the area or examine the cost of surrounding land.

  • Second, plan a land survey of the property. Buying a piece of land for sale is a complex transaction that poses potential risks regarding property boundaries and title rights. As a purchaser, you would not want to acquire a property whose validity of ownership or easement rights is uncertain. To avoid this pitfall, consider engaging a professional from the civic body to conduct a land survey on the property. This is particularly crucial in cases where recent land surveys are unavailable in the area.

  • Third, know the zoning of the property you are interested in. Purchasing land for sale in Quebec should not be a hasty decision, as it may result in buying a plot with certain limitations. One of the critical things to consider is the zoning of the property you are looking for. Zoning can be a complicated matter that even the seller may be unaware of. It is advisable to ascertain whether the plot is zoned for farming and whether it has double zoning.

  • Fourth, evaluate the property’s proximity to utilities. Investing in a piece of land is only half the job if you plan to build a residential or commercial structure on it. In this case, it is essential to assess the property’s proximity to utilities. If the land is situated in an area that makes access to water, gas, and phone lines challenging, you should prepare for additional development costs. Ideally, ensure that the property is not far from power lines or water mains to avoid future inconvenience and high expenses.

  • Fifth, hire a real estate broker to review any restrictions. As land ownership changes hands, restrictions may be imposed that a new buyer must be aware of before making a purchase decision. Hiring a real estate broker can simplify the process, as they can review the restriction history on the property and make the purchase smoother. Two key restrictions that potential landowners should know are building a fence and the number of vehicles permitted on the property.

  • Sixth, assess the land’s connectivity with roads. No buyer wants to invest in land located in a remote corner of the state. Such property poses difficulties in accessing other essential facilities that may be required for future development. Even when considering land in a rural area, ensure that it has well-maintained roads with easy access to nearby cities or towns. When a property for sale has good connectivity with roads, it facilitates access to the city for essential services.

  • Conclusion

    In conclusion, owning a piece of land is a significant privilege that comes with risks and responsibilities, particularly before enjoying ownership. As such, it is crucial to have a specialist broker by your side to navigate the potential challenges of acquiring land successfully.