Raleigh NC New Homes: Communities, Lots and Land in the Triangle

Custom Homes Raleigh NC

How to Buy a Lot - Step 5

What Will The Total Cost of the Home Be?

How to Make Sure You Can Afford to Build Your Home Here

Buying a lot or land for your new custom home can involve some big decisions!  By following these five steps, you'll find the right location, something that fits your lifestyle and your budget, with the beautiful surrounds so common in the Raleigh area.

How Much Will the Total Construction Package Cost? 

All lots and land under consideration will be some combination of location, size, amenities, cost, and buildability.  As you begin to narrow down your options, you may decide that some factors are more important than others. 

Building the Same Home Can Cost More on Some Lots

Don't worry, a good builder will work with you to make sure you're aware of any incremental costs involved in one lot over another.  At Stanton Homes, we provide a full cost comparison of your favorite lots or land, with these types of factors all considered:

Sewer or Septic - Building Costs

Sewer fees can vary considerably, from $1500 in some locations to $7K or more in Cary NC.  If a septic is required (which is very often the case in North Carolina, especially on lots over half an acre), cost can vary from about $3500 to more than $10K. 

Your builder can obtain a copy of the improvement permit and provide an accurate quote for septic or sewer costs.  A lot with a lower upfront cost may have some higher "site costs". 

Water or Well - Building Costs

The cost of providing fresh water for your home can vary.  Community water fees can be $500 or less.  Water hook up fees can vary from less than $1000 to more than $7K.  And a well can commonly cost anywhere from $5K to $8K.   Many times fees are dependent on the size of the home.  Your builder should factor in hook up fees, trenching, and any additional permits. 

Development - Building Costs

If the lot or land listing notes "water nearby" or "sewer nearby", you'll want your builder or land agent to find out what "nearby" means.  Even if the pipes are in the middle of the street rather than on the edge of your lot, there will be extra cost to pay for the city or county to come out, dig up the pipes, extend them to your property line, then charge to "tap" those lines for your home. 

Permits and Fees - Building Costs

Each city and county has their own list of permits and fees.  Your builder should be able to provide an estimate specific to the exact location or locations you have in mind.  Permits and fees depends on the location of the home, as well as the size of the home, based on total square footage (heated and unheated, including covered porches and garages).

Clearing and Lot Preparation - Building Costs

The lot conditions will affect the cost of your new custom home.  A sloped lot will require additional foundation work.  A heavily wooded lot will need additional equipment to clear enough room for the home to be placed.  A very large lot may require additional driveway.  Talk to your builder about where you want your home positioned.  Most of these costs can be estimated with a site inspection. 

It's Really Not That Scary!

A good builder will provide a full breakdown of all costs involved in building your home at a particular location.  But make sure they are aware of exactly where you'd like to build, and make sure they are willing to guarantee their costs.

A lot or piece of land with a lower price tag may have some higher building costs, particularly in sought after areas like Cary, North Raleigh, Chapel Hill, or Holly Springs.  Just ask your builder or land agent to help you do your research, and you'll be confident that you're making a great decision. 

If this sounds overwhelming - don't worry!  At Stanton Homes, we work to provide you with all the information you need to make a good decision, including free lot inspections, research on your lot, and much more. 

Just contact us or call 919-278-8070, and we'll answer any questions you have about how to buy land and make sure you can build the custom home you're looking for on your lot.  

Browse Raleigh Area Lots and Land for Sale

Five Easy Steps to Finding the Right Lot or Land for Your New Raleigh Home

Don't worry, at Stanton Homes we help throughout the entire process of finding a lot or land and building your new custom home, and are here to answer any questions you may have.

Buying a Lot or Land Step 1: What's Your Budget?

Buying a Lot or Land Step 2: What Amenites Should You Consider?

Buying a Lot or Land Lot Step 3: Determine Your Lot Size

Buying a Lot or Land Step 4:  Is Your Lot Buildable?  How Do You Know?

Buying a Lot or Land Step 5:  What is the Total Construction Cost for Your Lot? (Avoiding Hidden Costs)

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Copyright Stanton Homes 2009.    Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any claims.  Buyer or buyers agent to verify all information before purchase. 

Raleigh Custom Homes

Buyers Guide - Buying a Lot or Land in the Raleigh/Triangle Area

Five Easy Steps To Buying a Lot:  Step 4, Buildability

Buying a lot or land for your new custom home can involve some big decisions!  By following these five steps, you'll find the right location, something that fits your lifestyle and your budget, with the beautiful surrounds so common in the Raleigh area.

How Much Should You Spend on Your Lot or Land?

All lots and land under consideration will be some combination of location, size, amenities, cost, and buildability.  As you begin to narrow down your options, you may decide that some factors are more important than others. 

How Do I Know My Land Can Be Built On?

In order to build a custom home on your lot or land, there are some basic needs that must be met. 

There must be a place for sewage and grey water to go, whether city sewer lines, county sewer lines, or a septic system.  There must be fresh water available, whether from city water, a community well, or a private well.  Building permits must be obtained, and the neighborhood guidelines must be adhered to. 

Buildability - Is Sewer Available?

In the Raleigh area, a large percentage of homes make use of a septic tank rather than city or county sewer lines. 

If city or county sewer is available, great.  If the MLS notes say "sewer nearby", you'll want to find out what it will take to extend the sewer lines to the planned location of your new custom home.

If a septic tank is required, you'll want to know that soils tests have been completed, and that a standard conventional or pump system can be supported.  If soils are unsuitable for a typical septic system, your lot be unbuildable, or may require a very expensive and time consuming unconventional system. 

Building On Your Lot - Is Water Available?

Again, wells are very common in the Raleigh area.  If a well and septic are required, you'll want to be sure the lot is large enough and has suitable soil to support both. 

If city or county water is "nearby", extra fees (and city or county approval) may be required to extend the water lines to your property, plus any tap fees required to "tap" into the lines. 

If city or county water is available and you're looking to build a custom home in a neighborhood, ask if the developer has already paid the tap fees, or if you'll be responsible. 

Building Permits

Your builder will be able to explain the building permit process to you.  Different processes may be required to build in a historical district or other special area, including a full approval of plans, materials, and site work.  Building permits typically take anywhere from 3-6 weeks to obtain, though a historical district may take 2-3 months or more for full approval. 

Impervious Surface

Some areas, like the City of Raleigh, may require a maximum amount of "impervious surface".  This is surface that water cannot sink into the soil, which creates runoff instead, such as driveways, roofs, foundations, porches, sidewalks, etc. 

If your lot has a maximum of 3000 sq ft of impervious surface allowed, and your driveway (12'x30' = 360') takes up 360 feet of that, your foundation, porches, and walkways cannot add to more than 2640 feet in total.  Your builder will work with a surveyor to calculate the square footage, and recommend floor plans that do not exceed the maximum impervious surface.

Neighborhood Covenants and Architectural Guidelines

Check your neighborhood covenants and architectural guidelines before purchasing your lot. 

Some neighborhoods require that every home be brick.  Others do not allow homes smaller than 3000 sq ft.  Your builder can walk you through the guidelines and explain what is required.  These requirements can affect your total construction cost, and your floorplan may need to be approved before you begin building.

If this sounds overwhelming - don't worry!  At Stanton Homes, we work to provide you with all the information you need to make a good decision, including free lot inspections, research on your lot, and much more. 

Just contact us or call 919-278-8070, and we'll answer any questions you have about how to buy land and make sure you can build the custom home you're looking for on your lot. 

Browse Raleigh Area Lots and Land for Sale

Five Easy Steps to Finding the Right Lot or Land for Your New Raleigh Home

Don't worry, at Stanton Homes we help throughout the entire process of finding a lot or land and building your new custom home, and are here to answer any questions you may have.

Buying a Lot or Land Step 1: What's Your Budget?

Buying a Lot or Land Step 2: What Amenites Should You Consider?

Buying a Lot or Land Lot Step 3: Determine Your Lot Size

Buying a Lot or Land Step 4:  Is Your Lot Buildable?  How Do You Know?

Buying a Lot or Land Step 5:  What is the Total Construction Cost for Your Lot? (Avoiding Hidden Costs)

Raleigh Custom Homes

Buyers Guide - Buying a Lot or Land in the Raleigh/Triangle Area

Five Easy Steps To Buying a Lot:  Step 1, Plan Your Budget

Buying a lot or land for your new custom home can involve some big decisions!  By following these five steps, you'll find the right location, something that fits your lifestyle and your budget, with the beautiful surrounds so common in the Raleigh area.

How Much Should You Spend on Your Lot or Land?

All lots and land under consideration will be some combination of location, size, amenities, cost, and buildability.  As you begin to narrow down your options, you may decide that some factors are more important than others. 

Get Preapproved - Know How Much Your Total Budget Should Be

Before you even start looking, take some time with your favorite lender to see what your total "construction and land" goal should be.  Get these questions answered, and you'll be better able to find something that truly fits your lifestyle.

- What monthly payment is best?

- What total amount do I qualify for?

- What will happen if interest rates increase?

Contact us for a list of local lenders experienced with lot and land financing.

What Will Property Taxes Be?

Keep in mind that you'll have to pay property taxes at some point for your new home.  It might be rolled into the loan, by which a portion of the total tax bill is added to your monthly payment each month, then paid to the city or county at the end of the year out of an escrow account.  If not, you may be responsible for property taxes in one lump sum at the end of the year.  Talk to your lender about which payment method you should use.

Guide to Raleigh/Triangle Property Taxes

Property taxes outside city limits will always be lower than taxes inside city limits.  Chapel Hill has some of the area's highest property tax bills, while Chatham County outside city limits has some of the lowest property tax rates in the Triangle. 

How Much Should I Pay for my Lot or Land?

As a general guideline, the cost of your lot or land should be no more than 15-20% of your total "house and land" budget. 

$150,000 total budget = $22,500 to $30,000 lot or land cost

$200,000 total budget = $30,000 to $40,000 lot or land cost

$300,000 total budget = $45,000 to $60,000 lot or land cost

$400,000 total budget = $60,000 to $80,000 lot or land cost

$500,000 total budget = $75,000 to $100,000 lot or land cost

An exception might be made for a large amount of acreage - for instance, you might reasonably construct a home with a $250,000 construction cost on a 10 acre parcel which costs $100K.  Just make sure your planned home corresponds with other homes in the neighborhood/area, to protect your future resale value.

Browse Raleigh Area Lots and Land for Sale

Is This Lot or Land Offered at a Reasonable Price?

Talk to your builder or an experienced land agent about the lots or land you're considering.  Land and lot purchases are different than finished home purchases - you'll want to keep multiple factors in mind that affect the finished cost of your planned new home in the Raleigh area. 

An experienced land agent will be able to compare your lot price with other lots and/or homes in the area, and work with you to provide the best overall value for your new home. 

Five Easy Steps to Finding the Right Lot or Land for Your New Raleigh Home

Don't worry, at Stanton Homes we help throughout the entire process of finding a lot or land and building your new custom home, and are here to answer any questions you may have.

Buying a Lot in Raleigh Step 1: What's Your Budget?

Buying a Lot in Raleigh Step 2: What Amenites Should You Consider?

Buying a Lot in Raleigh Lot Step 3: Determine Your Lot Size

Buying a Lot in Raleigh Step 4:  Is Your Lot Buildable?  How Do You Know?

Buying a Lot in Raleigh Step 5:  What is the Total Construction Cost for Your Lot? (Avoiding Hidden Costs)

You may also be interested in:

Raleigh New Homes, Lots, and Land

5 Easy Steps to Buying a Lot or Land in the Raleigh Area

Available Land and Lots in Communities

Subscribe to this blog!

Raleigh Custom Homes

Five Easy Steps to Buying a Lot or Land in the Raleigh Area

Step 2: Amenities and Features

Buying a lot or land for your new custom home can involve some big decisions!  By following these five steps, you'll find the right location, something that fits your lifestyle and your budget, with the beautiful surrounds so common in the Raleigh area.

Amenities and Features - What's Important?

Amenities and features can include many different details.  As you consider choices of locations, you'll want to think about what's most important to you.  Is budget your biggest consideration?  Or is a particular lifestyle your primary goal?  All lots and land under consideration will be some combination of location, size, amenities, cost, and buildability.  As you begin to narrow down your options, you may decide that some factors are more important than others. 

Golf Course Communities

There are many different golf course communities in the Raleigh area where you have the option to build your new custom home, using the builder of your choice.  For golf lovers, the convenience is terrific.  Just walk or drive the golf cart right to the course at tee time! 

Cost of lots in golf course communities varies.  Most lots on the golf course are well above $100K.  There are occassionally lots within the community available for less than $75K, depending on the community, location, and other factors.  Contact us for more information on available lots in golf course communities.

One great thing about the Raleigh area - no matter where you live, there's probably at least one golf course within 5 miles!

Swimming Pool Communities

A good number of communities offer community swimming pools.  Some require additional fees for the use of the swimming pool, beyond HOA fees.  Usually, the more features the community has, the higher the cost of the individual homesites - and sometimes, the smaller the homesites are.  After all, the cost of the swimming pool, clubhouse, and other features must be somehow recouped, usually by dividing the cost by the total number of lots, and adding that portion to the other costs that determine what each lot will be valued at. 

A small community is much less likely to have a swimming pool or other expensive amenities - but there are other benefits to a small neighborhood too!  Contact us for information about available communities with swimming pools. 

Clubhouse and Tennis Court Communities

Most often, clubhouses and tennis courts can be found in golf course communities.  Clubhouses are useful for community events and social activities. 

Again, balance the features within the community with nearby YMCA facilities, health clubs, state and local parks, and community centers.  The HOA or other fees and higher lot costs may very well be counterbalanced with a membership fee to a great outside facility.  The Triangle area offers terrific events, activities, classes, and sports memberships through a variety of community centers.   

Contact us for information about available communities with clubhouses or tennis courts

Equestrian Communities

If you'd like to keep horses on your own lot or land, keep in mind that you'll need at least one acre of grazing land per horse. 

Generally, you'll need at least a lot that is at least 2 acres to accomodate your home, driveway, etc and also provide enough grazing area. 

Guidelines for Finding Land for Horses in the Raleigh area - read this guide on what to look for. 

There are equestrian communities throughout the area in a variety of price ranges.  There are also many horse boarding ranches in the Raleigh area, particularly on the outskirts of Holly Springs, Hillsborough, and other outlying areas, where your horses can be very close to your new custom home. 

Playgrounds and Walking Trails

If you have children or enjoy walking, you'll probably want to think about features like picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking trails.  Many different types of communities have these features, or are very near some of Raleigh's excellent parks. 

Five Easy Steps to Finding the Right Lot or Land for Your New Raleigh Home

Don't worry, we help throughout the entire process of finding a lot or land and building your new custom home, and are here to answer any questions you may have.

Available Lots, Land, and Communities in the Triangle

Buying Land in Raleigh Step 1: What's Your Budget?

Buying Land in Raleigh Step 2: What Amenites Should You Consider?

Buying Land in Raleigh Step 3: Determine Your Lot Size

Buying Land in Raleigh Step 4:  Is Your Lot Buildable?  How Do You Know?

Buying Land in Raleigh Step 5:  What is the Total Construction Cost for Your Lot? (Avoiding Hidden Costs)

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5 Steps to Buying a Lot

Copyright Stanton Homes 2009.    Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any claims.  Buyer or buyers agent to verify all information before purchase. 

Raleigh Custom Homes

Five Easy Steps to Buying a Lot or Land in the Raleigh Area

Step 3:  How Much Land Do You Want?

Determine Your Desired Lot Size

Buying a lot or land for your new custom home can involve some big decisions!  By following these five steps, you'll find the right location, something that fits your lifestyle and your budget, with the beautiful surrounds so common in the Raleigh area.

What Size Lot or Land?

Start by narrowing down some factors, like what size lot, ideally, your new home will be situated on. 

There are a lot of factors that can determine what size lot or land works best for you!

Quarter Acre or Less

If you're looking for low maintenance, a smaller lot makes more sense.  A quarter acre or less lot will likely not accommodate a large one story, a three car garage, or a very wide home, but this size lot is perfect for many compact plans with good use of space. 

Quarter to Half Acre

A quarter to half acre lot provides "just enough" space for many homeowners.  Homes aren't too close together, and yards are large enough for a wide variety of landscaping opportunities.   Often there is plenty of room for an inground pool, if desired, or a larger three car garage home.  A side entry garage will also likely require at least 1/3 of an acre.  

While many metro areas have limited availability of this size lots, there are plenty of communities in the Raleigh/Triangle area with ¼ to ½ acre homesites.

Half Acre to One Acre

There are plenty of ½ to 1 acre options, especially on the outskirts of southern Wake County, eastern Wake County, Chatham County, and many other locations. 

A 3/4 acre lot is ideal for many homebuyers - just enough room for some privacy, a great front yard, and plenty of space around the home. 

In the Raleigh area, a lot larger than half an acre will nearly always have septic rather than city or county sewer.  Not to worry, North Carolina has one of the best and most developed set of septic ordinances in the country, and a large percentage of homes use septics.    

Over One Acre

Lots and land over one acre are great for anyone looking for extra privacy, extensive gardens, horses, or just plenty of land to call their own. 

Cost for acreage varies from below $40,000 in some areas of Harnett County, Johnston County, and other areas, to well over $200,000 for acreage in North Raleigh or Chapel Hill. 

Making a Decision on Your Raleigh Lot or Land

We suggest starting with some selections that meet your basic criteria for price point and location, and taking a drive through the neighborhoods to get a feel for what works best.  You may find that you actually want to go a little larger or a little smaller than you initially thought. 

You may also find some neighborhoods meet your overall needs better than others, or that your budget requires you to either adjust the lot size, or adjust the areas under consideration. 

In central locations, it may be hard to find a lot of any kind for under $75,000, while in other growing areas with new amenities, the same size lot may be much less.   Contact us for a list of lots, land and neighborhoods meet your criteria!  

Don't worry, we help throughout the entire process of finding a lot or land and building your new custom home, and are here to answer any questions you may have.

Available Lots, Land, and Communities in the Triangle

Buying a Lot in Raleigh Step 1: What's Your Budget?

Buying a Lot in Raleigh Step 2: What Amenites Should You Consider?

Buying a Lot in Raleigh Step 3: Determine Your Lot Size

Buying a Lot in Raleigh Step 4:  Is Your Lot Buildable?  How Do You Know?

Buying a Lot in Raleigh Step 5:  What is the Total Construction Cost for Your Lot? (Avoiding Hidden Costs)

You may also be interested in:

Raleigh New Homes, Lots, and Land

Available Land and Lots in Communities

Subscribe to this blog!