The First Upgrades You Should Make After Buying Land
Getting land is a big step—but if you stop there, you’re not going to enjoy it much. Before you build, before you plant, and before you bring in animals, there are a few upgrades you’ll be glad you handled early. These set the tone and save you time, money, and stress down the road.
A Real Driveway
You don’t need pavement—but you need something better than a dirt path. The first rain will tell you how bad things can get. A solid gravel base is worth every penny.
Put in drainage while you’re at it. A good driveway protects your vehicles, your property, and your sanity when the weather turns rough.
Fencing for Security (Not Just Animals)
Even if you don’t have livestock yet, you’ll want to fence off your space. It keeps out trespassers, protects from stray dogs, and marks your boundary before someone else does.
Start with the perimeter or around your home site. You can always expand later, but having a secure section gives peace of mind.
A Gate You Can Count On
You don’t realize how much a good gate matters until someone drives up your drive uninvited. We put ours in within the first week.
Manual, electric, chain-locked—it doesn’t matter as long as it’s sturdy and can’t be kicked open. Bonus points if it keeps kids and animals in, too.
Basic Utility Hookups (Even if You Don’t Use Them Yet)
If you’ve got the chance to run water, electric, or septic lines while the land’s still bare—do it. It’s cheaper and easier than retrofitting everything later.
Even a temporary setup is better than starting from scratch after a house or barn is in the way. Plan your layout early.
A Storage Container or Shed
You’ll need a place to store tools, gas cans, mowers, and everything else that comes with land. Don’t let it pile up on the porch.
We bought a shipping container and it paid for itself in peace of mind. Lockable, dry, and way cheaper than a barn upfront.
Outdoor Lighting
Motion lights, solar flood lights, or basic porch lights—whatever you go with, add them early. Out here, it gets dark fast.
It’s not just for convenience. It helps with security and makes it safer when you’re walking around at night. Especially helpful for early chores or late-night checks.
A Reliable Water Source
Even before your well is set up, have a backup water plan—rain barrels, hauled-in water, or a temporary hookup from a neighbor.
You can’t do anything on land without water. It’s the first utility you should think about—way ahead of internet or TV.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
