Invest Wisely: Top 10 Items To Consider Before Buying Farm Plots

Seema M

In India, owning a piece of farmland is not just buying property; it’s a dream of growth, a step towards a future filled with green fields and bountiful harvests. But, diving into this dream requires more than just enthusiasm. It’s about making smart choices to ensure your piece of land becomes a source of joy and prosperity. Before you take this big leap, there are ten crucial things you need to think about. These aren’t just tips; they are your tools for success. 

From understanding the rules of the land to knowing what it can grow best, each point is a step towards making your farm plot not just a piece of land, but a part of your family’s legacy. Whether you’re looking to start your farming journey, invest in something that grows more than just profits, or create a peaceful retreat away from the city, these ten considerations are your roadmap. They’ll help you see beyond the present, imagine the potential, and make choices that are good for you and the land. 

Join us as we walk through these essential steps, tailored for you, the aspiring landowners of India. This journey is about connecting with the land, respecting its heritage, and investing in a future that’s as rich and vibrant as the fields of India itself. Let’s embark on this path together, informed and ready to grow our dreams into reality.

1. Setting Up an Investment Strategy

Let’s dive into crafting a solid investment strategy for purchasing farm plots. Here’s why it’s essential:

  1. Buying and Reselling:
    This strategy involves purchasing land at a lower price and selling it when the market is favourable. For city dwellers in Mumbai or Delhi looking for investment opportunities, staying informed about market trends and infrastructure developments can help identify the right time to sell.
  2. Developing and Selling:
    For those willing to invest more time and capital, developing a plot by adding essential utilities or infrastructure can significantly increase its value. This approach is especially appealing in rapidly growing areas around Bengaluru and Chennai, where demand for developed land is on the rise.
  3. Holding for Long-Term Appreciation:
    Considering the urban expansion and infrastructural developments in cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, holding onto your land for long-term appreciation could yield significant returns. Urbanization and changes in land use patterns play a crucial role in this strategy.

Crafting an investment strategy is like plotting a course for success – it sets the foundation for a fruitful journey in the world of farm plot investment.

A large farm plot at sunrise

The best investment on earth is earth.” 

Louis Glickman

2. Selecting the Type of Land

Choosing the right type of land when buying farm plots is necessary. Here’s why:

  1. Purposeful Selection:
    Consider your goals and intentions for the land. Are you planning to cultivate crops, raise livestock, or develop it for other agricultural purposes? Selecting the right type of land ensures it aligns perfectly with your aspirations.
  2. Soil Suitability:
    Different types of land have varying soil qualities, which directly impact crop growth and productivity. Conduct thorough research to understand which soil type suits your intended agricultural activities best.
  3. Topography Matters:
    The land’s topography influences water drainage, irrigation methods, and overall suitability for farming. Assess the terrain to ensure it complements your farming plans.
  4. Accessibility and Amenities:
    Choose land that offers easy access to markets, water sources, transportation, and other essential amenities. Accessibility plays a vital role in the efficiency and profitability of your farming operations.

By carefully selecting the type of land for your farm plots, you lay the groundwork for a successful and fulfilling agricultural venture. It’s all about making informed decisions that set you up for success in the vibrant world of farming!

3. Benefits of Plot Investments

Investing in land, or plots, in India is like putting your money into a treasure chest that grows over time. Here’s why it’s a smart move:

  1. Growing Value:
    Just like a plant grows from a tiny seed, the value of land usually goes up over the years. This means if you buy a plot today, it’s likely to be worth a lot more in the future. This happens because more people are always coming into cities, looking for places to live or start businesses, making the land more in demand.
  2. Flexibility:
    Owning a plot gives you the freedom to use it in many ways. You can build a house, start a farm, or even just wait and sell it later when it’s worth more. It’s like having a blank canvas where you can paint your dreams.
  3. Safe Investment:
    Compared to other ways of investing, like stocks or gold, land is often seen as safer. It doesn’t lose its value suddenly. Even when markets go up and down, land remains solid and dependable.
  4. Tax Benefits:
    In India, owning land can also offer some tax advantages, especially when you sell it for a profit. There are ways to save on taxes, making it a smart financial choice.

So, buying a plot isn’t just about owning a piece of land; it’s about making a wise choice for your future, with benefits that grow just like trees on fertile land.

4. Locality Analysis

When you’re looking to buy a piece of farm land in India, it’s really important to think about where it is located. This is called “Locality Analysis.” It’s a fancy way of saying you should check out what’s around the land you’re interested in. Here’s why it matters:

  1. Schools:
    If there are schools nearby, it’s great, especially if you have kids or plan to live on the farm. It means your kids can go to school without traveling too far.
  2. Hospitals:
    Having a hospital or clinic close by is super important. If anyone gets sick or hurt, you can get help quickly. This is something you’ll be thankful for in emergencies.
  3. Markets:
    If your farm is close to markets, that’s a big plus. You can easily sell what you grow or buy things you need. It’s good for business and daily life.
  4. Transportation Hubs:
    Look for bus stations, train stations, or good roads nearby. This makes it easier to get to and from your farm, move your products to market, and welcome visitors if you plan to do things like agritourism.

Also, think about what might happen in the area in the future. Maybe right now, there aren’t many schools or hospitals, but if they’re going to be built soon, that could be good for you. New roads or transportation services could also make the farm more valuable over time. In short, when you pick a farm plot, it’s not just about the land itself. It’s also about what’s around it and what’s going to be around it in the future. This can make your farm more convenient, enjoyable, and possibly more valuable as time goes by.

5. Land Evaluation

Do you know why evaluating land is crucial when buying farm plots. Here’s the lowdown:

  1. Comparative Analysis:
    Look at similar plots in your target area, whether it’s the vibrant markets of Delhi or the tech hubs of Bengaluru, to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.
  2. Extraction Method:
    This is particularly relevant for plots outside Chennai and Mumbai, where natural resources can add value to the land.
  3. Development Method:
    Calculating potential value after development is key, especially in areas near Delhi and Bengaluru, where residential and commercial projects are booming.
  4. Allocation Method:
    This involves assigning value based on the land’s intended use, crucial for NA land investments in all four cities.
  5. Belting Method:
    Dividing the land into belts based on location can help assess value, particularly for large plots near urban centres.

Investing in farm plots is an exciting journey, but it’s essential to do your homework. By evaluating land properly, you’re setting yourself up for success in the vibrant world of agriculture.

6. Risk Assessment

When you’re thinking about buying farm land in India, it’s important to do a “risk assessment.” This might sound complicated, but it’s really just about looking carefully at what could go wrong and making smart choices to avoid problems. Here’s what you should think about:

  1. Checking the Land’s Papers:
    Make sure the land really belongs to the person selling it to you. This is like checking if the bike you’re buying isn’t stolen. You need to see the title deed, which is the official paper showing who owns the land.
  2. Making Sure You Can Use the Land:
    Sometimes, even if you buy land, you might not be allowed to use it the way you want. For example, you might want to grow crops, but the government rules might say you can’t. This is why you need to check the land use clearance and zoning risks. It’s like making sure you can ride your bike on the roads where you live.
  3. Looking Out for Surprises:
    Sometimes, there might be unexpected claims on the land. Maybe someone else says they have a right to use part of it, or there might be a rule saying the land has to be used for something specific, like wildlife protection. You need to check for any such surprises.
  4. Thinking About How Easy It Is to Sell the Land:
    Some land might be hard to sell later. If it’s very far from cities or doesn’t have good road access, you might find it hard to find a buyer when you want to sell.
  5. Unwanted Guests:
    Make sure no one else is using the land without permission, like squatters or someone who has built something on it. In simple terms, doing a risk assessment means checking everything about the land to avoid problems later. It’s like doing your homework before a big test – it helps you get ready and avoid surprises.

Conducting risk assessments isn’t about being pessimistic—it’s about being prepared. By understanding and managing risks effectively, you’re setting yourself up for success in the dynamic world of farming.

7. Important Documents to Check

When buying farm land, think of it like making sure a puzzle is complete. You need certain pieces (documents) to ensure everything is correct, and you don’t face problems later. The main pieces are:

  1. Title Deed:
    This is like the main puzzle piece showing who owns the land. Make sure the seller really owns it.
  2. Encumbrance Certificate:
    This tells you if the land has any unpaid debts or legal issues. It’s like checking if the puzzle box has any warnings on it.
  3. Property Tax Receipts:
    These receipts show that taxes on the land are paid up. It’s like making sure there are no missing pieces in your puzzle. Having these documents sorted means you’re less likely to run into surprises that could mess up owning your new land.

Checking important documents is like doing your due diligence—it’s a smart move that safeguards your investment and sets the stage for a fruitful farming journey.

8. Loans for Buying a Plot

Buying land can be expensive, and you might need a loan. It’s a bit like getting a loan for a big project; you need to show you can pay it back:

  1. Construction Loans:
    Some banks give loans specifically for buying land to build on.
  2. Down Payment:
    You usually need to pay part of the price upfront. The more you can pay, the better the loan conditions might be.
  3. Credit Score:
    This is like your financial report card. A better score can get you a better loan deal.
  4. Income and Debt Ratio:
    Banks look at how much you earn and owe. They want to see you can afford the loan. Understanding these parts can help you get the money you need to buy your land.

Taking a loan for buying a farm plot is a strategic investment in your farming future. It empowers you to turn your dreams into reality and embark on a fulfilling journey in agriculture.

9. Capital Gain Computation

When you sell your land for more than you bought it, that extra money is called “capital gains.” Here’s how it works:

  1. Short-Term vs. Long-Term:
    If you sell the land quickly (usually within 3 years), it’s short-term and taxed more. If you wait longer, it’s long-term and taxed less.
  2. Tax Exemptions:
    Sometimes, you can pay less tax if you reinvest your profits in certain ways. Knowing these rules can help you plan when to sell and how to save on taxes, making more money from your investment.

By understanding and effectively computing capital gains, you can make informed decisions and maximize the returns on your farm plot investment.

10. Step-by-Step Buying Process

Buying farm land is a journey with several steps:

  1. Research: Start by looking at different lands, considering what’s important to you.
  2. Check Documents: Make sure the land’s papers, like the title deed, are in order.
  3. Agreement: Once you decide to buy, you and the seller agree on the terms in a sale agreement.
  4. Finalize the Sale: With everything checked and agreed upon, you complete the purchase by signing a sales deed. Following these steps carefully can help make sure your land purchase goes smoothly and successfully.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to owning your dream farm plot in no time.

Conclusion

Commencing the journey to buy a farm plot in India is a bold step towards embracing the richness of the land and securing a prosperous future. With the essential insights from the top 10 items to consider, you’re well-equipped to make a choice that brings growth, joy, and sustainability. This is your moment to transform dreams into tangible reality. Don’t let uncertainty hold you back. Embrace the opportunity to own a piece of India’s fertile earth. Take the first step towards a rewarding investment and a legacy of abundance. Let’s begin this journey together—reach out now and make your farm plot dream a reality.

About Erin Carpenter

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