Top Land Buyers in Washington

In the current 2025 Washington market, selling vacant land typically takes between 6 to 12 months, though velocity varies wildly by proximity to tech hubs. In high-demand metropolitan areas like King and Bellevue, prime urban infill lots can move in as little as 30 to 60 days. Conversely, rural recreational tracts or timberland in Eastern Washington or the Olympic Peninsula often require 1 to 2 years to find the right buyer. The timeline is primarily driven by a 30-to-90-day due diligence window, which is critical for buyers to navigate Washington's strict Growth Management Act and verify water availability (Hirst decision compliance) and septic feasibility.

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

Washington is a title and escrow state, where neutral third-party escrow officers manage the closing process. While attorneys are not mandatory, they are frequently used for complex water rights or easement negotiations at rates averaging $288 per hour. Sellers should expect total closing costs to range from 8% to 10% of the final sale price, with the graduated Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) serving as a significant variable.

Specific costs for late 2025 include:

• State REET (Real Estate Excise Tax): Washington uses a graduated scale: 1.1% on the first $525,000; 1.28% on the portion up to $1,525,000; 2.75% up to $3,025,000; and 3% on anything above.
• Local REET: Most municipalities charge an additional 0.25% to 0.50% on top of the state rate.
• Title Insurance: It is customary for the seller to pay for the Owner’s Title Policy, which typically costs 0.5% to 1% of the property value.
• Recording Fees: Generally range from $50 to $100 for standard deed recordation.
• Escrow Fee: Usually averages $800 to $1,300, often split between buyer and seller.

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

While a new survey is not strictly required by state law to transfer title, it is a practical and legal necessity in 2025 for a smooth closing. Most Washington title companies require a Record of Survey to remove "boundary and encroachment" exceptions from an insurance policy. In the heavily wooded and mountainous terrain of the Pacific Northwest, a survey is essential to identify critical area buffers and steep slope setbacks. For 2025, a basic survey for a suburban lot costs $600 to $1,200, while large rural acreage or tracts requiring ALTA surveys for commercial use can exceed $5,000. Providing an existing survey (conducted within the last 10 years) can expedite the sale process by 3 to 4 weeks.

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

The Washington land market is forecast for steady, moderate growth of 2.2% through late 2026. The market is currently undergoing a "rebalancing" as for-sale inventory is projected to recover by 8.9% year-over-year, moving the state toward a more neutral balance. While the era of rapid price spikes in Seattle has calmed, Suburban Expansion remains high in counties like Snohomish, Pierce, and Spokane Valley, driven by the persistent remote-work trend and light rail expansions. Interest rates are expected to settle near 6.3%, which is projected to spark a rebound in transaction volume for "shovel-ready" residential lots throughout 2026.

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

Yes, but you must act before the three-year foreclosure deadline. In Washington, once property taxes are three years delinquent, the county treasurer begins a foreclosure action (RCW 84.64). Owners have the right to redeem the property by paying all taxes, interest, and penalties in full up until the close of business on the day before the sale. Once the property is sold at a tax auction, there is generally no right of redemption for the original owner, unless they were a minor or legally incompetent at the time of sale.

For land in probate, Washington law allows for a "Power of Sale": if the decedent’s will explicitly grants the executor the power to sell real estate, the land can often be sold without a specific court order for the license to sell. This can reduce the sale timeline significantly, provided a Decree of Distribution is eventually secured to clear the title for the new owner.

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

The highest demand in the 2025 Washington market is for Data Center Footprints and Senior Housing Infill. Driven by the state's low energy costs and proximity to fiber hubs, developers are aggressively seeking large parcels in Central Washington (Quincy/Douglas County) for massive data centers. Additionally, with the first baby boomers turning 80 in 2026, demand for Senior Living and Active Adult land is approaching a historic inflection point. In urban centers like Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane, Multifamily Infill remains the top choice for developers looking to capitalize on the state's new zoning laws that encourage higher density and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).