Top Land Buyers in Hunting & Rec Land

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

In the current 2025 Missouri market, the average timeline to sell vacant land is 3 to 9 months. While homes in Missouri move quickly—averaging 25 to 28 days in urban hubs like Independence and St. Joseph—vacant land requires a longer "Due Diligence" window, typically 45 to 60 days. High-quality farmland in Central Missouri often goes under contract within 60 days due to scarcity, while recreational tracts in the Ozarks can take 12 months or longer. Sellers should expect a standard closing period of 30 to 45 days once an offer is accepted.

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

Missouri is a title company state and is one of the most cost-effective states for sellers. There is no state real estate transfer tax, which significantly lowers the closing statement. Total seller costs typically range from 6% to 9%, including commissions. While attorneys are optional, many use them for mineral right reservations at rates averaging $275 per hour.

Specific costs for 2025 include:

• Transfer Tax: Missouri charges $0.00—there is no state-level transfer tax or documentary stamp fee.
• Title Insurance: Sellers customarily pay for the Owner’s Policy, costing 0.4% to 0.7% of the property value.
• Closing Fee: Title companies typically charge $350 to $500 for settlement services.
• Recording Fees: Minimal, typically averaging $25 to $50 for the deed.

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

A new survey is not legally required by the state for a deed transfer, but in 2025, most title companies and lenders require a Boundary Survey to remove "boundary exceptions" from a policy. In rural Missouri, where section lines can be difficult to locate, a survey is essential for large tracts. For 2025, a basic survey for a suburban lot costs $400 to $700, while large rural acreage can exceed $3,000. Providing an existing survey (within 10 years) can expedite the closing process by 3 weeks.

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

The Missouri land market for 2026 is forecast for steady stability with modest growth (1.5% to 2.8%). While residential home prices rose 7.5% in late 2025, the land market is currently "plateauing" as high financing costs weigh on buyers. Farmland remains the top choice for investors, with values projected to hold mostly sideways through early 2026. Market recovery is expected by mid-2026 as modest Fed easing brings lower borrowing costs and firmer bidding on high-quality tracts.

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

Yes, but you must act before the August Tax Sale. In Missouri, properties with 3 or more years of delinquent taxes are offered at the Collector of Revenue's tax sale, starting on the fourth Monday in August. Sellers can redeem the property up until the moment of the sale by paying the back taxes plus interest. For inherited property, Missouri probate law includes a "Power of Sale": if a valid will grants the executor this power, the property can be sold without a specific court order, reducing the sale timeline to 60 to 90 days.

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

The most in-demand land use in Missouri for 2025 is Utility-Scale Solar and Energy Storage. In early 2025, utility-scale solar began producing more electricity than small-scale systems for the first time in state history. Developers like Ameren Missouri are aggressively seeking land for renewable energy centers. Additionally, Industrial Logistics Infill near the St. Louis and Kansas City hubs remains a top-tier asset class due to the state's central U.S. location and low operational costs.