How to Get Free Land and What's the Catch

How to Get Free Land and What's the Catch

You may have heard you can get free land in the United States. Which anything free always sets off some skepticism in us. Why would anyone giveaway free land? 

Well, your skepticism radar is in good shape if you clicked on this article. Yes, you can get free land in the United States, but there most definitely is a catch.

How to Get Free Land and What's the Catch

What's the Catch?

Counties, Cities and subdivisions giving away free land do so to grow the area. It's a great way to bring in more people and create buzz for the county. But what is the catch for you, the new free land owner? Well, get building! 

The catch for taking this free land is the requirements that come along with it. You will have a time to build on the land, meaning you better build a home within their timeframe after giving you this land. Usually anywhere from a year to two years you will need to build a home on this land. So this free land has now become a large project. But if you are prepared for that, and see opportunity in the area, you get free land to build on. 

How to Get Free Land Step by Step

1. Start Searching OnLine: Below we will provide some places where land is offered for free. But you may want to search in different areas. Counties offering free land are going to change annually. If you have a particular place in mind you can search for that area alone, but be a bit broad and flexible with your search terms as well.  Use things like the State search, not a city search. This will usually show some counties in that state who will be offering the free land. You should also expect the area to be a bit rural, small town or farm area. You can also search business locations, land is also given away to bring in businesses. This should offer some good search results.  

DO NOT USE EXAMPLE:   Free land in [Los Angeles]
USE BROAD TERMS:   Free land in [California] 

2. Study the Agreement: Without a shadow of a doubt you need to know what you are signing up for. Ask for the agreement and make sure you are up for the obligation you are agreeing to. Here are some common questions to know. 

  • What is the Time to Build?
  • What are the home size requirements, Utility requirements and any building restrictions?
  • Are there any deposits or costs for me, the buyer?
  • Are there any tax breaks for me, the buyer?
  • Can I rent it or do I have to live in the home?

3. Apply and Close the Deal: You will have to actually apply for the land and meet the requirements of the agreement. It may require a deposit and they may request documents from you like bank statements. Some counties might require some very big commitment conditions. You may need to provide blue prints and gain building approval. Pretty much be ready to start in order to get the land. Expect to close like any other home. There will be contracts signed and usually some deposit money required. A deed will be transferred to you and you will be the land owner.

4. Stick to Timelines: Unless you want to lose the land due to a broken agreement. You will need to stick to the contractual timeline of building. You also will be restrained from selling the land. So just be sure you are committed to building on the land because you may lose your deposit if you do not. 

Building can be a large advantage especially if you have the money to build the home without a loan. This would allow you to live mortgage free. We did a large article on the how to of living mortgage free. 

Living Mortgage Free

5. Enjoy Your Home: You will more than likely be living in the new home for a required period. The county goal is to grow the community, so expect a requirement to live at least one year on the property. In some cases you may also get tax breaks for a few years. 

Links to Free Land!

Loup, Nebraska
Marquette, Kansas
New Richland, Minnesota

For more Visit CNBC
Towns for Free Land by


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Jan 16th 2019 Steven Jablonski

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