The land-buying checklist · Land Uncovered
Before you buy land,
uncover what matters.
It starts with a possibility: a home, a garden, a little more room to explore. These eight questions can help you get to know the land behind that idea.
Prepared by Land Uncovered · Updated November 1, 2026
This is a starting point for research and conversations, not a survey or a determination that a property can support your plans. Bring the details to the people who can help you verify them.
1. Make sure you are looking at the whole property
A street address gets you close. A parcel map helps you understand the recorded outline. Before you compare acreage or plan a homesite, make sure the seller’s offering and the map refer to the same land.
A question to take with you
Which parcel IDs are included, and is there a survey that shows the boundaries and acreage?
Start with the county assessor or GIS map, then confirm the offering with the seller and a qualified surveyor. Tax-map lines are research references; they do not replace a survey.
2. Find out how you can reach it
A road beside a parcel is a good starting point for a conversation. You still need to understand how you would reach the land and what may be required for a driveway.
A question to take with you
What documents establish access, who maintains the road, and what driveway approvals would be needed?
Ask the seller for access documents. The title professional, surveyor and responsible road authority can help you resolve the details.
3. Explain what you want to do there
“I want to build a small home” or “I want space for a garden and animals” gives the planning office a much better question than “Is this good land?” Rules and approvals vary by location.
A question to take with you
Does the current zoning allow my intended use, and which setbacks, restrictions and approvals should I check?
Confirm the governing city or county and speak with its planning office. Include any deed restrictions or association rules in your review.
4. Look at water across the property
Check flood and wetland mapping across the parcel and along the likely route in. A mapped feature can help you ask better questions about where to investigate; a blank area on a map is not a site inspection.
A question to take with you
Do current flood maps or property-specific map changes affect the proposed homesite or access? Where should we investigate wet ground?
Use the FEMA Map Service Center and the FWS Wetlands Mapper. Check source dates and match any FEMA letter to the named property. Ask the responsible local office and qualified wetland professional about site-specific questions.
5. Get curious about the soil
Soil maps can point to drainage and growing conditions worth investigating. They are especially useful when you are comparing places for a garden or homestead, but they cannot settle every site question.
A question to take with you
What site testing is needed for the home, garden or wastewater system I have in mind?
Explore the USDA Web Soil Survey. USDA describes it as a planning resource and notes that some applications require onsite investigation. Take your plans to the appropriate local professional.
6. Walk through the slopes in your plans
Picture the driveway, buildings and places you want to use. A slope that looks appealing in a photo may lead to a different construction or maintenance conversation once you see it on the ground.
A question to take with you
How would the terrain affect access, drainage, construction and the parts of the property we want to use?
Compare maps with a permitted site visit. A few elevation samples do not measure all usable land; ask a surveyor, builder or engineer about the proposed improvements.
7. Confirm services at the intended homesite
Power lines nearby or internet service on the next street are useful clues. Before budgeting, get answers for the location you actually want to connect. Include water and wastewater in that conversation.
A question to take with you
Can providers serve this location, what work would be required, and what would installation cost?
Use the FCC National Broadband Map to identify reported internet availability, then confirm service with the provider. Ask the relevant water, wastewater and power providers about the site.
8. Compare answers, not just impressions
Give each property the same questions. Keep the source, its date and the answer together so you can see where one place is a better match for your plans—and which questions are still open.
A question to take with you
What do we know, what needs confirmation, and who can answer before we commit?
Use the printable checklist below to prepare for a visit or conversation. Ask permission before entering any property.
Take the questions with you.
Check the topics you have reviewed, then add the questions you still want answered. These marks stay in this open page; they are not saved or sent to us.
Property or parcel ID
My most important unanswered question
Who I will ask next
Use your browser’s Print command to print this guide or save a PDF where supported.
A clearer picture of the places you’re considering.
Land Uncovered brings available parcel maps and public-source findings together, with saved comparisons and downloadable reports. Customer accounts and membership are now available.
Explore the $12/month membership or send us a question. We’d be glad to hear what you’re looking for.