Land - Semi permanent structure

The wife and I are still a LONG way from retirement, but have decided to buy some land and sit on it until we retire in 20ish years.

We’ve been looking at 15-20 acre lots that are half wooded, so the plan is to erect some sort semi permanent camp until we’re ready to build. Then hopefully find some sucker to farm the rest and help with property taxes.

Anyone else do this? Shipping container house? Yurt?

 

good time to do it while not in a big hurry, that way you have several things working for you. time.. the value of it will go up, you have time to make better decisions to get best possible but don't put it off forever because that day will come.

When the time does come to build on it you already own that plot of land so the bank will work with you so much easier.

If over time you see something more desirable than that plot you have you should be able to sell it for more than you paid <---- providing you took the time in the first place to research the possible future plans for the land around that "dream" plot.

Good luck! I'm glad I took the time a long time ago to do the same and have no regrets for doing it then because now I don't think I would spend the amount per acre the land around it is going for.

 

Yes but paid cash. The ex took it during the divorce. Looking again this time nit on a lake.

 

Exactly, I’ve been watching the price/acre for about 10 years and really want to buy now.

We don’t mind living in the city now, but we really want to get to the point that we can be somewhat self sufficient.

 

same story with many other folks too so all I can say is don't wait another 10 years .... I got talked into doing the land buy when I was a senior in High school before I even owned a house and retirement? what the heck was that?

 

I would start with a small camper.

 

can always get one of those small shed/homes for a small get a way...

 

Hmm, I hadn’t thought of that yet.

We have a few lots that we want to look at this weekend, but they’re in a very remote county and my fear is that we’ll end up with some tweaker trying to cook meth while we aren’t around.

We havent made an offer on anything yet, but I’m leaning towards a gravel pad and a shipping container. Then we can just sleep in the RTT and use the container for relatively secure storage until we get closer to being able to build.

We want to stay in SE Ohio, just so it isn’t a hateful drive whenever we want a weekend away. Anything more than a 2.5 drive really kills the fun for me.

My current research list includes the following:

*Taxes
*What it will take to get utilities.
*Will we eventually be able to put in a septic system.
*Zoning and what we can eventually build
*Local crime statistics
*are any of these lots farmable
*do any of these lots have potential for development if I decide to scrap the idea and sell in 10 years.

The long term goal is to be able to build something nice and give my wife the giant garden and greenhouse that she wants.

 

Yurt

 

I'm sure you have considered this but be aware of any potential flooding areas close to rivers/streams and low lying areas.

 

usually taxes is cheap on bare land. and a small "shed" under 200 square feet arent taxed, but check your local laws.

I had some old buildings on my property and I had them burned down because I didnt want anyone to go in there and have themselves a methlab going on my land. At the time I was active duty and couldnt check on the property. Now Im closer to the property and I also put a gate up to restrict vehicle access. It only has one road coming in and no exits.

 

SE OH is beautiful, if you like the rolling hills like we do. Make sure whatever you get is septic or aerator approved, not in a flood plain, county water or a well is doable, electric available, some form of reliable communication is available... land line, cell service (spotty/no coverage in trees, hills, valleys), a clear view of the southern sky is a must for any kind of satellite reception.

Try to think of everything up front. Imagine your life now, but in this different environment... you'll need a flat driveway and/or 4WD/AWD, services, groceries, doctor, hospital (hope not), bank, hardware store, wildlife protection, the list goes on. Look at the site several times during different seasons. If you have a firearm, practice shooting there... helps overall security when people hear a few gunshots once in a while.

It can be done, albeit more work than most are willing to do, however the rewards are endless.

 

Is anything secure these days? A shipping container with a good padlock is only a cordless mini grinder away from being open.

 

Nothing is truly secure. I've gotten into the side of a shipping container with the pointy end of a fire axe at work. Took a bit of work, but not nearly as much effort as I thought it would take. That said, they do make the puck style locks that are pretty difficult to get at, they sit recessed inside of a protective collar.

I've been looking at land around me off and on. I really want to be near a lake, but that pretty much doubles or triples the price.

 

First, I would get an old camper. If you have more cash, then I would get a nicer, newer camper. Then build a storage/tool shed. Once you have that you can live there and do some work on whatever else you want to build. Camper is nice, because you can move it and test out locations, which way you want doors and windows to face, and once you build a permanent structure, sell the camper.

 

Two containers and trusses with metal siding and roof on the right. Bottom photo...Quonset hut on the left. Cordwood House. Straw Bale House.