Choosing the right land is the foundation of building your dream home. Whether you’re looking for a quiet rural retreat, a well-connected suburban lot, or an urban infill space, each type of land presents unique opportunities and challenges. Factors such as location, infrastructure, zoning regulations, environmental conditions, and future development potential all play a crucial role in determining whether a plot of land suits your needs.
Critical considerations like access to utilities, soil quality, and budget constraints can significantly impact your project. Some properties may require extensive preparation, such as installing septic systems or drilling wells, while others may come with homeowners’ association (HOA) restrictions that limit design choices. By understanding these key factors, you can make an informed decision and avoid costly surprises in the future.
This guide will explore the critical considerations when choosing land, followed by an in-depth look at different types of land—rural, suburban, and infill lots—to help you determine the best fit for your lifestyle and long-term goals.
To understand how to evaluate land better, let us look at the different types, their features and factors to consider.
Raw land in rural areas and countryside offers the most space and flexibility for building your dream home. With plenty of room for accessory buildings like workshops, guesthouses, and greenhouses, it provides a blank canvas for customisation. In most cases, this land is not part of the homeowners’ association, allowing greater design freedom. However, it is essential to still follow local zoning laws and regulations.
Despite its advantages, raw land comes with challenges - most distinctly - the lack of existing infrastructure. Electricity, water, and sewage systems often need to be installed from scratch. Conducting a soil test is crucial to determine whether the land can support a septic system and what type of system is required.
For example, a site we visited had no cell service with T-Mobile. Connection to internet service required contacting a local provider to check availability and installation costs. A power pole was located across the street, but bringing electricity to the property would cost an additional $20,000. Water would require drilling a well, which costs around $30,000 in Columbia, while installing a septic system ranged from $20,000 to $40,000. These additional costs should be carefully factored into the budget when considering rural land.
Suburban land offers a balance between rural freedom and urban convenience. Being closer to the city means easier access to amenities, established neighbourhoods, and a sense of community while providing ample space. Many suburban lots are developed as part of large tracts, often with the option of working with a builder to streamline the construction process.
One primary advantage of suburban lots is that utilities—such as electricity, water, and sewage—are already in place, eliminating the need for costly installations. Some developments even offer pre-priced home plans with designated builders, making the process more efficient and hassle-free.
However, suburban neighbourhoods can sometimes feel uniform, with similar-looking homes and slight variations in design. Many are part of HOAs, which enforce rules about exterior aesthetics and property maintenance. For example, one development we visited required all homes to have shingle roofs and earth-toned exteriors—restrictions that may not appeal to everyone. While suburban land offers convenience, it can also come with limitations on personal design choices.
Infill lots are smaller parcels of land within city limits, often located near schools, supermarkets, and downtown areas. These lots are unique because they are generally overlooked, meaning buyers must get creative with their designs. Since they are already integrated into the city infrastructure, they have a lower environmental impact in comparison to developing untouched rural land.
One of the leading advantages of infill lots is the existing access to utilities. Hooking up to city water, sewage, and electricity is relatively affordable—one lot we found required just $5,000 to connect. Additionally, being within city limits means reduced commute times and easy access to urban amenities.
However, infill lots tend to be smaller and may come with unique design challenges. In Columbia, Missouri, much of the flat land has already been developed, leaving sloped lots for custom builds. While slopes can make construction more complex, they also create opportunities for innovative architectural designs—homes that integrate into the landscape rather than overpower it. While you may not get a large backyard, you might end up with mature trees and a home that appears to float above the ground.
Another potential downside is the presence of strict regulations. Infill lots may have complex zoning requirements or be part of an HOA with rules that limit design choices. These factors should be carefully considered before committing to an infill lot.
There is no one choice-fits-all-all option. Your dream home and location are subjective; the correct choice will be perfect for you. Choosing the right type of land depends on your priorities. Rural land offers space and freedom but requires significant infrastructure investment. Suburban land provides convenience and established utilities but often comes with design restrictions. Infill lots offer urban accessibility and creative potential but may pose construction challenges. Understanding these trade-offs will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your vision, budget, and lifestyle.
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