Top Land Buyers in Residential Lots

How long does it typically take to sell vacant land in Maryland?

In the current 2025 Maryland market, the average timeline to sell vacant land is 6 to 12 months. Velocity is highest in the Washington D.C. and Baltimore suburban corridors, where residential infill lots can move in 90 to 150 days. Conversely, rural tracts on the Eastern Shore or in Western Maryland often require 12 months or longer to find a buyer. The timeline is primarily driven by the "Due Diligence" phase, which in Maryland usually spans 60 to 90 days as buyers investigate Critical Area restrictions and conduct perc tests for septic suitability. Sellers who provide a "ready-to-build" package with environmental clearances can often reduce their time on market by 25%.

What are the common closing costs for land sellers in Maryland?

Maryland is a title company state, and while hiring an attorney is not legally mandated for all closings, they are frequently utilized for title examination and deed preparation. Sellers can typically expect to pay between 7% and 10% of the sale price in total expenses. Maryland’s transfer tax and recordation tax structure is one of the more complex in the nation, with rates varying significantly by county.

Specific costs for 2025 include:

• State Transfer Tax: The state rate is 0.5% of the purchase price. (Note: For first-time Maryland homebuyers, the seller must pay the entire state transfer tax unless otherwise negotiated).
• County Recordation Tax: Rates vary by county; for example, Cecil County charges $4.10 per $500 ($8.20 per $1,000) of the purchase price.
• Title Search & Abstract: Usually costs between $350 and $600 to ensure no municipal or environmental liens exist.
• Recording Fees: Generally range from $20 to $75, plus a $40 surcharge for all recordable land instruments in 2025.

Do I need a survey to sell my land in Maryland?

While Maryland law does not strictly mandate a survey for a private property transfer, it is a practical necessity in 2025. Most title companies will not remove "boundary and encroachment" exceptions from a policy without a professional Boundary Survey or Location Drawing. In Maryland’s densely populated and historically rich counties, a survey is critical to identify easements for utility lines or shared driveways. In 2025, a basic survey for a suburban lot costs $400 to $800, while large rural acreage or Solar Development sites can exceed $3,000. Providing an existing survey is a major selling point that prevents boundary disputes—a leading cause of litigation in Maryland land deals.

How is the land market trending in Maryland for the next 12 months?

The Maryland land market is forecast for steady, modest growth (2% to 4%) through late 2026. The market is currently being driven by Utility-Scale Solar demand on the Eastern Shore and Industrial Infill near the Baltimore port. Overall, land values are remaining resilient due to strong job growth and a chronic housing shortage in the D.C. metro area. The most significant trend is the "Mitigation Banking" expansion, as the state incentivizes the restoration of wetlands to offset major infrastructure projects. Demand is highest for Residential Infill in Montgomery and Howard counties, where limited inventory continues to push prices higher.

Can I sell land in Maryland if I have back taxes or title issues?

Yes, but you are subject to a redemption window that begins 6 to 9 months after a tax sale. In Maryland, a tax sale purchaser can file a complaint to foreclose the right of redemption after 6 months for non-principal residences and 9 months for principal residences. The owner has until the final decree is signed by the court (which can take 1-2 years) to redeem the property by paying the delinquent taxes plus 12% to 20% interest (varying by county).

For inherited property, Maryland law allows for a "Power of Sale": if the decedent’s will explicitly grants the executor the power to sell real estate, the sale can proceed without a specific court order, potentially saving 4 to 6 months of probate delays. This streamlined process is a primary method for clearing title for Solar Development or Mitigation Banking projects. Top regional land uses driving these quick title clearances currently include Utility-Scale Solar and Residential Infill.

What is the most in-demand type of land in Maryland right now?

The highest demand in the 2025 Maryland market is for Utility-Scale Solar and Industrial Logistics Infill. Driven by the state's Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard, developers are aggressively seeking large, flat parcels on the Eastern Shore near existing transmission lines. Additionally, Mitigation Banking is a rising trend, as developers purchase environmentally sensitive land to generate credits for massive highway expansions. In urban centers like Baltimore and Bethesda, "shovel-ready" Infill lots are the top choice for builders looking to bypass high infrastructure costs while addressing the state's critical housing demand.