The Importance of Utilities and Infrastructure in Land Investing
When you are evaluating land for investment or flipping, utilities and infrastructure often separate a great deal from a poor one. While raw land can be very profitable, access to basic services like water, power, and roads can completely change both the value of a property and how quickly it sells.
Understanding what utilities are available, or what it would cost to bring them in, helps you accurately assess a property’s marketability, avoid hidden expenses, and target the right buyers. Simply put, utilities and infrastructure can make or break your return on investment.
Key Utilities to Evaluate Before Buying Land
1. Electricity Access
Electricity is one of the most important utilities for most buyers. Start by identifying whether power lines are visible on the road or nearby parcels. Then contact the local power company to confirm how far the nearest connection point is and what the hookup fees might be.
Tip: In more rural areas, solar power or generators can be alternatives that attract off grid buyers, but they may not appeal to everyone.
2. Water Supply
Check whether the property has access to municipal water, a private well, or no water source at all. If a well is needed, research local drilling costs and typical well depths.
Access to water greatly affects livability and resale value. Properties that already have wells or are close to water lines tend to sell faster and for higher prices.
3. Sewer or Septic Systems
In or near cities, sewer access is common, but in rural areas, septic systems are the standard. Before marketing a property as buildable, make sure the soil conditions are suitable and a percolation test has been passed.
If a property fails a perc test, its value and potential use can drop significantly.
4. Internet and Cell Service
Strong internet and cell coverage are now essential, even for rural buyers. Use coverage maps or visit the property to test the signal.
When you find an area with reliable service, make sure to highlight that in your listing, it can be a major selling point for remote workers and families.
5. Gas and Heating
Many rural counties do not have natural gas lines, so buyers often rely on propane tanks or electric heating. Understanding what is typical for your area helps you market properties more accurately and avoid surprises during negotiations.
Infrastructure That Adds Value
Beyond utilities, infrastructure such as roads, drainage, and nearby development can greatly increase land value.
Road Access
Properties with paved or maintained roads are easier to reach and generally more desirable than those that are landlocked or located on unmaintained paths.
Drainage and Topography
Parcels with good drainage and manageable slopes are more suitable for building and attract a wider pool of buyers.
Proximity to Growth
Land located near expanding subdivisions or commercial projects often appreciates faster due to future demand and utility expansion.
How to Verify Utilities and Infrastructure
Before making an offer, verify all information about utilities and infrastructure through county offices, local utility providers, and GIS data. Many land investors now use tools like Land Portal to evaluate these details.
With Land Portal, you can analyze parcels, view access points, overlay slope and terrain data, and assess infrastructure, all in one place, so you can make confident, data driven decisions.
Final Thoughts
Utilities and infrastructure can drastically influence how profitable a land deal is. Whether you are flipping land or holding it as a long term investment, researching these details early will save you time, money, and stress later on.
The more you know about a property’s access to power, water, and roads, the better positioned you are to create value and find the right buyer. Ready to start finding land with strong utility and infrastructure potential?
Explore your next deal today on Land Portal and see how easy it is to research, analyze, and source high quality land across the United States.
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