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The Daily Insight

What are the benefits of buying vacant land?

Author

John Thompson

Published Apr 07, 2026

Low Entry Price. One of the key benefits of buying vacant land is that it is almost always cheaper than buying an improved lot.

  • Maximum Flexibility.
  • Minimal Carrying Costs.
  • Long-term Appreciation.
  • Significant Appreciation Potential.

    What does vacant lot mean in real estate?

    Real Estate Agent Explains Vacant Lots Also, vacant lots may be sold ‘as-is’, where the building could be fixed, but the cost or amount of work that needs to be done hasn’t been determined. In this case, the structure or building is still seen as worthless, and adds no value to the property.

    Does GST withholding apply to vacant land?

    Purchasers may have to withhold GST and pay to ATO in the case of a vacant residential lot, the purchaser is not GST registered (or is registered, but is not buying the land for a GST creditable purpose).

    Is it worth buying vacant land?

    While it may not be the most glamorous real estate investment, buying raw land can be a good investment — if you understand how to invest in land properly like a real estate developer. Land investments can produce high returns, passive income, and large profit margins.

    Do you pay GST on land?

    GST is NOT payable on the sale and purchase of “residential premises”, unless the property being sold is new property. (NOTE: Vacant land cannot be “residential premises”. If you are selling vacant land you must assume that GST will be payable unless your tax accountant assures you otherwise.)

    Pros to investing in vacant land

    • Opportunity to create the highest and best use.
    • Direct ownership.
    • Less maintenance.
    • More affordable than developed land.
    • More difficult to finance.
    • Fewer tax advantages.
    • No immediate cash flow.
    • Permits and approvals required.

    What does it mean to sell vacant land in Canada?

    the sale of land that is capital property that had been used primarily in a business; the sale of land in the course of a business; or the sale of a parcel of land created by subdividing another parcel into more than two parts.

    How is the GST applied to the sale of vacant land?

    This information sheet explains the application of the GST/HST to sales of vacant land by individuals. It focuses on sales of personal use land rather than land sold in a business and provides examples of how the GST/HST applies to common situations involving these sales.

    Do you have to charge tax on the sale of vacant land?

    Therefore, you do not have the choice of electing to charge tax on the sale to the developer. An intention of resale from the time you acquired the land to the time you sell it is normally required for the resale to have been made as an adventure or concern in the nature of trade.

    When is a sale of land by an individual taxable?

    However, there are situations when sales of land by individuals may be taxable. Examples of taxable sales include: the sale of land that is capital property that had been used primarily in a business; the sale of a parcel of land created by subdividing another parcel into more than two parts.