Land development & Spec building

Land development & Spec building

Investor · Yorktown Heights, NY · Member since 2016 · 24 posts · 8 votes

Hello all, 

Is there anyone that is familiar or can guide me to the process of land development ? I really need help !! 

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Robert EllisBusiness Member
Developer · Miami, FL · Member since 2014 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
1y
Quote from @Isuf Aruci:

Hello all, 

Is there anyone that is familiar or can guide me to the process of land development ? I really need help !! 


Land development can seem complicated, but breaking it down step by step makes it much easier to manage. Here's a quick overview of the process:

  1. Highest and Best Use: Start by evaluating the land’s potential. Ask, "What can I build here, and how profitable will it be?" For example, hotels or short-term rental properties like Airbnb often generate more income than traditional apartments, especially if the location supports it.
  2. Entitlements and Approvals: Check whether your project fits within the land’s current zoning (by-right uses) or if it will require variances or rezoning. By-right uses are much simpler since they don’t require additional government approval beyond standard permits.
  3. Development Standards: Once zoning is clear, factor in the regulations such as setbacks, parking requirements, density, and other local standards. These details will guide how much you can build and where.
  4. Engage with Municipalities: Start conversations with local governments early to ensure your plans align with their expectations. This can help avoid delays or denials down the road.
  5. Short-Term vs. Long-Term Potential: Consider the type of project carefully. A well-placed hotel or Airbnb may outperform traditional apartments, but this depends on zoning and market demand.

I hope this helps clarify the steps and gives you a good starting point for your land development journey.

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  • Jay HinrichsBusiness Member
    Real Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
    2y

    wide open subject need to narrow it down a few miles

  • Investor · Yorktown Heights, NY · Member since 2016 · 24 posts · 8 votes
    2y

    i live in the NY area and would love to build a house or a mid apartment building. but the land search is very very difficult. also lets say i found the land, where would i get information and see if its buildable, also how do you calculate a land to see if its worth building or not.  

  • Jay HinrichsBusiness Member
    Real Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Isuf Aruci:

    i live in the NY area and would love to build a house or a mid apartment building. but the land search is very very difficult. also lets say i found the land, where would i get information and see if its buildable, also how do you calculate a land to see if its worth building or not.  


    constructive feedback so take no offense..  there would be no way you would get financed for this given your lack of knowledge of the subject.. U can explore but if you actually want to do a project like this you will need to bring in someone who is experienced and bankable.

    Land  Development and vertical construction are hands down the toughest loans to get.. U can have zero experience and just need a few bucks and a  good credit score and you can buy a home to live in or a rental.. but not development deals.. different ball game
  • Investor · Yorktown Heights, NY · Member since 2016 · 24 posts · 8 votes
    2y

    i have very successfully rental properties that I own in NY (Bronx, Westchester & Queens) . Construction i completely understand it runs in my family. money is not a issue for me is getting the proper knowledge in this field so I do not fail. Do you have the knowledge in this filed of realestate ? 

    Thank you 

  • Robert EllisBusiness Member
    Developer · Miami, FL · Member since 2014 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Isuf Aruci:

    Hello all, 

    Is there anyone that is familiar or can guide me to the process of land development ? I really need help !! 


     yes how much money do you have anyone that knows it is making a lot of money you are only going to slow them down. get the wallet out and pay for advisory services. I get paid $250 per call on my knowledge right now from firms in New York and you should consider what you bring to the table 

  • Jared W SmithBusiness Member
    Architect · Westchester County, NY · Member since 2018 · 684 posts · 476 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Isuf Aruci:

    i live in the NY area and would love to build a house or a mid apartment building. but the land search is very very difficult. also lets say i found the land, where would i get information and see if its buildable, also how do you calculate a land to see if its worth building or not.  

     Hello @Isuf Aruci What you are describing is a what we, in the AEC/Construction industry, typically refer as a feasibility report and/or property analysis. We tend to offer this to Owners to figure out the best route for them to proceed on development/building/renovating. We do also offer this as a pre-purchase service, prior to purchase to see if the site is viable. However, this is not so sought after since there is a fee upfront regardless if you purchase property or not. 

    You're in NY as well as I, so I hear you with regard to finding property and it working for you.   

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  • Robert EllisBusiness Member
    Developer · Miami, FL · Member since 2014 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y
    Quote from @Isuf Aruci:

    Hello all, 

    Is there anyone that is familiar or can guide me to the process of land development ? I really need help !! 


    Land development can seem complicated, but breaking it down step by step makes it much easier to manage. Here's a quick overview of the process:

    1. Highest and Best Use: Start by evaluating the land’s potential. Ask, "What can I build here, and how profitable will it be?" For example, hotels or short-term rental properties like Airbnb often generate more income than traditional apartments, especially if the location supports it.
    2. Entitlements and Approvals: Check whether your project fits within the land’s current zoning (by-right uses) or if it will require variances or rezoning. By-right uses are much simpler since they don’t require additional government approval beyond standard permits.
    3. Development Standards: Once zoning is clear, factor in the regulations such as setbacks, parking requirements, density, and other local standards. These details will guide how much you can build and where.
    4. Engage with Municipalities: Start conversations with local governments early to ensure your plans align with their expectations. This can help avoid delays or denials down the road.
    5. Short-Term vs. Long-Term Potential: Consider the type of project carefully. A well-placed hotel or Airbnb may outperform traditional apartments, but this depends on zoning and market demand.

    I hope this helps clarify the steps and gives you a good starting point for your land development journey.

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