Michigan, known for its beauty of the Great Lakes, and its lush forests and quaint small towns, is a destination of great state to buy land if you’re looking to build your dream home. Want a quiet place in the countryside, or a body of water facing property, or even a lot near bustling areas like Grand Rapids or Ann Arbor, Michigan has a spot for all. With low land prices (although not as cheap as Texas) and a community feel, this state has always been attractive to retired people, veterans, and first-time homebuyers alike.
So let’s take a look at some of the best places to buy land in Michigan and things to know before staring your build process on your custom new home.
Traverse City – Scenic Beauty with a Thriving Culture
Traverse City is located on Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay and is known for its wineries, beaches, and outdoor activities. This area features large lots, rolling countryside, and amazing vistas for custom estate homes. As property values soar because there is demand for real estate everywhere, land here is still less expensive than in other big vacation spots.
When you buy land here in Traverse City, you’re not just buying into a natural beauty; you’re buying into a vibrant cultural center. For those who enjoy year-round recreation, skiing, hiking, boating, the area is exceptional.
Ann Arbor – Education, Innovation, and Charm
Ann Arbor is home not only to the University of Michigan, but also one of the state’s hottest places to buy a house. Land within the city is costly, but the surrounding communities, such as Dexter, Saline, Ypsilanti, offer less expensive land and good opportunity to access the city.
This area is attractive to families and professionals, with great schools, hospitals, and strong innovation economy. If you want to build a new home with contemporary features and proximity to an urban center, the outskirts of Ann Arbor are a solid option.
Grand Rapids – A Growing City with Affordable Land
Grand Rapids is Michigan’s second-largest, and one of the fastest-growing, cities. It’s famous for culture, beer and health care. The surrounding community, places like Rockford, Ada and Hudsonville, offer cheaper opportunities for land with suburban appeal for residents who also want access to the city’s amenities.
Grand Rapids is a particularly appealing place for anyone looking to put their money into a thriving real estate market. For example, with a lot of builders and land developers, it’s easier to find professionals who can assist you to personalize your home exactly as you want it.
Upper Peninsula – For Off-the-Grid Living and Privacy
When it comes to peace, solitude, and affordability, there are few places better than the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan. With that sort of budget, it’s tough to find anything here for your money, but land in places like Marquette, Houghton, or Munising can be extremely cheap, so inexpensive it’s hard to imagine a product of the state costing so little. “We have no neighbors, and you don’t have close neighbors anywhere as far as I can tell,” she said in an interview on Wednesday, arguing that the area is perfect for individuals wishing to live off the grid, build cabins or construct environmentally conscious homes.
The UP isn’t for everyone, it has long winters, and large cities are far away, but for nature enthusiasts and retirees, it can be paradise. Don’t forget to read up on zoning laws and accessibility, as some properties may only be accessible by road seasonally or need extra work done on the infrastructure.
Northern Michigan – Lakeside Retreats and Vacation Homes
From Petoskey to Gaylord, Northern Michigan is a magnet for buyers of vacation or second homes. With plentiful lakes, wooded landscapes and small town appeal, this is the ideal setting to build your weekend retreat or permanent dream home.
Many home sites here include direct lake access or views. Because tourism is such a big driver of the economy, land can also be a sound financial investment if you’re interested in building rental homes or seasonal houses.
What to Consider Before Buying Land
Before we buy land here in Michigan, it’s important that we consider the following aspects:
- Zoning and Land Use: Check local zoning ordinances to ensure the land is approved for residential development.
- Access to Utilities: Determine whether the property has access to water, sewer, electric, and internet.
- Soil Testing: Conduct a percolation test if you plan to install a septic system.
- Survey and Boundaries: Hire a land surveyor to confirm property lines and easements.
- Environmental Restrictions: Some regions may have protected wetlands or conservation easements.
Building Your Dream Home in Michigan
Once you’ve purchased the land, the next step is constructing your new home. One of the frequent questions we see is – where can I find the best custom home builder near me? Begin by finding local builders with solid reputations, good verified reviews and extensive portfolios of finished homes. Builder associations in many Michigan counties keep a list of professionals with professional reputations. Feel free to ask your land agent or real estate professional for suggestions; they typically are closely connected to reliable builders.
Now, if you are a retired serviceman, achieving your dream of owning a home in Michigan is easier with the assistance of VA Loans in Michigan. These loans, which are guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, have a few perks, such as no down payment, competitive interest rates and minimal closing costs. A specialized VA lender can finance both the land purchase and construction together, in a single, all-inclusive loan so there’s only one closing, 1 pin pad.
Be sure to partner with VA approved builders who know the process and paperwork requirements for VA construction loans. Not all builders are VA approved, so checking on this right off the bat can save you time and hassle.
Final Thoughts
Michigan is a land of great diversity in both population and natural areas, catering to a rich mix of land buyers whether you desire a secluded off-grid location or a more traditional development home site. And with a diversity of regions to consider, there really is something for every lifestyle and budget. If you are willing to invest the time to seek qualified builders to interview and to learn about options and process along the way, the experience can be rich and rewarding as you finally reach the destination of living in your dream home.
Whether you’re allowing us to help you come ‘home’ in Michigan, or if you’re thinking about purchasing a parcel of land in Michigan to call home for decades, our great state provides a stunning opportunity to own land and live in a home that allows you to see fit.