THE FIELD GUIDE

Buying an acreage: a practical checklist

Look at the land, the home and the systems that make rural life work before you decide.

Summer fields and a farmstead in the Woolwich countryside.
Woolwich, Ontario

Start with the intended use

Write down what you want to do on the property: live there throughout the year, keep animals, build a workshop or use it as a retreat. Ask the planning authority whether those uses fit the actual parcel.

Establish the land you are buying

Request title, survey and boundary information. Have the appropriate professional review registered rights, easements and the legal route to the property. A fence or driveway is not a substitute for that review.

Inspect the home and its services

Arrange suitable inspections of the dwelling and private systems. Review water supply, wastewater, heating, electrical service and any outbuildings rather than assuming they meet your intended needs.

Plan for everyday ownership

Think through road and driveway maintenance, waste collection, internet availability, insurance and equipment. Ask for property-specific records and quotes where an ongoing cost will affect your decision.

Read the source

This guide offers questions to take to local professionals. Requirements depend on the jurisdiction and the particular property.

Government of Canada home-buying resources ↗