Buying An Acreage: Wells, Septic And Zoning
Acreage life around Central Alberta is great. Here's what to check before you fall for the view.
Acreages around Red Deer County, Lacombe County and Ponoka County come with systems most city buyers have never dealt with. Building these checks into your conditions saves a lot of stress.
Water
Most acreages run on a private well. Ask for a water potability test (is it safe to drink) and a flow test (is there enough of it). Ask for the well records too, if the seller has them.
Septic
Get the septic system inspected and ask when the tank was last pumped. Replacing a septic field is a big bill you want to know about before you firm up.
Zoning And Access
Check the land-use district with the county to confirm what you can actually do on the land, like keep horses, build a shop or run a home business. Look at road access and who maintains it in winter.
Financing
Lenders can treat larger acreages differently than city homes, so talk to a mortgage broker early about the land size and any outbuildings.
Keep Reading
County Vs. Town Living In Central Alberta
Water, septic, snow plowing and school buses: what really changes when you buy outside town limits.
The buyer's guide to Central Alberta acreages
Wells, septic, zoning and road access — what to check before you fall in love with the view.
First-Time Buyer Guide For Alberta
The federal programs that help with your first home, and how they fit together in Alberta.