Top Land Buyers in Michigan

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

In the 2025 Michigan market, the average timeline to sell vacant land is 6 to 12 months, but velocity is highly localized. Urban and suburban counties like Wayne and Kalamazoo are seeing slower turnover ratios with days on market often exceeding 150 to 200 days. Conversely, the "Northern Michigan Surge" in counties like Alpena and Charlevoix has created ultra-fast markets where land often moves in under 80 days. Sellers should expect a standard 30-to-45-day closing period, though winter weather in the Upper Peninsula frequently pauses perc tests and surveys, extending the timeline for remote recreational tracts.

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

Michigan is a title company state, where escrow agents handle the bulk of the transaction. Sellers typically pay between 8% and 11% of the final sale price, with real estate commissions and state/county transfer taxes being the primary expenses. While attorneys are not mandatory, they are frequently used for complex land division or Land Division Act compliance, with 2025 rates averaging $248 per hour.

Specific costs for 2025 include:

• State Transfer Tax: The rate is $3.75 for every $500 (or $7.50 per $1,000) of the purchase price.
• County Transfer Tax: Most Michigan counties charge $0.55 for every $500 ($1.10 per $1,000).
• Title Insurance: Customarily paid by the seller, the Owner’s Policy typically costs 0.5% to 1% of the sale price.
• Recording Fees: Generally a flat fee of approximately $30 for the first page of the deed.

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

A new survey is not strictly required by Michigan law for a title transfer; however, it is essential for compliance with the Michigan Land Division Act if the parcel is being split. Furthermore, 2025 title insurance standards often require a Boundary Survey to remove "survey exceptions." In Michigan’s heavily forested rural areas, a survey resolves discrepancies involving old fence lines and section corners. In 2025, a basic survey for a suburban lot costs $500 to $900, while large acreage in the Upper Peninsula can exceed $3,500.

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

The Michigan land market is forecast for 3.0% steady growth through 2026. While the rapid appreciation of previous years has calmed, persistent low inventory is preventing a price decline. High-growth "hotspots" like Saginaw (4.9% projected growth) and Marquette (4.2%) are outperforming the state average due to affordability migration. Inventory is expected to remain tight, keeping the market slightly in the seller’s favor, particularly for parcels within an hour of major employment hubs like Grand Rapids and Detroit.

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

Yes, but you must act before the three-year foreclosure window. In Michigan, real property taxes that remain unpaid for three years are foreclosed upon by the Foreclosing Governmental Unit (FGU). The redemption period is strict, and once the court enters a judgment of foreclosure, the owner typically has until March 31st of that year to pay the debt or lose the property permanently. For inherited land, Michigan probate allows for a "Power of Sale": if the decedent’s will grants this authority, the executor can sell the land without a specific court order, reducing the timeline to roughly 60 to 90 days.

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

The most in-demand land use in Michigan for 2025 is Utility-Scale Solar and Energy Storage. Solar accounted for 58% of all new electricity-generating capacity added to the grid through late 2025. Developers are aggressively seeking large, flat parcels in Mid-Michigan near transmission lines. Additionally, Industrial Infill land near the Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo corridor remains highly sought after for logistics and "last-mile" delivery hubs, driven by the state's manufacturing resurgence and low energy costs.