10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Land in British Columbia

Buying land is one of the most rewarding and significant investments you can make. Whether you're looking to build your dream home, start a hobby farm, or secure a future asset, land offers freedom and opportunity. However, for first-time buyers, the process can also be overwhelming and riddled with pitfalls. This guide is designed to help anyone considering buying land anywhere in British Columbia avoid common mistakes and make informed decisions.

Here are 10 common mistakes to avoid when buying land in British Columbia, along with insights and tips based on our experience at BC Land Lots. While this information is applicable across the province, we also highlight our own projects in Highway 33 near Kelowna and Walhachin between Kamloops and Ashcroft as examples of how these principles are applied in real-world scenarios.

1. Not Verifying Zoning and Land Use Regulations

Zoning refers to municipal or regional laws that govern how land can be used (e.g., residential, commercial, agricultural). Buying land without confirming its zoning can derail your plans.

Avoid the mistake: Always verify the current zoning with the local municipality or regional district. Understanding zoning ensures your intended use is permissible and avoids future legal complications.

2. Skipping a Land Survey

A land survey defines the exact boundaries of a parcel of land and identifies any easements or encroachments.

Definitions: An easement is a legal right for someone else to use a portion of your land for a specific purpose, such as access to another property or utility lines. An encroachment occurs when a structure, such as a fence or shed, illegally crosses over onto your land from a neighbouring property.

Avoid the mistake: Request a current professional survey. This is especially important in rural areas where informal boundary markers may be inaccurate.

3. Assuming Utilities Are Readily Available

Don't assume the land comes with electricity, water, sewage, and internet. Extending these services can be expensive and logistically complex.

Avoid the mistake: Confirm utility access with local providers or municipal offices. For instance, our properties near Kamloops at Walhachin come with BC Hydro and telephone access, whereas our Hwy 33 acreages near Kelowna are off-grid, which is what some people are searching for.

The folks who have bought in our Hwy 33 subdivision have all saved approximately $60,000 because we did not bring in BC Hydro. They have put that saved money towards green energy and Starlink, which is working out well.

You could start with our article, “What You Need To Know About Water, Power, and Waste Management”.

4. Not Checking Access or Easements

Some land parcels are landlocked, meaning they have no legal access via public roads. Others may have easements—legal rights others have to cross your land.

Avoid the mistake: Ensure legal access via a public road or recorded easement. Review any shared road agreements or potential access limitations before buying. For our current projects, all of this information is available on the project’s page.

5. Ignoring Environmental Restrictions or Hazards

Environmental factors like flood zones, protected wetlands, or contaminated soil can limit how you can use the land.

Avoid the mistake: Check for environmental designations, floodplain maps, and past land use. Consult with local authorities or environmental consultants when in doubt.

6. Failing to Research the Title and Ownership History

A title search ensures the seller has the legal right to sell the land and that there are no liens or unresolved legal issues.

Avoid the mistake: Always obtain a full title search and consider title insurance. This protects your investment and avoids future legal entanglements.

7. Overlooking Development Costs

Clearing land, grading, installing a driveway, drilling a well, or bringing in power lines can add significantly to your total cost.

Avoid the mistake: Get detailed quotes for site preparation and development early in the process. We can help connect you with contractors to start you on your way to developing the land into what you want it to be.

8. Not Understanding Property Taxes and Ongoing Costs

Each piece of land comes with annual property taxes, and possibly other costs like road maintenance agreements or community fees.

Avoid the mistake: Ask for recent tax assessments and investigate any ongoing responsibilities tied to the land.

9. Skipping Professional Help

Buying land involves different complexities than buying a home. Legal, surveying, and planning advice is essential.

Avoid the mistake: Engage a real estate lawyer and agents familiar with land transactions. Professional help ensures your purchase goes smoothly and complies with all regulations.

10. Buying Based on Emotion or Assumptions

A beautiful view or low price doesn't guarantee a good deal. It's easy to overlook practical concerns in the excitement of buying.

Avoid the mistake: Evaluate the land based on zoning, access, costs, and development feasibility. Get second opinions and perform thorough due diligence.

BC Land Lots: A Trusted Partner in Land Investment

Whether you're new to land buying or looking to expand your holdings, BC Land Lots provides expert guidance and vetted property options. Our active listings in Highway 33 near Kelowna and Walhachin between Kamloops and Ashcroft offer examples of properties with clear access, known utility status, and transparent title histories.

While this article highlights some of the most common land buying mistakes, it is not an exhaustive guide about what to do when you encounter problems. Each land purchase can come with unique challenges and considerations. For detailed advice or specific questions, we encourage you to contact us at BC Land Lots. We can point you in the right direction, connect you with local experts, and provide tailored insights to help you make a well-informed purchase.

Let us help you avoid the common pitfalls and turn your land ownership dream into reality.