Are you considering buying an acreage? Every year, Saskatchewanians who have never purchased rural property before decide to take the plunge.

We’ll be the first to tell you that the rural lifestyle has its rewards—including big, beautiful skies and the tranquility that comes with being surrounded by nature. Unfortunately, buying a property that doesn't suit your needs could make day-to-day life less than idyllic. That’s why it pays to know what to look for when buying an acreage. Here are a few of the things you should consider during your search.

1) Water Supply

It’s something many city dwellers have never thought twice about. But when you’re looking at acreages, you need to consider your access to clean, high-quality water.

The easiest option is to tap into your municipality’s water supply, but this isn’t always possible. Depending on where you buy, you may have to rely on a well, dugout or other water supply. These systems require ongoing maintenance, so consider learning a bit about them before making a commitment. When you’re looking at an acreage, be sure to inquire about the source, quality, and quantity of the water supply.

2) Will the buildings and land meet your needs?

Are you hoping to use your acreage for agricultural purposes? If so, you’ll need to start by ensuring that your plans are in keeping with local zoning regulations. From there, you'll need to determine how suitable the property is for your purposes.

If you’re planning to grow crops or produce, what type of soil will you be working with, and is it of high quality? How well does the land drain? If you're planning on raising livestock, will the property's existing structures, water supply, and land be sufficient? Know what your plans are, and be sure to make a list of relevant questions for your real estate agent.

3) Access to the property

If you’ve spent most of your life in a city or town, you’re probably used to reliable road travel. Damaged, flooded, and snow-covered streets are tended to quickly, which means its easy to hop in your car and get where you need to go.

In contrast, rural roads aren't always perfectly maintained. Depending on where an acreage is located, getting to nearby towns and cities can be a challenge—especially during the colder months.

If you’re thinking about what to look for when buying an acreage, consider adding road access to your list. Life is easier when you live on a property that connects to all-weather roads that are maintained frequently.

4) Rules & regulations

Municipal bylaws and zoning requirements are an important consideration when you’re looking at acreages. These rules may influence how you're permitted to use your land, the dimensions and property lines of any buildings you plan to construct, and whether you can operate a business from the premises (among other things). Remember that both municipal and federal rules and regulations may be applicable, so it pays to do your research. A real estate agent who knows the ins and outs of purchasing an acreage can also provide guidance at every step.

5) Location

Most people who purchase rural land value peace and quiet. Acreage living offers an abundance of space and plenty of privacy, but choosing the right location is crucial.

Consider how remote you want to be. Keep in mind that a shorter commute to nearby cities and towns will lead to a more convenient lifestyle. Specifically, when you’re looking at acreages, find out how accessible emergency and medical services will be. You might also want to look into the reliability of WiFi and cellular networks.

Living in the country can be a wonderful experience, so long as you choose the right place to settle down. Working with an agent who has in-depth knowledge about acreages and the buying process can help ensure that you find the property of your dreams.

Planning to buy an acreage? We know what to look for, and we can answer your questions at every step of the buying process. Get in touch, and we can discuss your needs.

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