Top Land Buyers in Residential Lots

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

In the 2025 Texas real estate market, the timeline to sell vacant land varies drastically by geography. In high-velocity "Triangle" metros—Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin—well-priced residential infill lots typically move in 3 to 6 months. However, rural acreage in West Texas or the Panhandle often requires 12 to 24 months to secure a buyer. The "Due Diligence" period in Texas is a critical phase, typically spanning 30 to 60 days, as buyers investigate water well depth, mineral right severances, and utility easements. Sellers who offer owner financing through a Contract for Deed can often cut their market time in half by attracting a wider pool of buyers who may not qualify for traditional land loans.

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

Texas is a title company state and is one of the most cost-effective states for sellers due to the total absence of a state-level transfer tax. Total closing costs for Texas land sellers in 2025 typically range from 6% to 10% of the sale price, with real estate commissions (averaging 5% to 6%) being the largest expense. While hiring an attorney is optional in the Lone Star State, they are often used for complex deed prep or mineral reservations, with 2025 rates averaging $278 per hour.

Specific costs for 2025 include:

• Transfer Tax: Texas charges $0.00—there is no state-level documentary stamp or transfer tax.
• Title Insurance: Customarily paid by the seller, the Owner’s Title Policy cost is regulated by the state and typically ranges from 0.6% to 0.9% of the sale price.
• Escrow/Settlement Fee: Usually ranges from $350 to $600, often split between buyer and seller.
• Recording Fees: Generally range from $50 to $150 depending on the county and number of pages in the deed.
• Prorated Property Taxes: Texas has no state income tax, resulting in higher-than-average property taxes (approx. 1.4% to 1.8%), which are prorated to the day of closing.

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

While Texas law does not strictly mandate a survey for a deed transfer, it is a practical requirement for almost all 2025 transactions. Title companies will not remove the "survey exception" from a policy without a professional Boundary Survey. However, Texas is unique in its use of the T-47 Residential Real Property Affidavit; if a seller has an existing survey and swears under notary that no changes (like new fences or structures) have been made, the title company may accept the old survey, saving the seller $500 to $1,000. For large rural tracts where section lines are remote, a new survey in 2025 can cost $2,500 to $5,000+.

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

The Texas land market for 2026 is forecast to see steady, moderate growth of 4% to 6%. After the frantic "land grab" of the early 2020s, the market has shifted toward neutral stability. Rural land prices currently average $5,158 per acre, representing a 5.8% year-over-year increase. While transaction volume has dipped slightly, the "Industrial Migration" of tech and manufacturing firms to Texas provides a strong price floor. Inventory is slowly rising, currently sitting at 4.8 months of supply, giving buyers more leverage for "Due Diligence" extensions but keeping prices firm due to the state's ongoing population boom.

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

Yes, but you must be aware of the Right of Redemption windows. In Texas, if property is sold at a tax foreclosure auction, the owner has a two-year redemption period for land designated as agricultural or homestead. For all other types of vacant land, the redemption period is only 6 months. To redeem, the owner must pay the auction price plus a 25% penalty in the first year (or first 6 months for non-ag land).

For inherited property, Texas is known for its streamlined "Independent Administration": if a will explicitly grants the executor the power to sell, they can liquidate the land without a specific court order for the sale. This can reduce the timeline from a year-long probate battle to 60 to 90 days. This is a vital tool for families clearing title for Utility-Scale Solar or Industrial Infill projects that require fast closing dates.

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

The highest demand in the 2025 Texas market is for Utility-Scale Solar and Data Center Infill. Texas has officially surpassed California as the nation's solar leader, with over 37 GW of installed capacity as of mid-2025. Developers are aggressively seeking flat, large acreage in Swisher, Upton, and Swisher counties for "solar-plus-storage" projects. Additionally, Industrial Logistics Infill near the "Texas Triangle" (DFW, Houston, San Antonio) remains a top-tier asset class. In the residential sector, "build-ready" infill lots in secondary metros like Boerne, Katy, and Round Rock are the top choice for builders seeking to bypass the infrastructure delays of raw land development.