Thinking of Buying Cheap Land? Read This Before You Buy.

Affordable land is attracting buyers looking for an escape, a future homesite, or simply a piece of property to call their own. But not all land deals are created equal.

Why these affordable land deals caught our attention

Land buyers don't all want the same thing. Some are looking for a few acres where they can escape the city. Others want property for a future home, outdoor recreation, or simply the satisfaction of owning land.

Here are six OLS properties worth a closer look.


1. Best for wide-open acreage: Arizona Rancho, Arizona

Aerial view of Arizona Rancho land in Navajo County, Arizona, with open desert landscape

10 Acres | $11,499 | $114 per month

For buyers who want room to spread out, Arizona Rancho in Navajo County offers the appeal of wide-open desert landscapes and substantial acreage.

This 10-acre property stands out because it offers considerably more space than the smaller recreational and residential lots in our selection.

The area's open terrain and expansive skies make it appealing to buyers who value privacy, outdoor recreation, and the freedom that comes with owning a larger property.

What to know: Arizona desert land can be remote. Buyers should evaluate road access, water availability, utilities, zoning, and their intended use before purchasing.

Explore Arizona Rancho properties →


2. Best for affordable Colorado acreage: Rio Grande Ranchos, Colorado

Aerial view of 5-acre Rio Grande Ranchos land in Costilla County, Colorado, in the high-desert San Luis Valley

5 Acres | $5,000 | $100 per month

Owning land in Colorado doesn't have to come with a Colorado-sized price tag.

This five-acre property in Costilla County sits in the San Luis Valley, a broad, high-desert valley known for wide-open land, big skies, and mountain ranges on the horizon.

For someone who wants a quiet getaway, room for outdoor adventures, or a future rural retreat in Colorado, this property deserves consideration.

What to know: Check seasonal road conditions, water options, building requirements, and county regulations. The advertised $100 monthly payment should be reviewed alongside the full financing terms.

View the Colorado property →


3. Best for starting with $0 down: Cochise College Estates, Arizona

Aerial view of a Cochise College Estates lot in Cochise County, Arizona

0.43 Acres | $4,252 | $0 down advertised | $42 per month

One obstacle to buying real estate is simply coming up with the initial payment.

This Cochise County property offers another possibility: seller financing advertised with no down payment and manageable monthly payments.

At 0.43 acres, it is smaller than the Arizona Rancho and Colorado properties, but that may be enough for buyers seeking an affordable introduction to rural land ownership.

What to know: A $0 down payment does not mean the land is free or that there are no other charges. Buyers should review the complete payment schedule, fees, and property details.

Explore current OLS Hot Lots →


4. Best for a wooded retreat: Lake of the North, Michigan

Aerial view of a wooded Lake of the North lot in Antrim County, Michigan

0.56 Acres | $6,688 | $66 per month

Not everyone imagines land ownership surrounded by deserts and mountains.

Some buyers picture leafy trees, quieter country roads, and a property near the lakes and recreational opportunities of northern Michigan.

Lake of the North in Antrim County offers a different land-buying experience from the wide-open properties of the Southwest.

The featured 0.56-acre lot is advertised with electricity and water nearby, making it an interesting option for buyers who want to investigate future residential or recreational possibilities.

What to know: Nearby utilities do not necessarily mean installed connections. Confirm availability, connection costs, and permitted uses.

Explore Michigan properties →


5. Best for a low-price nature getaway: Timberon, New Mexico

Aerial view of wooded Timberon Unit 13 Lot 61 in Otero County, New Mexico

0.56 Acres | $2,567 | $25 per month

For buyers looking for something different from an open desert property, Timberon in Otero County offers wooded terrain and a rural setting.

The featured 0.56-acre parcel is advertised at 50% off, with a monthly payment of just $25.

This property may appeal to someone interested in an affordable recreational retreat or a longer-term plan for land ownership.

What to know: Investigate accessibility, utility availability, seasonal conditions, and building restrictions. Discounted pricing and availability can change.

View the Timberon property →


6. Best for affordable desert land: Arizona Rancho, Arizona

Aerial view of a 1.25-acre Arizona Rancho parcel in Navajo County, Arizona

1.25 Acres | $5,131 | $0 down advertised | $51 per month

If 10 acres is more land than you need, Arizona Rancho also offers smaller properties that may better fit your budget and plans.

This 1.25-acre parcel offers the same general appeal of northeastern Arizona's wide-open landscape, with a lower purchase price and an advertised $0 down financing option.

It is a useful reminder that buyers can compare different parcel sizes and payment structures within the same subdivision.

What to know: Compare individual lots carefully. Road access, terrain, utility availability, and permitted uses may differ even within the same subdivision.

Explore Arizona Rancho lots →


Can you really buy land without a bank loan?

Yes. One alternative to traditional bank financing is seller financing, where the seller provides the financing directly to the buyer.

Online Land Sales has offered seller-financed rural properties since 2004.

Many of its properties can be purchased with a small down payment and monthly installments, without a traditional mortgage application or credit check.

For buyers who have found conventional financing difficult, seller financing provides another way to pursue land ownership.

The important thing is to compare the full purchase price and financing costs, not just the monthly payment.

How to choose the right piece of land

Before purchasing, consider these five questions:

  1. What do you want to do with the property? A recreational retreat, future homesite, camping location, or long-term holding may each require different features and permissions.
  2. How important is access? Investigate legal and physical access, road conditions, and whether the property is accessible throughout the year.
  3. Will you need utilities? Some lots have nearby utility infrastructure, while others may require off-grid solutions.
  4. What can you legally do on the land? Verify local zoning, building requirements, camping rules, RV restrictions, and other applicable regulations.
  5. What is the full cost? Consider the down payment, financed balance, interest, fees, property taxes, and any future improvement costs.

The best land deal isn't necessarily the cheapest property. It's the one that fits your goals, budget, and intended use.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need good credit to purchase land from OLS?
OLS offers seller financing without a traditional credit check on qualifying properties.

Can I pay off the property early?
OLS offers a 10% discount on the remaining balance for qualifying early payoffs. Review the applicable contract terms for details.

What if I change my mind after purchasing?
OLS advertises a 60-day principal refund policy for financed purchases and a 30-day refund policy for cash purchases, subject to the applicable terms.

Can I build or camp on my land?
That depends on the property and local regulations. Buying rural land does not automatically guarantee residential building, camping, or RV rights. Verify your intended use before purchasing.

How do I get started?
Browse properties by state, compare acreage and prices, review the individual property information, and select a financing option that fits your budget.

The bottom line

Owning land doesn't always require a large upfront investment.

Whether you prefer Arizona's spacious desert landscapes, Colorado's wide-open San Luis Valley, or the wooded countryside of Michigan, there are affordable properties worth exploring.

The key is finding the right combination of location, acreage, access, and financing.

Explore Today's Land Deals at Online Land Sales

Article prepared by Online Land Sales. Featured properties are OLS offerings. Availability, prices, promotional terms, and financing conditions are subject to change. Buyers should independently verify property details and suitability before purchasing.