How Are Builders Finding Land for Townhome & High-Density Projects?

Question

Hey everyone, I’ve been having more conversations lately about how builders and developers are sourcing land—especially for townhome, multi-family, and high-density projects—and I’m curious what’s working best right now.

Are you seeing more opportunities through direct landowners, wholesalers, or MLS listings? Have zoning changes or market trends made it easier or harder to find lots?

I’d love to hear from those actively working in this space and connect with others who focus on land for residential development.

If you’re working on projects like this, let’s connect! Drop a comment or DM me—I’d love to swap insights. 🚀

Chris Seveney · Answer

When I ran a MF division for a company, all the deals we found were off market and word of mouth. Typically they were direct landowners reaching out to us with land knowing they could get it developed and did not want to go through the headaches.

Clayton Silva · Answer

Funny, I just sat down last night with a family friend who was a partner at a large hedge fund up until about 4 years ago.  He ran a lot of their real estate, equities and bonds trading and now he has a unique business model that he started after going out on his own.  He finds lots that large builders are looking for.  He purchases them, does all the horizontal work (permits, plans, grading, electrical, sewer, water, etc.) to get the lots shovel ready for big builders so they can jump right into their projects without all the time delays and holding costs of getting the land ready.  He said the key is just good purchase price, good underwriting, and a strict schedule.  I think he is currently doing about 15,000 lots across the US.