Buying land in Tucson is very different from buying an existing home. With a home, you can see exactly what you’re getting; the floor plan, the wall colors, the fixtures, the type of cabinets, the lighting, the outdoor spaces, etc. You get the idea.
On the other hand, land is a blank slate on which you have to create all of those details. But before you begin the design process, you need to understand some basics about buying land in Tucson and Pima County that will help you avoid wasting a lot of time and money.
Choosing a Lot
Not all land is easy to build on. Factors like zoning, access, utilities, topography, washes, and environmental restrictions all have an impact on whether a vacant parcel can support a home. Even if the lot is suitable, these factors may limit the type and size of home one can build.
Water is Life
Of all the considerations when first trying to determine if a vacant parcel will make a good potential homesite, the most crucial is water. There are many potential water sources for your home and each have their plusses and minuses. These are:
- municipal water companies like Tucson water and Marana water
- private and shared wells
- hauling water
- water harvesting and collection systems
Building a Desert Oasis
Septic systems are very common throughout Tucson as our sewer system doesn’t extend to all of Pima County. You’ll want to understand the soil conditions and whether a perc test or soils report has been done, and if not, you can expect to do one. The natural desert landscape also presents several potential issues to consider: flood plain and washes can dictate where you can build and whether engineering will be required; sloped land may require hillside development zone (HDZ) rules to apply, which can require grading limits and natural open space set asides.
Accessibility
Finally, when building a custom home, access must be determined. Some parcels have access from public right of ways on paved roads. Others may access from dirt roads (maintained and un-maintained), or easements through neighboring properties. In rare cases, vacant land may be land locked with no apparent way to access. Sometimes, we occasionally see properties where legal and physical access are different. Answering these questions and verifying access is essential.
Have more questions?
We understand buying land can feel daunting. The good news is our team has been selling lots and land since 1985, and are ready to answer your questions. Contact us to get started on buying vacant land in Tucson or Pima County.
