Are You Sure You'll Have Full Access to the Farmland You're Purchasing?
Ensuring that your land purchase has complete access is a critical aspect of due diligence. Here are some key considerations to determine if you have full access to your property, including access across creeks or other natural barriers.
Get a pdf version of this blog post by downloading Ag Land Loans 301.
Legal Access
Check if the property is accessible via public roads. If not, ensure there is a legally established private road or easement that grants you access.
Verify that you have a legal right-of-way or easement that allows you to access your property. This should be documented in the property’s title or deed.
Physical Access
Assess the condition of any roads or paths leading to the property and ensure they will be passable year-round, regardless of weather conditions.
Natural Barriers
Evaluate the terrain to ensure it is navigable. Steep slopes, dense vegetation, or other natural features can affect access.
Identify any creeks, rivers, or other water bodies that may impede access. Determine if you will need to build bridges or culverts.
Easements and Rights-of-Way
Review any existing easements that grant access across neighboring properties. For example, if you need to cross neighboring land to access your property, you may need to negotiate an easement with the neighboring landowner. Ensure all easements are legally binding and clearly defined.
Regulatory Considerations
If you need to build bridges, culverts, or roads, check with local authorities to determine if permits or approvals are required. This can include environmental permits if the construction affects waterways or wetlands. Ensure that any planned access improvements comply with local zoning and land use regulations.
Did you know land loans from FBN® Finance can be used for financing improvements on your farmland? This includes adding grain storage, constructing livestock facilities, and developing hunting grounds. Find out more about financing farmland improvements here.
Survey and Inspection
Hire a professional surveyor to map the property boundaries and identify any access points, easements, and natural barriers. Conduct a thorough site inspection to assess the physical access and identify any potential issues.
Cost Considerations
Estimate the cost of any necessary access improvements. Consider ongoing maintenance costs, such as for access roads, especially if they are private or cross natural barriers.
4 Steps to Ensure You Have Complete Access to Future Farmland Purchase
Examine title documents: Review documents for any access easements or rights-of-way.
Consult local authorities: Contact local zoning and planning authorities to understand any regulatory requirements.
Hire professionals: Work with a surveyor and possibly a real estate attorney to ensure all legal and physical access issues are addressed.
Conduct site visits: Visit the property multiple times to assess access under different conditions (e.g., after rain).
Learn More About Land Assessment
The free guide Ag Land Loans 301: Land Assessment can help aid in your future planning and decision-making. The experts at FBN Finance answer common questions related to restrictions and requirements, unrestricted access, surveying, and appraisals.
Download the Ag Land Loans 301 Guide
Ready to Purchase Farmland?
If you have done your due diligence to ensure that your farmland has complete access and are ready to start the purchasing process, FBN Finance offers land loans with great rates. We offer a digital application that will likely help you save time, and our loan advisors, analysts, and closers provide deep ag finance experience so you can get a customized solution to your financing needs.
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Related Resources
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