Lately I've come in contact with a whole bunch of people that have the same idea. Buy some land and get out of the city. I feel like it's been going on for the last few years way more than I ever saw it before. I think maybe Covid was the catalyst. People could now work and school from home, we could everything we needed delivered and I know I started watching a whole lot more farming/homesteading shows on Netflix. Maybe you did too. And many of us had the idea of buying a few acres to cut up and have our closest friends or family members...or income producing tenants on our land with us. There's a little more to it.

Maybe 50 or 100 years ago it was easier but these days you can't just buy a piece of land all that easily and use it for whatever you want. There are a ton of people that will have a say in how it all goes down. Starting with how you finance it if you're not paying cash. The downpayment for land is much more than the downpayment for a home and the due diligence inspection process is not the same either. Here are a few things to consider if you're in the market to buy land around Raleigh, NC. .

Determining whether a piece of land can be subdivided and whether city utilities can be extended to it involves a series of steps. It's important to note that specific regulations and procedures may vary, so consulting with local authorities and professionals is crucial. Here are some general steps you can take to assess the feasibility of subdividing land in and around Raleigh, NC:

Check Zoning Regulations:

• Visit the local zoning department or planning department to understand the zoning regulations for the specific parcel of land.
• Verify the minimum lot size requirements and any other zoning restrictions related to subdivision.

Review City Master Plan:

• Examine the city's comprehensive plan or master plan to understand the long-term development goals and guidelines for the area where the land is located. 

Contact Planning Department:

• Speak with a representative from the planning department to discuss your intentions. They can provide information on the current land use regulations, potential for subdivision, and any upcoming changes to zoning.

Hire a Land Use Attorney:

• Consider hiring a land use attorney who specializes in real estate development. They can help navigate local regulations, assess the feasibility of subdivision, and guide you through the approval process.

Consult with a Civil Engineer:

• Engage a civil engineer to evaluate the physical characteristics of the land and determine its suitability for subdivision. They can assess factors such as topography, drainage, and access to utilities.
• If currently on well & septic determine if it can handle a bigger load, be moved/removed, added to

Utility Availability:

• Contact the local utility providers (water, sewer, electricity, gas) to inquire about the availability of services to the specific parcel. Determine the proximity of existing utility lines to the property.

Feasibility Study:

• Conduct a feasibility study to evaluate the costs associated with subdividing the land and extending utilities. This should include an estimate of infrastructure development expenses.

Environmental Impact Assessment:

• Depending on the size and location of the land, you may need to conduct an environmental impact assessment to identify any potential environmental concerns or restrictions.
• May need to talk with neighboring properties if easements are needed for landlocked properties

Public Hearings and Approvals:

• Be prepared for public hearings and meetings with local planning commissions and city councils to present your plans. Obtain necessary approvals and permits for subdivision and utility extensions.

Survey and Platting:

• Hire a professional land surveyor to prepare a detailed survey of the property and create a plat that outlines the proposed subdivision.

Finalize Agreements:

• Work with the city and utility providers to finalize agreements for utility extensions. Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.

File for Subdivision Approval:

• Submit the necessary applications and documentation to the planning department for subdivision approval. Be prepared to address any concerns raised during the review process.

Always keep in mind that local regulations and processes can change, so it's essential to stay informed and work closely with professionals who are familiar with the specific requirements in Raleigh, NC. This is not a complete list nor will all of these apply all the time but it should be used as a reference. If you'd like to talk about your unique situation, we can do that too.