Top Land Buyers in Ohio

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

In the current 2025 market, selling vacant land in Ohio typically takes between 6 to 12 months from the initial listing to a successful closing. While premium parcels in high-growth corridors like Franklin or Delaware counties may see activity within 90 days, more remote rural acreage often sits on the market for significantly longer. The timeline is heavily influenced by the "due diligence" period, which in Ohio usually spans 30 to 60 days. During this time, buyers often investigate soil suitability for septic systems (percolation tests), zoning restrictions, and easement access. To expedite a sale, landowners should ensure they have a clean title and clear boundary markers before listing, as these are the most common bottlenecks in Ohio land transactions.

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

Ohio is primarily a title company state, though it is not uncommon for parties to hire an attorney for document preparation, especially for "For Sale By Owner" (FSBO) transactions. Because it is not a mandatory attorney state, closing costs are generally more competitive than in East Coast markets. Sellers can expect to pay between 6% and 10% of the sale price in total expenses, with the largest portion typically being the real estate commission.

Specific costs for 2025 include:

• Transfer Tax (Conveyance Fee): The state-mandated rate is $1.00 per $1,000 (or $0.10 per $100) of the sale price. However, most Ohio counties exercise their right to charge an additional "permissive" fee. For example, in many metropolitan counties, the total rate is effectively $4.00 per $1,000 ($0.40 per $100).
• Title Search & Insurance: Sellers often pay for the title search (approx. $200–$400) and may negotiate who pays the owner’s title insurance policy.
• Recording Fees: These are minimal, typically around $28 to $50 for the first few pages of the deed.
• Attorney Fees: If hired, hourly rates for real estate counsel in Ohio currently average $235–$250 per hour.

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

While Ohio state law does not universally mandate a new survey for every land transfer, many County Auditors require a "survey plat" if the legal description is outdated or if a large parcel is being subdivided. Even if the county doesn't require it, most lenders and title companies will insist on at least a Mortgage Location Survey to issue title insurance. For vacant land, a Boundary Survey is highly recommended to prevent encroachment disputes. In 2025, a standard boundary survey for a small Ohio parcel typically costs between $500 and $1,500, though large acreage or heavily wooded terrain will increase this significantly. Providing a recent survey (conducted within the last 5–10 years) is a major selling point that can prevent deal-killing surprises during the buyer's inspection period.

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

The Ohio land market is projected to remain stable with modest growth through 2026. The most significant trend is the "urban-rural divide": land values in major metros like Columbus are appreciating at nearly 19% annually due to massive industrial investments (such as the Intel project in Licking County), while remote agricultural land is seeing a more conservative 2% to 4% increase. Inventory levels are expected to rise by approximately 9% over the next year, providing buyers with more options but forcing sellers to be more competitive with pricing. Interest rate stabilization is expected to bring more "recreational" buyers back into the market by late 2025, particularly for parcels suitable for hunting or small-scale homesteading.

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

Yes, you can sell land with back taxes or title clouds in Ohio, provided these debts are settled at the closing table from the sale proceeds. However, you must be aware of the state’s Tax Deed nuances. Ohio is a tax lien state where the county treasurer can sell a "tax certificate" if taxes are delinquent for one year. Once a certificate is sold, the property owner typically has a one-year redemption period to pay the debt plus interest (which can be as high as 18%) before foreclosure starts.

For inherited land, Ohio offers a "Power of Sale" provision under Revised Code 2113.39. If a will specifically grants the executor the power to sell real estate, they can often proceed without a specific probate court order, significantly speeding up the sale. If the will is silent, the executor may need to file a land sale petition, which requires consent from at least 50% of the beneficiaries.

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

The highest demand in the 2025 Ohio market is for Industrial Infill and Solar Development sites. Specifically, utility-scale solar is a massive driver in rural counties, though new state laws (Senate Bill 52) allow counties to designate "restricted areas" where solar is banned. Consequently, land in "solar-friendly" townships is fetching a premium. Additionally, there is a surge in demand for Mitigation Banking in Northeast Ohio, where developers purchase land to restore wetlands and offset environmental impacts from large-scale construction. In urban centers like Cleveland and Cincinnati, Infill Lots remain highly sought after by developers looking to bypass the high infrastructure costs of new suburban subdivisions.