Idaho Building Lots

Land for sale in Southern Idaho

The ultimate guide to land in Southern Idaho:
Acreage Properties | Building Lots | Recreation Property | Ranch Land

Ready to build a custom home on your land? Want to find a working ranch, vineyard or recreation property? Few places offer the diversity of land opportunities that one can find in Idaho. Rural Southern Idaho has many unique opportunities from living in the Snake River Plain to a cabin in the mountains. When clients are buying land, we ask people is to describe what is important to them, and what are you hoping to accomplish in buying land. Identifying the search criteria really starts with the location because we need to understand how the land fits into your lifestyle whether it be needing to be close to an airport or far from it all.

Homesites to build custom homes in Idaho are getting harder to find. New developments in/near the city center are largely infill lots. Newer developments are now outside the city center as Idaho continues to expand, which adds plenty of new opportunities. Luxury lots tend to have elevated views, are in prime locations, or be near water. There are literally thousands of acres of rural land for sale across southern Idaho. Look below to find out what suits your lifestyle and budget, give us a call, and let's get you on your own private ranch or mountain retreat!

What should you know when purchasing building lots or vacant land?

1. Determine how much you want/ need and are able to maintain properly. Acreage requires a lot of maintenance.
2. Will you have power and utilities onsite? How far away are they?
3. Does the property have city water and sewer or will you need to drill well and septic systems?
4. Foothill homesites may require engineering the land before construction starts, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
5. Is the property zoned to use as you intend to use it? Will the district allow someone to do more than build a single home on it?

Land for Sale in Southern Idaho March 19, 2024
1795
Listed
211
Avg. DOM
N/A
Avg. $ / Sq.Ft.
$200,000
Med. List Price
1795 Properties
Page 1 of 150
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IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use, and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. IMLS does not assume any liability for missing or inaccurate data. Information provided by IMLS is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All listings provided by IMLS are marked with the official IMLS IDX logo.

What should you know about buying land in Southern Idaho?

Buying land can be a significant investment, and there are several factors to consider before making a purchase. Here are some things you should know:

  1. Location:
    Consider the location of the lot carefully. Is it in a desirable area? Is it close to amenities like schools, shopping centers, and transportation? Is it in a flood zone or on a steep slope? Check local zoning regulations to ensure that you can build the type of home you want on the land.

  2. Size and Shape:
    The size and shape of the land or building lot will impact the type of home you can build. Ensure that the lot is large enough to accommodate the home you want to build and any other features you desire, such as a garden or outdoor living space. A building lot that is too narrow or oddly shaped may limit your options

  3. Fencing is an additional expense. 

    Many times clients want horses or cattle and have a little ranchette. They want to start from scratch and develop the land and build their dream including horses and cattle. The final step of this dream is putting fence around the property. Any idea how much it costs to put a fence to hold the cattle in safely? It is a lot to fence about 10 acres. that is nearly a quarter of a mile of rails or barbed wire fence.

  4. Utilities:
    Ensure that the land has access to all the utilities you will need, such as water, sewer, electricity, gas, and telephone/ internet. If not, you may need to pay for installation or connection fees.

  5. Topography:
    The lot's topography can impact the cost and complexity of the building. A sloping lot may require grading or retaining walls, which can add to the construction costs which can be costly based on how far it is to access points. Also, in Boise for example, there are foothill construction ordinances that must be followed.

  6. Soil and Geology:
    Understanding the soil and geology of the lot is important, as it can impact the cost and design of the foundation. Soil testing can reveal the type of soil and the presence of any contaminants. Aks a local Land engineer about soils test and engineering cost to make the site buildable.

  7. Restrictions and Regulations:
    Check for any local restrictions or regulations that may impact the design or construction of your home. This could include zoning regulations, building codes, or neighborhood covenants. This can include not only the exterior design but also the height of the roofline.

  8. Is there road access?

    In less developed areas, easy road access may not be available. Land in the mountains may only be accessible by vehicles with high ground clearance and four-wheel drive, which can make access difficult. If the land is far enough away, the county may not maintain the road, which will take more time and money to grade and pave the road to make it passable.

    Sometimes, there you may have to pass through a neighbor’s property to get to yours. In this case, an easement may need to be drawn up to show you can use their land to get to yours. With the easement, you and your neighbor will have to reach an agreement to determine who maintains the road to get to your land via theirs.

  9. Professional Help:
    Consider working with a real estate agent, land surveyor, architect, or builder to help you navigate the process of buying a building lot and designing and building your home.

By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when buying a building lot and set yourself up for a successful home construction project.