The Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Acreage in Arkansas

Buying land or acreage in Arkansas is a dream for many—whether you want a quiet country retreat, space for livestock, hunting and recreation, or even building your forever home. But purchasing acreage is very different from buying a home in town. There are unique steps, extra due diligence, and important questions you’ll want to ask before making an offer.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process of buying acreage in Arkansas.

1. Define Your Goals

Before you start searching, decide what you want to use the land for:

• Building a home

• Farming or livestock

• Hunting, fishing, or recreational use

• Investment or future development

Your intended use will affect zoning, financing, and even the best location for your acreage.

2. Choose the Right Location

Some of the most popular areas for acreage in Central Arkansas include:

• Ferndale / West Little Rock – rolling hills, close to town but with a rural feel

• Saline & Faulkner Counties – plenty of 5–20 acre tracts available

• Conway / Vilonia – open land with good school districts

• Sheridan, Benton, and Cabot areas – acreage-friendly with easy access to Little Rock

Think about schools, commute times, access to utilities, and resale value when choosing your area.

3. Check Zoning & Land Use Restrictions

Every parcel of land comes with zoning rules. You’ll want to verify:

• Is it zoned for residential, agricultural, or commercial use?

• Are mobile homes allowed?

• Any restrictions on livestock or farming?

• Any covenants or HOA rules?

4. Evaluate Utilities and Access

Unlike a subdivision, acreage doesn’t always have ready access to utilities. You’ll need to ask:

• Water: Is there city water, rural water, or will you need a well?

• Sewer/Septic: Is city sewer available, or will you need a septic system?

• Electric & Internet: Are lines nearby, or will new service need to be installed?

• Road Access: Is there legal access to the property, or is it landlocked?

5. Get a Land Survey

A survey confirms the boundaries of the property and ensures you know exactly what you’re buying. This is especially important if fences or landmarks don’t match legal property lines.

6. Understand Financing for Land

Financing acreage can be different from financing a home:

• Some banks require a larger down payment (15%–30%).

• Loan terms are often shorter.

• If you’re building, you may need a construction loan that converts to a mortgage once the home is complete.

Tip: Local Arkansas lenders often have more flexible land loan programs than big national banks.

7. Conduct Environmental & Soil Tests

Depending on your goals, you may want:

• Perk test (perc test): Ensures soil can handle a septic system.

• Flood zone check: Review FEMA maps to avoid flood risk.

• Timber or mineral rights check: Know who owns the resources on the land.

8. Make an Offer & Negotiate Terms

When making an offer on acreage:

• Base your offer on comparable sales of nearby land

• Negotiate contingencies (like successful soil/perk tests or financing approval)

• Be mindful of closing costs and any additional survey or title expenses

9. Close on the Property

Closing on land is similar to closing on a house but may involve additional title work, legal description reviews, and ensuring access rights are properly documented.

✅ Final Thoughts

Buying acreage in Arkansas is a rewarding investment, but it requires careful planning and due diligence. From understanding utilities and zoning to securing financing and inspections, each step ensures your land purchase meets your long-term goals.

👩‍💼 Thinking About Buying Acreage in Central Arkansas?

Whether you’re looking for 5 acres for a homestead, hunting land, or a future home site, I help buyers find the right property and guide them through every step of the process.

📲 Contact Me Here to start your acreage search today!