Cost of Land to Build a House

By the Home Building Cost Calculator team · Updated November 2026

The median lot for a new single-family spec home was worth $59,000 in 2025, according to NAHB analysis of Census data. Rural land is much cheaper per acre: USDA puts the average value of US farm real estate at $4,350 per acre in 2025, from $725 in New Mexico to $22,500 in Rhode Island.

How much does a building lot cost by region?

Census divisionMedian lot value, 2025
Pacific$171,000
New Englandabout $150,000
Middle Atlantic$100,000
Mountain$95,000
West South Central$56,000
South Atlantic$50,000
East South Central$50,000
United States$59,000

These figures cover lots for spec homes that builders sold in 2025; custom-home lots are excluded. In NAHB’s 2024 cost survey, the finished lot was 13.7% of the average new-home sale price.

How much does land cost per acre?

Land type (USDA, 2025)Average value per acre
All farm real estate$4,350
Cropland$5,830
Pasture$1,920

Farm and pasture land values are a useful floor for rural acreage, but small parcels near towns usually sell for much more per acre than large farms.

What else does raw land cost to make buildable?

  • Survey and perc test: before you buy.
  • Clearing and grading.
  • Access: a driveway, and sometimes a road.
  • Water: a well or a utility tap.
  • Wastewater: a septic system or sewer connection.
  • Power: running lines from the nearest pole can be expensive on remote land.

Frequently asked questions

Can you get a loan for land?

Yes, but land loans usually need larger down payments than home loans. Some construction loans can include the land purchase.

Is it cheaper to buy a lot or land?

A finished lot in a subdivision costs more upfront but comes with roads and utilities. Raw land is cheaper per acre but can need tens of thousands of dollars in site work.

More cost breakdowns

Sources