Top Land Buyers in Wooded & Timberland

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

In the 2025 Mississippi market, the median days on market for property is 91 days, though vacant land often takes 6 to 12 months to secure a qualified buyer. High-demand metropolitan areas like Jackson, the Gulf Coast, and university towns (Starkville/Oxford) see faster movement, while rural timberland and Delta cropland require more patience. The timeline is primarily influenced by the due diligence period, which often lasts 45 to 60 days for environmental and timber cruise assessments. Sellers should expect a total closing window of 60 to 90 days once an offer is accepted.

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

Mississippi is a title company state, and it is among the most affordable states for real estate transfers because there is no state real estate transfer tax. Total seller closing costs typically range from 6% to 9%, including commissions. While attorneys are optional, many sellers use them for deed preparation at average rates of $150 to $250 per hour.

Specific costs for 2025 include:

• Transfer Tax: Mississippi charges $0.00—there is no state-level transfer tax or documentary stamp fee.
• Title Search & Settlement: Typically averages $750 to $1,000.
• Owner’s Title Insurance: Negotiable, but frequently paid by the buyer in Mississippi, though sellers may offer it as an incentive (costing $2.50 to $4.00 per $1,000).
• Recording Fees: Very low, typically a flat $46 fee at the county level.

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

A new survey is not legally required for a deed transfer in Mississippi, but it is highly recommended for large acreage and timber tracts where historical "creek-bed" boundaries are common. In 2025, title companies and lenders almost always require a Boundary Survey to issue a clear policy. A standard boundary survey for a rural tract in Mississippi costs $600 to $1,500, while large Delta farm acreage can cost $2,500+. Providing a survey upfront can prevent boundary disputes, which are a frequent cause of deal collapses in the state’s rural markets.

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

The Mississippi land market is forecast for steady, modest growth (4% to 6%) through 2026. Affordability remains Mississippi’s greatest strength, with median prices around $264,200, attracting out-of-state "land-banking" investors. While sales volume decreased slightly in 2025, inventory has risen by 2.7%, shifting the market toward a more neutral balance. Demand is expected to be highest for agricultural land and recreational timberland, which saw inflation-adjusted growth of 3.4% in late 2025.

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

Yes, but you must act before the two-year redemption period expires. In Mississippi, if property taxes are delinquent, the county holds a tax sale. The owner has 2 years from the date of the sale to redeem the property by paying the back taxes plus 1.5% monthly interest. If not redeemed, the state takes title via a Tax Forfeited Deed. For inherited property, Mississippi law allows for "Power of Sale" in a will, enabling an executor to sell land without a court order, potentially reducing the timeline from 8 months to 60 to 90 days.

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

The highest demand in the 2025 Mississippi market is for Utility-Scale Solar and Energy Storage. As of late 2025, Mississippi has 23 utility-scale solar farms with a total capacity of 1,420 MW. Large, flat tracts in the Golden Triangle (Lowndes County) and Sunflower County are fetching premium prices for solar leases. Additionally, Industrial Infill land near the Jackson metro and the Gulf Coast ports remains highly sought after for logistics and data center development due to Mississippi's low cost of doing business.