The books describe land as the foundation of every system you will build. Poor soil, restrictive zoning, unfavourable climate or unreliable water can make every later project harder and more expensive.
Water comes first
The book calls water the most critical resource. Before buying, investigate where water will come from. Rainwater collection may be an option, but the required storage capacity depends on local conditions. The book also recommends researching the local water table and checking available well records.
Do not treat a beautiful property as automatically suitable. A site that cannot provide dependable water can undermine the entire plan.
Use due diligence
The land-buying process should include research before commitment. The book's checklist covers the physical property as well as legal rights. Investigate:
- Water rights.
- Mineral rights.
- Easements.
- Local land-use rules.
- Soil quality.
- Access.
- Climate and site conditions.
Visit the property more than once
A site visit is for observation, not just scenery. Look at drainage, access, available water, soil and the practical locations for a home, garden, livestock and utility systems. Think about where the systems will physically go before deciding that the land works.
Watch for risk
The book emphasizes that restrictions and hidden problems can turn an inexpensive property into an expensive project. Research the rules that apply to the exact location rather than assuming that an off-grid lifestyle is permitted in the way you imagine.
A land-selection checklist
Before purchase, write down:
- Where will drinking and household water come from?
- What is the water table information?
- What are the local water rules?
- What are the soil conditions?
- What rights and easements affect the property?
- Where could the home and systems be placed?
- Where would the garden and livestock areas go?
- What access will you have throughout the year?
The books' overall principle is to research first and buy second. Land is difficult to change; systems can be redesigned around good land much more easily than bad land can be fixed.