Buying Land vs Buying a House – Which is the Better Option? (2024)

Buying Land vs Buying a House – Which is the Better Option? (1)

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Vijay Rana Buying Land vs Buying a House – Which is the Better Option? (2)

Vijay Rana

Real Estate Sales Expert | Specializing in Dubai’s Ready-to-Move Properties | HNI Portfolio Strategist | Trusted by 116+ Investors.

Published May 16, 2023

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For new investors, the debate between buying land or a housecan be quite complex.

However, what most people fail to realize is that investing in vacant land can be much more profitable than the alternative. However, it remains a widely overlooked investment opportunity.
Whether you’re buying land to build a houseoras an investment, here are a few things you need to know before you make any big decisions.

THE LAND IS EASIER TO MAINTAIN.

  • Plots, without a doubt, are much easier to maintain than houses or even flats. Of course, it doesn’t mean you can buy a piece of land and then completely forget about it. But compared to other types of residential and commercial properties, owning a plot is relatively hassle-free.
  • For starters, there are a lot of things to look after when it comes to apartments and houses. For starters, both of them require a lot of upkeep. If you are planning to rent out your property for a quickreturn on your investment, bear in mind you would have to deal with everything ranging from minor plumbing and wiring issues to major renovation and remodelling projects.
  • Then there is the issue of dealing with tenants, some of whom can be really tough to negotiate with. While most people take care of their rentals like it’s their own place, some might not be as courteous. As a landlord, if you decide to rent out your property, you’ll be responsible to fix the peeling paint, discoloured wallpaper, scratched floors, worn out carpets, water damage and other inevitable issues that are bound to arise with time.
  • Take a look at some of the things tenants check out during ahouse inspection.
  • Meanwhile, if you’re buying land for investment purposes, then you don’t even have to visit it often. There are no utility bills to pay and property taxes on plots are also relatively low. Moreover, if your plot is in a secure location, which means there is a boundary wall, you only need to check it out once in a while to make sure there are no illegal encroachments or any other prominent damage – like a burst pipeline. If everything appears fine, you’re pretty much good to go.

Buying Land vs Buying a House – Which is the Better Option? (3)

THE LAND HAS HIGHER RESALE VALUE.

  • If you are confused whether to invest in land or a house, just remember more often than not, it is easier to sell a plot than it is to flip a house. The reason is simple: the resale value of buildings depreciate really quickly whereas the value of land increases with time.
  • While you may be able to instantly rent out a house or an apartment for a steady flow of cash, your property will continue to lose its value. Its market value will depreciate on account of old construction style, outdated design and general wear and tear. Construction of new, modern projects in the area offering better amenities could also have a negative impact on the price of your residential unit.
  • Meanwhile, compared to houses and flats, the value of land appreciates rather rapidly. That’s especially true if it is located in a popular area. After all, there is always a large number of affluent buyers who prefer buying land before building a house that fits their needs.
  • Not to mention, selling an older house could be a bit of a hassle. The reason being most homeowners have to spend money and time fixing major problems and making it look presentable to potential buyers.
  • This is probably the most important point in the buying land vs house debate.
  • Although there is no proper cash flow right away, buying land is an excellent choice for those interested in long term investment. Although a plot might just sit there for a while without making any profit, the high resale value will more than make up for it.

Buying Land vs Buying a House – Which is the Better Option? (4)

YOU CAN CALL YOUR OWN SHOTS.

  • If you are buying land to build a house, you have complete liberty to do as your heart desires. Regardless of its size, it’s up to you whether to buy and hold land as an asset. After all, you can either sell it or construct a building on it. Not to mention, it is generally cheaper to buy land and build a house.
  • Of course, you’ll have to be careful about not going over your budget, obtaining permits and following the rules and regulations laid out by the concerned authorities.
  • However, you would still have an opportunity to design your home based on your personal preferences. For instance, if you want to construct a double story house with a front garden, you are free to do so. Similarly, if you have a particular floor plan in mind or want a pool in your backyard, you can incorporate that into your design. Of course, you’ll have to discuss it with your contractor first.
  • Even if the size of your plot is fairly small, you can build a multi-story building. In fact, you can even rent out a unit or two while living there yourself.
  • Moreover, as you will be able to call your own shots, you won’t have to think twice about using expensive but durable materials. The same goes for installing solar panels to save up on your electricity bill. Since installing a solar energy system is a big commitment, most homeowners might not agree to make such changes to their property. However, if you own the property, you can consider making this eco-friendly one-time investment without much interference from others.

Buying Land vs Buying a House – Which is the Better Option? (5)

PLOTS ARE RELATIVELY EASIER TO SELL.

  • Apart from having a significantly higher resale value, plots are also relatively easier to sell. That’s mainly because the inspection process is much simpler and a lot less complicated. A potential plot buyer would only check the location of the plot, availability of certain amenities such as gas and water along with any outstanding payments. They might also verify if there are any ongoing criminal or civil litigation issues they need to worry about.
  • Meanwhile, if you try to sell a house that was previously occupied either by you or tenants, the buyer would most likely do a thorough inspection of the structure’s foundations, flooring, plumbing, electrical wiring and so on.
  • Of course, investing in vacant land has its own advantages and disadvantages. You would not be able to instantly earn money through it. But you can actually make a lot more if you just let it sit there for a while.

However, at the end of the day, the winning argument in the buying land vs house debate lies in the reason you are buying the property.

Hope this will help you to invest wisely.

For further assistance or suggestion feel free to contact us.

"We The Land-Lockers"are here to help you to deliver the land of your best choice & dreams with no delay possibility projects only.

Here you will get quality service and in turn, low cost since we are service providers and not brokers.

We are 'LandLockers -Locking the lands of your dreams!'

Get in touch with us for more information and best options to invest into the Land.

Vijay Rana|Co-Founder

The Land-lockers

+971567197111

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Helen Ann Myers

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Thank you in advance.

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Lokesh Mehta

Founder and COO- LANDLOCKERS

11mo

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Very knowledgeable

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Buying Land vs Buying a House – Which is the Better Option? (2024)

FAQs

Buying Land vs Buying a House – Which is the Better Option? ›

Although there is no proper cash flow right away, buying land is an excellent choice for those interested in long term investment. Although a plot might just sit there for a while without making any profit, the high resale value will more than make up for it.

Is buying land better than buying a house? ›

Better Investment Option

Additionally, the value of land has been steadily rising and is predicted to continue doing so. Compared to property, buying land requires less capital input. Buying land vs. house requires extremely less maintenance compared to a house.

What are the disadvantages of owning land? ›

While California boasts huge upsides, the Golden State does have a few less favorable aspects: regulations on water usage, the cost of living is higher than other states, and wildfires are always a threat in the state's specific zones.

Is buying land a good investment? ›

Land ownership can be a great investment as long as you enter the deal with an awareness of all of the risks and pitfalls involved. By conducting careful research, investors can take advantage of low property prices and purchase land that will be worth much more down the road.

Why do people want land? ›

Land is a tangible investment and an asset that keeps increasing in value over time because it is finite. Land ownership provides the owner with a sense of financial security and contentment.

Is it smart to buy land and build later? ›

I'd say, you're more likely to find a better deal by finding off market land to buy at a deep discount and then build on that land. You'll acquire more equity in this situation. Anything (land or a house) is going to have a mark-up, if not already at market value, when it's on the market.

Is it better to have land or cash? ›

While real estate is more lucrative over time than holding cash, it has more risk. On the other hand, holding onto money or putting it into something safe like a CD or savings account might earn smaller yields, but you have less chance of losing it altogether. Luckily, you don't need to choose just one place to invest!

Why is land a risky investment? ›

Buying raw land is a very risky investment because it will not generate any income and may not generate a capital gain when the property is sold.

What are the negative impacts of land? ›

Humans impact the physical environment in many ways: overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Changes like these have triggered climate change, soil erosion, poor air quality, and undrinkable water.

Is owning land an asset? ›

Is Land a Current Asset or Long-Term Asset? Land is classified as a long-term asset on a business's balance sheet, because it typically isn't expected to be converted to cash within the span of a year. Land is considered to be the asset with the longest life span.

How much money should you save before buying land? ›

Typically, a land loan requires a 15 to 20 percent down payment. Keep in mind that the more money you put down, the more attractive you will be to lenders, and the lower your interest rate and monthly payments will be.

What's the best thing to invest in right now? ›

Keep in mind that lower risk typically also means lower returns.
  1. 5 best investments right now. High-yield savings accounts. ...
  2. High-yield savings accounts. ...
  3. Certificates of deposit. ...
  4. Bonds. ...
  5. Funds.
5 days ago

Which type of land is best for investment? ›

Additionally, farmland has some of the best and most consistent income returns in the investment world. Still, land investing remains a mystery to most of the general population. Much like buying stocks or flipping houses, there are several different options when it comes to land investing.

Why are the rich buying land? ›

Hedge against inflation. As inflation climbs, many investments can plummet in value. Farmland, on the other hand, has seen its value increase during inflationary periods, making it an effective hedge against rising prices. This cushion can be particularly valuable to those with an ultra-high net worth.

Why are people selling their land? ›

People often end up selling land they've inherited because it's either too costly to develop or they don't want anything to do with it. Take, for example, inheriting land that's located hundreds or thousands of miles away from where you live and work.

What are the pros and cons of investing in land? ›

The pros and cons of investing in land.
  • Scarcity and Appreciation. The most fundamental truth of land as an investment is its inherent scarcity. ...
  • Versatility of Use. ...
  • Tangibility and Security. ...
  • Illiquidity. ...
  • Upfront Costs and Maintenance. ...
  • Zoning and Regulatory Changes.
Mar 1, 2024

Is land more valuable than the house? ›

in round numbers in coastal Southern California land cost will be about equal to construction cost. The farther inland you go the land cost decreases. That would all depend on the land and the house. In general, a house should cost around three times the land value.

Is buying land the same as a mortgage? ›

A land loan is more complex than a standard mortgage. For one thing, there's no home to act as collateral for the land loan. And normally, you can't buy land with no money down. There are also several different types of land loan, designed to facilitate different uses for a land lot.

Is land a better investment than stocks? ›

You should take your financial objectives into account when choosing an investment strategy. Stock investing may be a more effective approach for those wanting higher returns over a shorter period. Real estate may be ideal for those who want a stable flow of income and can wait to see a return on their investment.

Is buying and selling land profitable? ›

Buying and selling land for profit or leasing a piece of it is a traditional land investment strategy. This ensures consistent cash flow in the form of monthly dividends of rental income. In the real estate industry, these rents typically offer a lucrative pathway to profits.

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