Across the country, luxury homebuyers are relocating to large properties with extra acreage. For many, it’s their first time living on pieces of land of this scale. While there are certainly plenty of benefits to be found, it’s also important to be aware of the challenges that these properties can present. If you’re considering moving to an expansive tract of land, here are the pros and cons of doing so.
Pros
Space and Privacy. The driving force for most buyers is that they want a place where their family can safely spend time and enjoy the outdoors. Large countryside estates, ranches and farm properties deliver exactly this.
Endless Activities. The beauty of having a large piece of land is that it opens the door to many activities on your property. For example, you can easily fit a tennis court and swimming pool—and maybe even have your own private trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.
Grow Your Own Food. If you ever wanted to start an organic garden, you’ll have more than enough space to do so. Plus, you can raise chickens and enjoy farm-fresh eggs every morning.
Cons
More Maintenance. If you’re coming from the city, be prepared for extra upkeep. Maintaining a large piece of land can be hard, time-consuming work—and will likely require having the necessary tools and equipment to do so.
May Feel Isolated. Living on a large piece of land can take some getting used to if you’ve never done it before, especially when coming from a more walkable location. However, with all of the technology available today, it’s easy to still feel connected with the rest of the world no matter where you are.
May Require a Caretaker. For those who are too busy to spend their time maintaining the property, you might need a full-time caretaker to keep it looking its best. This is a significant expense to keep in mind when looking for a home with lots of acreage, as some may be easier to manage than others.