Your Guide to Buying an Acreage

City life is a life full of hustle and bustle—you are central to everything you could ever need! However, more and more people are ditching the fast pace of the city for the serenity of the countryside. Are you dreaming about what country life is like? There are a few things to consider when you think about buying in the countryside that are different from purchasing in the city. Here are the top four points for you to consider before buying an acreage for sale!

Making Sure the Land Suits Your Needs

What are you planning on using the land for? If you are planning on buying land for agricultural purposes, there are municipal and federal zoning regulations in place to dictate how the land may be used that you will need to adhere to. These rules will dictate what buildings can be constructed, if a business can be operated on the premises, etc.

Planning to grow crops or produce? You will want to know the type and quality of soil and how the land drains. Raising livestock? You will want to know what kind of conditions existing structures are and if you will have the space and water supply for what you need.

Services

Water supply is not often something that homeowners who choose to live in town have to think twice about. Tapping into your municipality’s supply is not always an option, so you must consider alternatives to access clean, high-quality water, whether that means relying on a well, dugout or another source. What kind of commitment it will take to maintain these systems will also need to be considered.

Additionally, what kinds of sewer and garbage collection services are available in the area and what are the costs associated? What is the internet connectivity like, and what is the average electricity bill? These questions may be good to ask previous owners and neighbours. Lastly, consider the travel time for emergency services (law enforcement, ambulance, fire, etc.). The distance and accessibility to the nearest fire department may affect insurance rates in some cases.

Location & Access to Property

Country living offers tons of space and privacy, but you must consider how remote you want to be. Bear in mind, shorter commutes to nearby towns and cities will lead to a more convenient lifestyle with access to schools, shopping and other amenities. Accessibility of emergency and medical services and WiFi and cellular network reliability are factors that you will want to consider, as mentioned in my last point.

In Saskatchewan, the winter months can be harsh with a lot of snow, so you will need to find out who takes care of snow removal or lawn maintenance in the summer months. What kind of machinery will need to be available to do it yourself?  Daily commutes to work or school are also essential to consider regarding rush hours and how much time you wish to spend driving. Road repair is also more efficient in town versus in the country, so ask if there are any immediate plans for road maintenance in the area that may impact travel time.

Conduct Your Search in the Spring/Summer

You cannot get a good view of the property with snow or mud in the way. Thus, it is best to wait until the spring or summer to begin your search when you can properly check for drainage or flooding issues or any other major repairs needed. Get a home inspection done, including the septic system, and consider a holdback part of the purchase proceedings until it is determined that areas of concern are tended to.

Country living can be fantastic, so long as you choose the right place! Find the property of your dreams by working with an agent who has in-depth knowledge about acreages, farms, and the buying process. Give me a call!