Advice for buying land!

[Yornei Bor]

Looking for at least 5 acres of undeveloped land within 2-3 hours of the GWB. Ideally something not in the complete middle of nowhere but country enough to have some space and be able to hunt. I’d like to have some mixed woods or fields, with an annual stream or pond. The goal will be to use for recreational hiking, hunting, camping, etc. with kids as they grow up. And then build something small in the next few years. 

 

Here are some questions I have about what comes after the land is purchased. 

 

Estimated cost for a drilled well 

Estimated cost for a small septic

Estimated cost to cut in short driveway

How easy is it to establish new electric meter if power lines are on property

 

Anybody got a place they want to sell!? Or some advice for someone in my position? Thanks in advance!

[10deer]

well 10 thousand   septic 35-50 thousand       driveway  2500.   no trees  shale base 3/4 stone for 2 cars

[mike033089]

Ideally you’ll want to back up to some kind of state or federal land if you only have 5 acres.   Perhaps you may luck out and be able to find a home already on property suiting your needs.  Sounds like  fun project, good luck!

[Livesintrees]

5 acres isn’t going to check all those boxes for you. Just my opinion. 

[Black Bear Bowhunter]

Yeah I agree with livesintrees that 5 acre is not going to cut it. 

[Yornei Bor]

1 hour ago, 10deer said:

well 10 thousand   septic 35-50 thousand       driveway  2500.   no trees  shale base 3/4 stone for 2 cars

$50k for a septic!? I guess an outhouse ain’t that bad…

[birdshotnj]

You may want to up the acreage for what you're looking to do. I agree with well and septic numbers posted above as a ballpark figure, but there are so many variables. Good luck in your search 

[Greybeard]

Power company will run line to your house and supply meter.  Meter box inward, and line from box to roof is up to you. 

You'll need to butt up to public land for hiking.  5ac may be enough for that if they stay toddlers.

Edited December 4, 2024 by Greybeard

[jumpthestring]

Anywhere but Jersey. I would look at PA .

[Greybeard]

There's an acre for sale up here for 50,000.  Get out of NJ.

[Nanuk]

What’s your budget , sometimes buying something partially complete can get you into a mortgage instead of personal loans at higher interest. Electric companies will bring electric into a home OR camp  provided it’s under, I believe 200 feet (might be hundred) for free otherwise your paying . Property without electricity at the road …. RUN unless you’re an off grid person that doesn’t mind lugging generators and water . While those pieces will be more economical they are what they are. 1/4 mile run with electric company setting poles estimate cost at $50,000 . So buyer be ware . Anything with easements or ROW for access steer clear unless that doesn’t mater to you. Caveats are seasonal access and prossible restrictions bringing power into the land or even improvements like gravel or widening to allow equipment in like cement trucks. Wells vary based on area soil and depth. Septic again area and Perc which is water absorption test … to quick and they’ll ask for Mound system (moola) . Good luck with your search that’s the fun part 😉

[rgw]

If you’re planning on building one day you don’t want anything with or near water, between wetlands and their associated buffers, stream buffers, etc you’re looking at 5 acres to be potentially unbuildable or severely restricted 

[Yornei Bor]

2 hours ago, Nanuk said:

What’s your budget , sometimes buying something partially complete can get you into a mortgage instead of personal loans at higher interest. Electric companies will bring electric into a home OR camp  provided it’s under, I believe 200 feet (might be hundred) for free otherwise your paying . Property without electricity at the road …. RUN unless you’re an off grid person that doesn’t mind lugging generators and water . While those pieces will be more economical they are what they are. 1/4 mile run with electric company setting poles estimate cost at $50,000 . So buyer be ware . Anything with easements or ROW for access steer clear unless that doesn’t mater to you. Caveats are seasonal access and prossible restrictions bringing power into the land or even improvements like gravel or widening to allow equipment in like cement trucks. Wells vary based on area soil and depth. Septic again area and Perc which is water absorption test … to quick and they’ll ask for Mound system (moola) . Good luck with your search that’s the fun part 😉

Trying to stay under $75K all in…thanks for all the insight.

Searching is fun, like daydreaming. But it’s been a few years now, time to wake up! lol 

[Black Bear Bowhunter]

Yeah not in NJ unfortunately! My neighbor is selling a 5+ acre lot for $150k and then you have the realtor as well. 

[electric10162]

There are still some buys up here in Sussex County. Your best bet is to find something that's preserved between farms etc.

Figure:

25K for a well

20-30K Septic 3-4 Bedroom Capacity

5 to 20K Driveway depending on site prep

5 to 10K Electric to site. Trenching & Conduit, Meter Pan, Panelboard etc. Utility provided wire from pole to building