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Most people interested in building a custom house need to consider purchasing residential land, but determining the cost of this land can be challenging. That's why our team at Top Shelf has put together this blog.
We've detailed the cost of land in Kansas City by providing a comparison of prices for suburban, rural, and urban areas. Armed with this information, you should have a better idea of where to start your project, which we can help with as the top home builders in Kansas City.
Urban Kansas City: Convenience Comes at a Price
Residential land for sale in Kansas City itself can come at a premium price because land inside the city is often limited. You can expect the average cost of land in Kansas City, MO, to be approximately $72,967; however, smaller urban parcels of land in popular neighborhoods can sell for more than $750,000 per acre.
Although building on a lot in Kansas City's urban locations is expensive, it comes with many conveniences. For example, utilities, zoning, and streets are already in place, and you have easy access to schools, shops, healthcare facilities, and offices.
When considering an urban lot, factor in these conveniences and your budget, and consult with a custom home builder in Johnson County, such as Top Shelf. We can help you weigh your choices.
Suburban Johnson County: Space and Value
If you're looking for options that offer a better balance of space and reasonable pricing, it may be best to consider suburban Johnson County, particularly in areas like Overland Park.
Recent listing averages indicate that the average price for land in Johnson County is approximately $30,200, with some residential parcels selling for as much as $92,500 per acre. For many, these prices are reasonable. Plus, pricing aside, suburban lots are also good options for building a home in Kansas City, as they offer more infrastructure than rural plots and are closer to amenities.
If you're considering building in the suburbs, now is the time to discuss your plans with a Johnson County custom home builder who can guide you through the process, timeline, and costs involved.
Rural Kansas and Missouri: Affordability and Space
Some of us dream of living on acres of vast open land, and there is nothing wrong with this. If you're interested in these types of lots to live out your farm or homesteading dreams in rural Kansas and Missouri, you'll likely be pleased to learn that prices are often affordable.
The Kansas Farm Management Association reported that in 2022, rural residential land averaged approximately $4,220 per acre, while cropland averaged $2,630 per acre. That's significantly cheaper than buying land in the city or the suburbs.
However, the main downside is that it's an investment. What you save on land you will likely need to put into creating access roads, septic tanks, wells, and utilities. Still, for many, it's worth it, especially if affordability and the need for a quiet life are driving your decision to buy rural acreage.
So, if you're ready to explore options, a good Kansas City home builder or even a Kansas City luxury home builder can help you assess what will be needed before construction begins and you commit to your dream.
What Affects Land Prices
When building a home in Kansas City, it's essential to understand that the cost of land depends on more than just location. Below, we've discussed a few of the most important factors that can impact how much it costs you to commence building a house in Kansas City:
- Accessibility: Land that is closer to main highways and city centers typically costs more than land that isn't easily accessible.
- Lot Size and Zoning: Smaller urban lots often command a premium, while larger rural parcels are cheaper per acre due to their zoning. We can help you learn more about zoning before you buy by speaking with our custom home builders in Overland Park, KS.
- Readiness to Build: Parcels already zoned and prepared for homes are more expensive than raw land. This is because they have already gone through grading, utility connections, and subdivision approvals, which saves a buyer both time and upfront development costs.
- Infrastructure: The presence of sewer lines, electricity, and roads will affect pricing and long-term building costs. In rural areas, land is priced lower because many parcels lack these amenities, as you now know.
These considerations play a direct role in the planning process when working with a Kansas City custom home builder, so make sure you discuss them before you begin.
Choose Top Shelf to Build On Your Land
Land prices in Kansas City differ dramatically depending on whether you are buying in the city, the suburbs, or rural areas. We hope that we've provided you with enough insight to start planning where you should purchase a lot.
If you are exploring residential land and want help navigating the process of building a home in Kansas City, Top Shelf can guide you through site selection, design, and construction. Our team of experienced Johnson County home builders will help you make the right choice every time. Contact us here today. We're eager to help you with your lot selection and custom build.
