Buying Property: How Much Acreage Do You Really Need?
Posted on: 10 May 2021
Buying property with acreage is a big commitment, and usually more expensive than buying property without a lot of land. Whether you plan on farming or you just want more space to call your own and feel more private, you should discuss what you really need as far as acreage with your real estate agent.
The more acreage you have, the more land you have to upkeep, or you have to find ways to use the land if you don't plan on building on all of it. Here is a guide to help you know just how much acreage you need when you go looking for acreage for purchase.
How many animals you plan on having
The more animals you have on your land — such as grazing or pasture animals, like cows, goats, or horses — the more acreage you need to keep them fed and healthy. Consider the animal unit of measure: for every 1,000 pounds of animal you have on your land, you need two acres to sustain it. If you have 10 goats who each weigh 100 pounds, for example, you'd need two acres for the animals to thrive.
If you want to have a hobby or mini farm, you'll need at least a few acres of land to maintain the farm without putting a lot of money into supplemental feed. A benefit to agricultural acreage is that it's cheaper than residential acreage so you can still get a lot of land without spending too much money for it.
How much land you want to maintain
The average home sits on about 0.19 acres. A growing trend with real estate is having larger homes on smaller plots of land. Acreage is a novelty for some, and if you do want to have more land, consider how much you want to maintain.
If you don't know how large your current property's land is, check with your local city office to find out. Compare how much land you'd like to have to an actual acre to determine just how much acreage you really need. If it's just above average, that's fine: simply doubling what you currently have can give you just the acreage you need.
When you see acreage for purchase available, drive by the property so you can see just how large it is. Take note of where the land is located according to the rest of town, and make sure the land has some type of roadway access. Your real estate agent can help you decide what acreage amount is best for your needs and budget.
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