How Much Land Is Required To Build A House In 2021?

Determining How Much Land You Need to Build a House

The process of constructing your dream home entails overcoming various real estate knowledge challenges. One such challenge is determining the amount of land necessary to build your house. This calculation depends on several factors, including local zoning requirements, the purpose of the house, and the size of your family. However, you can gain clarity by considering the optimal estimate for the land required to construct a home.

Introduction to Natale Builders

In the Western New York area, Natale Builders stands out as a renowned custom home builder, with over 50 years of experience. They have solidified their position as an industry leader, known for their commitment to excellence in constructing legendary custom homes designed to last a lifetime. Natale Builders maintains the highest standards by using premium quality materials and employing reliable construction practices. If you’re ready to embark on planning your dream custom home, reach out to Natale Builders today.

How Much Land is Required to Build a House?   

The average lot size for new single-family detached homes sold in 2019 reached a new low, measuring approximately 8,177 square feet or 0.188 acres. This represents a decrease of around 390 square feet since the previous year. Builders typically aim to accommodate a minimum of 2-3 homes per acre to optimize land use in suburban neighborhoods, considering the unique landscape characteristics.

For recreational land, it is suggested to look for properties larger than an acre, depending on your preferences and planned activities.

Determining the Ideal Size

The average house size in New York is 1,764 square feet, the smallest throughout the United States. However, if you’re aiming for a functional home tailored to your needs, one acre of land would be suitable. While most subdivision lots see 2-3 single-family homes built per acre, the average lot size for custom-built homes is closer to an acre. Generally, an acre provides ample space for a single-family home.

Land-To-Building-Ratio 

The land-to-building ratio, defined as the percentage or ratio of the building’s size to the land on which it is built, can help determine the space available. An acre of land with 43,560 square feet, accommodating a construction of 15,000 square feet, has a land-to-ratio of 2.9:1. The average Land-To-Building-Ratio throughout the United States is 2.5:1 to 3.5:1. Therefore, using a ratio of 3.0:1, your one-acre property can support a home up to 15,000 square feet.

Considerations When Determining Land Size

1. Utilities Availability: Ensure your land size aligns with basic utility requirements, considering factors like sewage and water systems availability.
2. Budget: Consider your budget when searching for land, understanding the average prices and financing options available in your area.
3. Personal Preferences: Reflect on your preferences regarding neighbors, property use (e.g., farming, raising livestock), and surroundings.
4. Local Zoning Regulations: Check local zoning requirements to ensure your home structure complies with regulations, considering minimum lot size and other stipulations.

What Utilities are Available in the Area?   

To make sure that your land size is applicable for basic utilities, it is crucial to check-out the American Planning Association requirements in which they have mentioned the minimum lot sizes for particular utilities.   

1. Half of an acre when both sewage and water systems are lacking   
2. A quarter of an acre when either sewage or water systems are lacking 
3. Less than a Quarter of an acre when both sewage and water systems are present  

Each of the situations is compatible with a home built on one acre. Although one acre seems to be a little extra space for a single-family home. but it certainly worthies for a custom-built. 

What is your Budget?  

It is the paramount consideration when looking for land to build a house. To give you an idea so you can scale your land requirement, let’s talk particularly about the land of New York State.  

According to LandWatch, they had recently listed over an estimate $13 Billion of New York land and rural property. The average price of New York lands, ranches, farms, and other listings is $589,194. Although the average price is extremely high, still you can own valuable land in New York for as little as $82 per month.  

What are Your Preferences to Buy That Particular Home?   

Contrary to the technical boundaries, you need to determine your preferences at play.    

•   Do you want to see neighbors along with your home? 

•   Do you want to do other things with your property, such as creating farms, orchards, finishing ponds, and raising livestock?   

•   Do you like to see nature around your home?   

By answering these questions, you may get a proper sense of what feels good for you. Moreover, you can visit similar properties and see if their size fits your requirements.   

What are the Local Zoning Regulations?   

While buying land and getting it ready for construction, it is necessary to check the local zoning requirements to verify that your home structure lies under their given terms and conditions. Many cities and areas have a minimum lot size larger than one acre if you want to build a home.    

For instance, we have worked in many New York towns, where the minimum requirement of lot size is larger than 2 acres. Therefore, keep in mind the rules and regulations given by the local zoning department. Be sure to connect with the zoning department and discuss your property of interest. 

Determining the amount of land needed to build your house involves careful consideration of various factors, including zoning regulations, personal preferences, and budget constraints. By understanding these factors and working with reputable builders like Natale Builders, you can navigate the process confidently and bring your dream home to life.

If you are looking to buy cheap land for building your ultimate dream home, We can help you find the perfect parcel! Fill out this form to let us know what you are looking for, or give our office a call today! (888) 247-7604.

In the fast-paced world of real estate investing, staying informed is key to making successful land purchases. Our featured blog posts cover a variety of topics related to New York land buying tips, market trends, and insider insights. Whether you’re a first-time land buyer or an experienced investor, our blog is a valuable resource to help you navigate the dynamic landscape of land acquisitions.