Off grid land refers to property that is not connected to public utilities such as electricity, water, or sewage systems. Understanding what off grid land truly means is essential because it directly influences the preparation, costs, legal compliance, and daily living conditions associated with owning and using this type of property.
This comprehensive guide provides practical, decision-focused steps to avoid the most common mistakes when buying off grid land in 2026. It covers verifying legal access and zoning, assessing water and power availability, budgeting for infrastructure and maintenance, and preparing for emergencies. By following these insights, you can make informed decisions, reduce costly surprises, and build a sustainable off grid lifestyle.
Owning off grid land involves significant investment and lifestyle adjustments. Careful evaluation protects your financial and personal interests, helping you avoid legal troubles and ensuring that the land suits your intended use and long-term plans.
What does off grid land mean and why is it important to understand?
Off grid land is property without connection to public utilities like electricity, water, and sewage, so owners must provide their own resources. Understanding this is crucial because it affects use, costs, and legal compliance.
Unlike traditional properties that have municipal services, off grid land demands self-reliance through alternative systems for power, water, and waste management. This impacts how you budget, what permits or zoning you must comply with, and what day-to-day challenges to expect. Without fully grasping these differences before purchase, you risk unexpected expenses, operational difficulties, or falling afoul of regulations. A clear understanding reduces surprises and guides your path to sustainable off grid living.
What is the definition of off grid land?
Off grid land is defined as property that lacks connection to public or municipal utilities such as electricity, water supply, sewage, and natural gas. Owners must install and maintain their own systems for these services. This type of land is often rural or remote, where connecting to local infrastructure is unavailable or prohibitively expensive. Recognizing this means you plan for self-sufficiency, such as solar power systems, private wells, and septic tanks, before committing to purchase.
How does off grid land differ from traditional properties?
The primary difference is the absence of public utility access on off grid land. Traditional properties typically have infrastructure maintained by local authorities or utility companies, including power lines, water mains, sewage connections, and road upkeep. Off grid land buyers must provide or build all utilities independently, often requiring significant investment upfront. Additionally, off grid properties can have more complex zoning or easement restrictions and may present challenges in legal access. These factors influence cost, lifestyle, and feasibility.
Why is understanding off grid land crucial before purchase?
Understanding off grid land is essential to avoid costly mistakes such as buying unsuitable parcels, ignoring necessary infrastructure costs, or violating local laws. When you know exactly what self-reliance entails and confirm your land supports those needs, you can budget properly and set realistic expectations. This understanding helps evaluate if the property aligns with your goals, prevents legal troubles, and ensures a manageable, functional off grid lifestyle.
What are the most common mistakes people make when buying off grid land?
Common mistakes include failing to verify clear land ownership, overlooking utility challenges, and neglecting comprehensive land surveys. These lead to legal disputes, costly upgrades, or unusable land.
Many buyers are attracted to off grid land’s lower prices or privacy but skip critical due diligence. Assuming utilities are simple to set up or that access is legal often results in major headaches. Skimping on surveys risks boundary conflicts or discovering impassable terrain after purchase. Being aware of these pitfalls and avoiding shortcuts protects your investment and peace of mind.
What errors occur during land ownership verification?
Errors happen when buyers fail to conduct a thorough title search or ignore liens, easements, or encumbrances documented in public records. Sometimes sellers lack clear ownership or unauthorized parties claim interest. These oversights can lead to lawsuits, delays in closing, or even loss of the property. You must obtain a full title report from a reputable title company and consider consulting a real estate attorney to confirm the seller’s rights. Any title irregularity is a red flag that may require negotiation, legal remedy, or walking away.
How do buyers overlook off grid utilities challenges?
Buyers often underestimate the complexity, legality, and costs of establishing off grid utilities. For example, drilling a well or installing solar panels may face permitting hurdles or be costly depending on terrain and local regulations. Utility system design must fit the environment and anticipated use to ensure reliability. Failing to evaluate these ahead of time can cause unreliable service, fines, or expensive retrofits. Speak with local experts, check regulatory requirements, and budget conservatively to avoid these setbacks.
What are typical pitfalls in land surveying for off grid properties?
Many buyers rely on outdated maps or ignore official boundary markers, which can cause disputes with neighbors. Skipping topographical assessments overlooks terrain challenges such as steep slopes or flood zones, limiting usability. Professional surveys reveal exact borders, easements, natural hazards, and land features that affect development and access. Investing in a licensed surveyor’s services before purchase reduces risks and informs realistic planning.
How should you quickly evaluate off grid land opportunities?
Quickly evaluate off grid land by screening ownership, access, zoning, price, holding costs, and resale potential before deeper due diligence.
The practical way to assess deals starts with confirming clear title, legal access, and compatible zoning. Compare prices to similar properties to ensure the deal is realistic. Consider ongoing costs such as taxes and infrastructure investments. Finally, think through your exit strategy and resale potential. Early filtering based on these core factors prevents wasting time on unsuitable or high-risk parcels.
What decision criteria matter most?
Market demand, access certainty, title clarity, zoning compliance, pricing relative to comparable sales, carrying costs, and a credible resale or use plan are the top criteria. Missing clear documentation or legal access are deal breakers. Pricing should not tempt you to ignore these essentials. The best opportunities pass conservative tests on these points, ensuring your investment is sound under various scenarios.
How do you compare strong and weak opportunities?
Strong opportunities present verifiable ownership and access, sensible price points, and logical uses or resale markets. They survive conservative assumptions and include contingency options. Weak deals depend on optimistic or uncertain variables, such as unconfirmed easements or unpermitted uses. A deal only viable under perfect conditions is riskier. Use this comparison to avoid emotional purchases and focus on grounded, data-backed decisions.
What should you confirm before moving forward?
Before committing, confirm ownership through title records, verify legal access with deeds and county offices, check zoning codes and restrictions with local planning departments, understand property taxes and assessments, and evaluate surrounding area demand for resale or use. Clarify closing requirements and costs, and confirm infrastructure feasibility and legal compliance. Verifying these facts reduces surprises and supports a confident offer or walk-away decision.
How can I verify legal access and zoning for off grid land?
Verify legal access by reviewing recorded easements, road rights, and physical accessibility; verify zoning through local government offices to understand permitted uses.
Legal access means you have documented rights to enter and use the property’s roads or trails, either via public roads or private easements. Zoning determines allowed land uses and restrictions, critical for your intended activities or building plans. Ignoring either can lead to access disputes or illegal uses, threatening your investment and lifestyle.
What steps should I take to confirm land access rights?
First, examine the recorded property deed for easements granting right of passage. Contact the county recorder’s or assessor’s office to confirm public road access or recorded private roads. Conduct a physical inspection of access routes for maintenance and usability. Speak with neighbors or local authorities to learn about disputes or access limitations. Thorough documentation and verification are necessary; lack of legal access is a serious red flag that may render the land unusable.
How do zoning laws impact off grid land use?
Zoning laws regulate what structures you can build, activities you can conduct, and utility installations allowed on the property. They may restrict residential use, agricultural practices, industrial activities, or waste disposal options. Compliance prevents fines and forced removal, and zoning affects long-term land value and flexibility. Confirming zoning aligns your intended use with legal permissions before buying avoids costly conflicts.
What resources help verify legal restrictions on land?
County or city planning and zoning departments provide zoning maps and land use regulations. Online GIS platforms often display zoning data and land features. Title companies and public records offer easement and lien information. State environmental agencies report protected areas or regulations. For complex situations, consult a real estate attorney or land use expert to interpret regulations and clarify legal constraints.
What should I check about water availability on off grid land?
Check for reliable natural water sources such as wells, springs, or surface water, assess their quality and quantity, and verify legal water rights.
Water availability is essential for drinking, irrigation, sanitation, and emergencies. Seasonal variability can affect supply. Testing water quality ensures safety for consumption. Permits may be required to drill wells or collect surface water. Failing to verify water can cause costly infrastructure investments or render the land unsuitable for your needs.
How can I assess natural water sources on the property?
Look for springs, streams, ponds, or wetlands on or near the parcel. Research local rainfall and groundwater data from state or local water agencies. Consider previous well logs or drilling reports if available. Soil tests can indicate water retention capacity. Consulting local experts and hydrologists may provide insight into aquifer depth and yield potential. This evaluation informs water sourcing feasibility and associated costs.
What are the risks of unreliable water supply off grid?
Water scarcity from droughts, contamination, or seasonal drying risks your health, agriculture, and sanitation systems. You might face emergency water hauling costs or expensive well drilling. Without dependable water, off grid living becomes impractical and unsafe. Planning for backup sources or conservation strategies is necessary to mitigate these risks.
What legal considerations affect water rights on land?
Water rights laws vary widely; owning land does not always mean you have rights to surface or groundwater. Some states follow riparian rights, others prior appropriation doctrines. Permits may be mandatory for wells, and water use might be capped or regulated. Ignoring legal water rights can lead to fines, forced cessation of water use, or legal disputes. Confirm water rights with state water resource departments or legal counsel.
Want a clearer path? If you want to move faster with off grid land mistakes, start with a proven land investing framework instead of guessing through each step.
Explore Land Geek coaching or start with the Dirt Rich book.
How do I ensure reliable power sources off the grid?
Ensure reliable off grid power by selecting appropriate systems like solar, wind, or generators based on site conditions and energy needs, and plan for storage and maintenance.
Matching your power consumption with a location-optimized system is key. Terrain and climate affect solar exposure and wind availability, influencing system sizing and cost. Backup systems such as batteries or generators add resilience. Maintenance planning keeps systems operational. Without this evaluation, power interruptions or excessive costs can frustrate off grid living.
What are the common off grid power options available?
Popular options include solar photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, micro-hydro generators (where flowing water is available), and diesel or propane generators. Solar panels are favored for falling costs and ease of installation. Wind power depends heavily on steady wind speeds. Generators provide emergency backup but require fuel and maintenance. Selecting the right mix depends on environmental conditions and user needs.
How do terrain and climate affect power source reliability?
Terrain affects sunlight exposure; shaded or forested sites reduce solar output. Wind turbines need open areas with consistent winds. Mountains or hills can block wind or sun. Climate influences system durability,snow, dust, rain, and extreme temperatures impact performance and maintenance frequency. Understanding local environmental factors guides appropriate system design and prevents underperformance.
What maintenance challenges come with off grid utilities?
Maintenance includes battery replacements (due to degradation over time), panel cleaning, servicing mechanical parts in wind turbines, and fuel storage management for generators. Remote locations can complicate access for repairs and parts. Seasonal weather can cause damage or accelerate wear. Planning for ongoing maintenance costs and developing basic repair skills reduces downtime and expense.
Why is soil quality and terrain important for homesteading on off grid land?
Soil quality determines agricultural potential, and terrain affects building feasibility and accessibility. Both are critical to successful off grid homesteading.
Testing soil for nutrients, pH, and contaminants informs what crops can grow and what soil work is required. Terrain features such as slopes, drainage patterns, and rockiness influence construction costs and erosion risks. Poor soil or difficult terrain may limit productivity and increase expenses. Understanding these factors allows realistic planning and budgeting.
How do I test soil quality for agriculture and building?
Collect soil samples from multiple parts of the land, ideally at different depths. Send samples to a certified lab for nutrient analysis, pH level, organic matter, and contamination testing. For building, assess soil composition and compaction to determine foundation requirements. Regular retesting helps track soil health over time.
What terrain features can complicate off grid living?
Steep slopes increase erosion, limit construction and farming, and raise soil loss concerns. Rocky or uneven ground complicates excavation, building foundations, and garden beds. Poor drainage causes water pooling and potential foundation damage. Flood-prone zones increase risk to structures and agriculture. Identifying these early shapes feasible uses and infrastructure needs.
How does soil and terrain influence land value and usability?
Fertile soil and gently sloping, well-drained terrain increase the land’s usability, reduce development costs, and support multiple uses, enhancing value. In contrast, poor soil and difficult terrain require costly amendments and specialized construction, lowering usability and market appeal. Assess these factors relative to your intended use to ensure the investment aligns with practical goals.
How can I plan for emergency access and communication off grid?
Plan emergency access by ensuring legal, maintained routes are available and establish reliable off grid communication systems and emergency procedures.
Multiple access points and road maintenance plans facilitate emergency vehicles reaching your site. Reliable communication tools such as satellite phones, HAM radios, or emergency beacons provide critical contact in isolation. Having written emergency protocols ensures everyone knows evacuation routes and contact methods. These steps safeguard health and safety when municipal services are distant or unavailable.
What are the risks of limited emergency access on off grid land?
Poor access can delay or prevent vital services like medical aid, firefighting, or evacuation, increasing risks during accidents, wildfires, or natural disasters. Roads might be impassable due to weather or terrain. Limited access can also block supply deliveries, exacerbating isolation. Proactive maintenance and planning for alternative access reduce these dangers significantly.
Which communication tools work best in remote locations?
Satellite phones provide global coverage without reliance on cell towers, suitable for extreme remoteness. HAM radios offer local and extended communication but may require licensing and user skills. Emergency locator beacons send distress signals with GPS coordinates to search and rescue. Combining multiple devices enhances reliability according to distance, terrain, and budget.
How can I create an effective emergency plan for off grid living?
Start by identifying potential hazards specific to your location. Establish clear communication protocols and designate primary and backup contact methods. Map evacuation routes and safe zones on your property. Keep well-stocked emergency kits with food, water, medical supplies, and tools. Train all residents in first aid, fire safety, and emergency drills. Review and update the plan regularly to adapt to any changes.
What are the hidden costs associated with off grid land?
Hidden costs often come from infrastructure installation, ongoing maintenance, and legal or environmental compliance fees beyond the land’s purchase price.
Initial infrastructure like wells, septic systems, power setups, and road improvements require specialized equipment and labor, often exceeding buyer expectations. Maintenance and repair expenses accumulate over time, especially in harsh environments. Permits, inspections, and environmental mitigation may cause unanticipated fees. Accounting for these avoids cash flow surprises and project delays.
Which infrastructure expenses are often underestimated?
Well drilling, septic system installation, solar or generator setup, and road building are frequent underestimates. Costs vary greatly by location, terrain, and system size. Permit fees, environmental studies, and professional consultations add up. Without detailed cost estimates from local experts, buyers risk underfunding critical infrastructure.
How do maintenance and repair costs impact budgeting?
Off grid systems require regular servicing,battery replacements, panel cleaning, generator fuel, pump repairs,that can be costly and time-consuming. Remote location increases transportation costs for parts and technician visits. Meteorological conditions can accelerate wear. Budgeting at least 5-10% of initial infrastructure investment annually helps maintain reliable service.
What unexpected fees can arise from legal or environmental issues?
Fees can include penalties for unpermitted constructions, costs for environmental remediation, fees for land use changes, or lawyer fees arising from disputes over access or water rights. Regulatory climates can change, imposing new requirements after purchase. Due diligence and consultation with local officials and attorneys help minimize these costs.
What steps should I follow to evaluate off grid land before purchase?
Evaluate off grid land by commissioning a professional survey, verifying ownership and access rights, researching zoning and restrictions, and confirming utilities and water availability with reliable sources.
Begin with a licensed surveyor to confirm property boundaries, easements, and topography. Investigate public records and title reports for ownership clarity. Contact county planning for zoning verification and restrictions. Assess utilities’ feasibility with local experts and test water quality and availability. These steps reduce risks, reveal hidden issues, and enable confident purchase decisions.
How do I conduct a thorough land survey and inspection?
Hire licensed surveyors to map the parcel boundaries, easements, and physical features. Personally inspect access roads, water sources, and terrain conditions. Look for signs of environmental hazards or encroachments. Review survey findings with experts to address any concerns. A precise survey drives accurate valuation and planning.
What questions should I ask landowners or agents?
Ask for ownership history and verification, liens or encumbrances, history of utility installations, water rights, zoning compliance, road maintenance responsibilities, emergency access, environmental issues, past uses, and any development restrictions. Clarifying these points reveals operational, legal, and financial risks early.
How can I verify the accuracy of land information provided?
Cross-reference seller information with title company reports, county GIS data, zoning maps, and water records. Obtain professional inspections and surveys. Consult local government offices and experts for up-to-date land use and access data. Verification through independent sources protects you from misinformation or omission.
How do zoning laws and land use restrictions affect off grid living?
Zoning laws regulate permitted uses, structures, and activities on off grid land, directly affecting your ability to build, farm, and install utilities.
Restrictions might limit residential occupancy, require minimum lot sizes, control septic or well installations, and regulate environmental protections. Compliance is necessary to avoid fines, forced removals, or legal actions. Zoning can also affect resale value and future development plans. Understanding the local zoning environment pre-purchase sets realistic expectations and protects your investment.
What are common zoning restrictions for off grid properties?
Common restrictions include limits on permanent dwellings, agricultural uses, building sizes and placements, septic system types, and utility installations like generators or solar. Noise, fire safety, and conservation rules often apply. Some zones designate land as conservation or restricted use. Detailed zoning research is necessary for each parcel.
How can zoning impact building and homesteading plans?
Zoning dictates where structures can be built on the lot, required setbacks, and construction standards. Violating zoning codes can result in denied permits, costly redesigns, or demolition orders. Some rural zones may restrict livestock types or numbers. Plan all activities within zoning parameters to ensure smooth approvals and long-term compliance.
What legal actions can I take if zoning changes affect my land?
If zoning changes reduce your land’s usability, you can file appeals or requests for variances with local planning boards. Consulting a land use attorney or advocates may assist in challenging unfavorable regulations. In some areas, compensation or rezoning options exist. Active engagement in local planning processes can help protect your interests.
Want a clearer path? If you want to move faster with off grid land mistakes, start with a proven land investing framework instead of guessing through each step.
Explore Land Geek coaching or start with the Dirt Rich book.
What are the risks of not properly researching off grid land before buying?
Not researching thoroughly can lead to legal disputes, insufficient resources, unbuildable land, and financial loss.
Without due diligence, you might acquire land with unclear title, blocked or unmaintained access, illegal uses, or no viable water or power resources. Unexpected infrastructure costs, fines, or limited resale options may arise. These risks jeopardize your investment and living comfort. Proper research is critical to anticipate and mitigate them.
How can poor research lead to costly mistakes?
Poor research causes unanticipated expenses fixing legal title issues, fighting access disputes, installing costly utilities in difficult terrain, or complying with unexpected regulations. It can also lead to forced sale at a loss or outright abandonment of the property. Avoiding these outcomes requires methodical verification and professional input before buying.
What lifestyle challenges arise from inadequate land evaluation?
Insufficient evaluation may mean inadequate water supply, unreliable power, difficult access, and unusable soil. This results in compromised health, limited food production, isolation, and perpetual maintenance headaches. Understanding limitations early helps match land choice with lifestyle goals to avoid frustration and hardship.
What legal or environmental risks should I be aware of?
Legal risks include zoning violations, encroachment disputes, lack of water rights, and failure to obtain permits. Environmental risks involve contamination, wetlands restrictions, endangered species habitat, flood zones, or fire hazard areas. Ignoring these can lead to fines, lawsuits, or costly mitigation. Consultation with local officials and experts reduces exposure to these risks.
How can I budget effectively for off grid infrastructure and ongoing maintenance?
Budget by estimating upfront infrastructure costs and allocating funds for ongoing repairs, replacements, permits, and professional services.
Research realistic costs for solar or wind systems, wells, septic, roadwork, permits, and inspections based on site-specific factors. Plan annual budgets for maintenance, including battery replacements, fuel, and repairs. Include contingencies for unforeseen expenses. A comprehensive budget guards against cash shortfalls and project delays.
What initial infrastructure costs should I expect?
Expect expenses for solar panels or generators, well drilling or water catchment systems, septic installations, and road improvements. Permit and inspection fees add to these. Costs vary by terrain and location. Professional installation often reduces long-term costs. Get estimates from local contractors early in the process.
For insights on planning utilities and access, explore our detailed guide on Development, Utilities & Access.
How do I estimate recurring maintenance expenses?
Maintenance includes servicing batteries, cleaning solar panels, repairing pumps, generator fuel costs, and road upkeep. Frequency and cost depend on climate, use intensity, and equipment quality. Setting aside a percentage (e.g., 5%–10%) of initial system costs annually is a practical approach. Monitoring helps adjust budgets over time.
What financial planning strategies support sustainable off grid living?
Strategies include creating an emergency repair fund, prioritizing essential over luxury infrastructure, phasing projects over time, diversifying power sources to reduce risks, and seeking grants or incentives where available. Regularly reviewing budgets and maintenance logs helps allocate resources efficiently and avoid crises.
What examples illustrate successful off grid land purchases and what can I learn from them?
Successful purchases feature thorough research, realistic expectations, verified access and utilities, and proactive planning for challenges.
Owners invest in reliable infrastructure, maintain legal compliance, and prepare for emergencies. Flexibility and persistence help overcome issues like terrain or regulatory hurdles. Learning from others’ experiences informs due diligence priorities and practical preparations that improve your chances of sustainable, rewarding off grid living.
What common factors contribute to successful off grid living?
Key factors include verified utilities, legal access, suitable soil and terrain, emergency preparedness, and ongoing maintenance plans. Successful owners prioritize sustainability, compliance, and community or expert support. These elements build resilience and comfort in off grid environments.
How have others overcome typical off grid land challenges?
People have used hybrid power systems combining solar with generators, drilled multiple wells for water security, negotiated formal access easements to avoid disputes, adapted dwelling design to terrain constraints, and developed robust emergency communication networks. Being adaptable and planning for contingencies is critical.
What lessons can I apply from real off grid land experiences?
Conduct comprehensive due diligence, expect and budget for hidden costs, respect local laws and environment, invest in quality infrastructure, and prepare for emergencies. Engage with experts and off grid communities for knowledge and support. These lessons reduce risk and increase satisfaction.
How can I prepare for emergencies when living off grid?
Prepare by assembling essential supplies, establishing reliable communication, and acquiring relevant safety and survival skills.
Stockpile food, water, medical kits, tools, and fuel to cover extended periods of isolation. Use satellite phones, radios, or emergency beacons for communication. Learn first aid, fire safety, and basic repairs. Conduct regular drills and update plans to maintain readiness, enhancing safety and independence.
What emergency supplies are essential for off grid residents?
Essentials include non-perishable food, potable water, comprehensive first aid kits, flashlights with extra batteries, fire extinguishers, multi-purpose tools, backup fuel, alternative heating and cooking sources, and shelter materials. Supplies should cover at least several days to weeks depending on isolation and access.
How do I establish reliable emergency communication methods?
Combine satellite phones for wide area coverage, HAM radios for local to regional communication with licensing, and GPS emergency locator beacons to signal rescuers. Test devices regularly and have backup power sources. Multiple communication modes enhance reliability in diverse scenarios.
What training or skills improve safety off the grid?
Training in first aid, CPR, fire suppression, navigation, water purification, food preservation, and basic mechanical and electrical repairs increases self-sufficiency. Understanding how to operate and maintain power and water systems prevents failures. Community emergency response participation enhances collective preparedness. Continual learning adapts your skills to evolving circumstances.
What frequently asked questions do buyers have about off grid land mistakes?
What is the best way to avoid common off grid land mistakes?
Thorough due diligence, including title verification, utility feasibility assessment, professional land surveys, zoning and water rights research, realistic budgeting, and expert consultation is the best approach. Combining these steps uncovers risks and ensures informed decisions.
How can I verify the legitimacy of off grid land listings?
Confirm public records match seller claims, verify title and liens with reputable title companies, inspect the property personally, and work with licensed real estate professionals. Avoid listings with vague or inconsistent information. Verification protects against fraud and misrepresentation.
What resources help me stay informed about off grid living challenges?
Consult county planning offices, environmental agencies, off grid forums, expert blogs, land inspection services, and attend educational workshops. Networking with experienced off grid residents and professionals provides practical, up-to-date advice and support.
What are the final remarks on off grid land mistakes?
Make better off grid land decisions by following a clear, repeatable framework emphasizing disciplined due diligence and realistic analysis of facts. Careful review of title, access, zoning, usability, and exit strategies prevents costly surprises and frustration. Focus on evidence over excitement.
Patience, research, and systematic evaluation separate strong land deals from risky ones. If you want guidance, utilize trusted resources like Dirt Rich or Land Geek coaching for structured support.
Why does process matter more than excitement?
Because land deals can appear attractive on the surface, a disciplined verification process forces slowing down to check crucial facts. This prevents costly errors and protects your investment. Excitement may prompt skipping important questions; sticking to a repeatable process keeps decisions grounded in reality.
What should beginners remember first?
Due diligence is mandatory for every parcel, no matter how basic. Confirm ownership, access, zoning, taxes, and demand consistently using simple checklists. Learning and applying this process sets a foundation for success and avoids expensive mistakes as you scale your investing.
What is the best next step?
The best next step is to master a proven framework applied to real off grid land opportunities. Start with the Dirt Rich book or Land Geek coaching. This approach builds confidence and clarity, leading to more profitable and satisfying land investments.